Forum Topic

Best Italian meal in Ealing?

Which is the favourite Italian restaurant in Ealing? Is it the best?  Is it authentic?  Which Italian eatery gives the tastiest eating experience?  Which is the least expensive?  Which Italian restaurant offers the best wine list?Which one should we steer clear from?

Gerry Tan ● 4797d21 Comments

Gerry Tan wrote, "nothing like a good Italian nosh".Careful now Gerry - this is a family site :)

Bud Richards ● 4790d

Natasha, I like retro. Better still, I Love nostalgia. I vaguely remember Franco's - at that time was spanding more time and attention in Lazio(Tarquinia to be precise) than sunny Ealing. But nostalgia sometimes ain't what it used to be. Ah dark interiors, dripping candles, fishermens' nets on the walls and empty Valpolicella(or Chiani bottles) hangings from the ceilings - and cheap Spanish plonk at 4/11d a bottle! As you observed, happy memories - those were the days.But seriously Natasha, which Italian eatery do you think is the bestest in Ealing?

Gerry Tan ● 4790d

Gonna go a bit retro now.... does anyone remember Franco's that used to be on main Broadway parade (where Piccolo Italia is now)?  Was very dark inside with proper 1970's booths, dripping candle sculptures in empty Valpolicella bottles (which fascinated me as a kid) and various Italian pictures and decorations hanging from the ceilings and walls.  Superb 'proper' Italian food, amazing atmosphere and I don't think it has ever been matched since it closed.  Oh the memories!

Natasha Manganaro ● 4790d

The answer to this is that the best Italian meal is to be found at home and has been prepared by yourself. At least you known what is in it (no horse for example) and it is not going to give you high blood pressure from excess salt.

Edward V Smith ● 4792d

I agree David - nothing like a good Italian nosh.  We enjoy the Italian presence around The Green area - Osteria del Portico, Carluccio's, Casa Roberta and your Piccoa place - all good food in pleasant surroundings - long may they flourish!

Gerry Tan ● 4792d

We went a few weeks ago to Piccola Italia on Ealing Green. It's motto should be "Forward, forward, to the 1970s!!!"And it's brilliant.  It's old-Italian decor, food, the works.  A raffia-type-beach-bar type drinks bar.  None of this modern Carluccio's approach (though I'm a big fan of them too).

David Bourne ● 4792d

Might check Casa Roberta out.

Susan Kelly ● 4795d

I wouldn't say that Casa Roberta is the best Italian restaurant in Ealing, but its well worth a try.  Thhe place is near the YMCA and Ealing Studios on St Mary's Road W5.

Gerry Tan ● 4795d

Yes Andrew McCauley, we've discovered Casa Roberta in St Mary's Road(near Ealing Studios). We like the amateurish kinda "homemade" feel of the restaurant. Owned and run by a sister and brother pair callled Roberta and Paulo(I think) from Rome. Their food is quirky but nice - short'ish wine list - quaint service quite unique and charming.

Gerry Tan ● 4795d

Shhh-- we don't want the word to get out too far.  It's already getting too popular.

Charles Campbell ● 4795d

A vote for Casa Roberto opposite Santa Maria (I'm excluding Santa Maria as a Pizza place rather than an Italian Restaurant). The food is all "home made" and the tastes are very authentic. The presentation is a little "home made" too but the prices are very reasonable and the staff very friendly.

Andrew Mcauley ● 4795d

I like Dante on Ealing Common, food is really good. What makes it is for me is the welcome we get whenever we visit.Outside Ealing but I also like La Rosetta on Brentford high street. I've only been a few times had pasta dish and lamb shank, my friend raves about the steaks in there.

D Downey ● 4795d

Haven't been to many, as there are so many chains ... Terracotta in Northfields, recommended by neighbours, is fantastic! Haven't tried their pizzas yet... Still loyal to Santa Maria!

Indra Sengupta ● 4796d

Anyone ever been to Ristorante Belvedere on the NE corner of the Hanger Lane roundabout? I've not been there for years, but I used to live above it, and a visit was always entertaining. The food was decent enough, but the highlight was the (unintentionally) hilarious maitre d'. He'd introduce the daily specials with so much passion and gesticulation it was hard to stop yourself from laughing.Not been there for years but always enjoyed eating at Gino’s in Ealing Broadway. They had a great starter of whole baby squid in garlic butter, and plenty of non-pizza/pasta dishes, such as sausage and brown bean stew.

M Duley ● 4796d

Btw, the chef at La Cantina is Polish, as is the maitre d' and the waiting staff. Nothing wrong with that I hasten to add - first rate chef too.

Gerry Tan ● 4796d

Haven't been to the Villa Toscana ever and went to Terracotta a long time ago, so I don't have an opinion. Must try them soon. Went to La Cantina in Bond St W5 yesterday - very pleasantly fed - their prawn risotto was delish and the spaghetti marinara was tasty - we liked their house white too.

Gerry Tan ● 4796d

34" and a vote for the Villa Toscana in Boileau Road, although I haven't been there in some time but the veal shank was meltingly good.

Nigel Brooks ● 4796d

Terracotta Gerry. And to add balance the chef is a top bloke and an amazing cook.Next survey, what's your inside leg measurement?!

Ian Boyle ● 4796d

I like Paolo's in Hanger Hill www.paolosrestaurant.co.uk.Great food and service and the owner (Stef) is a highly skilled magician. I've asked him to make my bill disappear on numerous occasions, but to no avail!

Bud Richards ● 4796d

True, but the chef is a bit Ramsey-esque. The place should be called "TerrorCotta".

Alex Weel ● 4797d

Terracotta in Northfields is fantastic.

Claire McDonnell ● 4797d