Pappa Roma
Italian
6 Glendower place, South Kensington, SW7 3DP
££
South Kensington is a beautiful area, known for it's museums and large townhouses. However, despite these two elements, there isn't really that much more to it, especially if you're looking to dine out...
Excluding a Carluccio's and a few Curry restaurants, South Ken is seriously lacking places to have a good munch. However, tucked away behind the high street lies Pappa Roma, a rustic and traditional family run Italian which breaks this trend.
I went to Pappa Roma with my Dad following the Wildlife Photographer of the year exhibition at the Natural History Museum. It was a miserable day and we were seeking some comfort food which didn't come in the form of a chain. We actually passed Pappa Roma's without giving it a second look on our way up to the high street, but after little success we retraced our steps and got a little more engaged.
Wooden furniture sits in a traditionally Italian decorated restaurant. Old paintings on the wall and a old school feel make you wonder if this restaurant has changed at all since opening. They have classic pizza cooked in a wood burning oven, fresh pasta made daily and an extensive menu of some of the finest Italian wines. The staff are incredibly welcoming and friendly whilst upholding the upfront and ballsy Italian charm.
Dad and I went for the Calamari and Cured Meats with Olives to start, although the Calamari could have done with a bit more salt it was perfectly pleasant, the portion size of Cured Meats was generous too. For main, Dad had a slow oven roasted shoulder of lamb, served with roast potatoes and spinach and I went for the Prosciutto & Funghi pizza. The lamb was very much good home cooked food, the presentation wasn't great but it tasted delicious. The Pizza was good too - you can always tell the difference when they're cooked in 'proper' pizza oven. To finish, we both had Panna cotta alla vaniglia served with berry compote. I'd never had panna cotta before, and it was delicious - vanilla flavour milky goodness which I didn't want to end.
Overall, Pappa Roma is a great little find in an area barren of decent restaurants. If you're sick of the average British pizza and endless Italian chains come here for some decent, authentic Italian food set in traditional surroundings with welcoming staff.
OVERALL RATING: ****
http://www.papparoma.org.uk/
