La Tagliata restaurant opens in London with single-dish formula

Yes, it sounds hard to believe but La Tagliata is a newly opened Italian restaurant in London that offers a single choice for each course in its menu. Ok, it’s not entirely true but it’s very close to that.

Set in a lovely narrow street near Old Spitalfields Market, this tiny restaurant features brand new elegant rooms – with a retro touch – to dine. The concept behind is it is to reproduce the rooms of an Italian villa: Library, Study, Music room, Cellar and Pantry – the latter with a view over the kitchen. It fits well for romantic dinners, quick business lunches and private dining celebrations because each space has a very personal touch.

The starter course is handmade tagliatelle pasta, typical egg pasta from Northern Italy, and there are three sauces to choose from: tomato, pesto and lemon.

Then the main dish which gives name to the restaurant: la tagliata. The sliced steak, coming from a family-run Smithfield butcher, is tender and should be enjoyed with a good glass of Chianti wine. Served on a bed of rocket, it’s not a viable option for vegetarians who can order a baked scamorza (similar to mozzarella) instead.

The delicious patate del pastore (potatoes cooked slowly in garlic and stock) are a must-try if you are not up for the classic roasted potatoes.

There are two homemade desserts to complete your meal: the tiramisu and panna cotta are served with strawberry coulis or caramel sauce; alternatively, opt for the cheese course with five-seed rolls – homemade too.

La Tagliata’s quirky touches include bespoke Modigliani-style paintings and bottle-lined walls, as well as bookshelves laden with classic tomes and cubbyholes with vintage pasta machines.  For private events, the Biblioteca with its wardrobe-style door and Salotto, complete with secret bookshelf entrance, offer ideal, secluded spaces for up to ten diners. Alternatively, the Cantina, with open doorway, also provides an intimate space for ten diners.

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To book a table at La Tagliata, 11 Sandy’s Row, London E1 7HW, call 020 7247 2818 or enquire here.