Italian simplicity in the City
Wave arrivederci to menu minefields – simple, fuss-free dining has arrived in the City with the opening of La Tagliata on Sandy’s Row where one dish is the star of the show. Specialising in the traditional Tuscan dish of the restaurant’s name, expect a handful of dishes based on authentic Italian recipes served in a contemporary space designed around the rooms of an Italian villa.
Here it’s all about the hero dish la tagliata – English sliced strip loin steak from a family-run Smithfield butcher, recommended served medium rare, on a bed of rocket, parmesan and cherry tomatoes with a balsamic reduction.
Other dishes from the modest but perfectly formed menu created by head chef Antonio Tonelli and team include, to start, tagliatelle, freshly made daily, with a choice of three seasonal sauces – for example limone, pomodoro or pesto. The vegetarian main course option of oven-baked scamorza is also a must-try – a smoked Italian cheese similar to mozzarella, stuffed with porcini mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes and truffle paté.
For dessert, the tiramisu and panna cotta served with strawberry coulis or caramel sauce are made just as they should be. Alternatively, opt for the cheese course with homemade five-seed rolls.
At only 650 calories for a starter and main course the menu is ideal for a lunch that won’t end up on the hips or have you sleeping at your desk. Easy on the wallet as well as the waistline, enjoy a main course for £19; starter and main for £24; or the full three courses for £29.
To drink, the carefully chosen and concise selection of 15 Italian wines offers interesting bins from boutique, family producers around the country, including among the reds a Brunello di Montalcino from Tuscany or a fantastic Barolo from Piemonte. The list also includes an excellent Prosecco from Veneto and a rare Franciacorta (Italy’s answer to Champagne using the méthode champenoise) from Lombardy; as well as their house wine – a Primitivo from Apulia.
The hardest choice? Where to sit. From the Dispensa (pantry); Salotto (drawing room); or Studio (study); to the Sala da Pranzo (dining room); Biblioteca (library); Cantina (wine cellar); and Salla della Musica (music room) there’s an intimate space for everyone to relax and enjoy the laid back setting that mixes contemporary design with charming nods to an Italian villa. 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 10 diners. Alternatively, the Cantina, with open doorway, also provides an intimate space for 10 diners.
Perfect for a working lunch, fuss free event or the discerning diner who just knows what they want – this is simple food, wine and Italian hospitality at its best.
La Tagliata, 11 Sandy's Row, London E1 7HW
la-tagliata.com
