I’m always up for trying out a new restaurant recommendation. I love finding about Italian restaurants that I’ve never heard of from friends. There have been so many new Italian fancy restaurants that have opened up in London over the last year. So it’s refreshing to eat somewhere a bit more traditional in aesthetic, space and food. Last week I had dinner at Briciole, a traditional Italian trattoria in the heart of Marylebone. Briciole was recommended by my friend Mo, so we decided to organise a little get together with some friends of ours.
Set in the heart of Marylebone, Briciole prides themselves on being a trattoria, cafe and deli all under one roof. The food is based on dishes from Lazio (the italian region where Rome is set in). The dining room was well lit with a laid back atmosphere and we were looked after by Italian staff. I thought the food was absolutely delicious and great value for money. You can tell that they pride themselves on using quality ingredients as the flavours were spot on.
We started off with Spritzes all round, an Italian cocktail (made from campari or aperol, proesecco and soda) and a selection of Italian charcuterie.
Prosciutto Siciliano di maiale nero – a 24 month cured ham from Sicily
Finocchiona Toscana – a wild fennel seed flavoured salami from Tuscany.
I take my hat off to the person who sliced the meat as it was so beautifully thin, allowing to really enjoy the favour of the meat. You will surprised at how many restaurants or delis overlook this important factor when serving sliced charcuterie. I think my dad drummed into me when I used to work at the deli as he was militant when it came to using the meat slicer. He wasn’t known for being one of the best parma ham slicers in London for nothing. 🙂
Next for primo, we selected a couple of pasta dishes to share and both left me wanting more.
Tagliatelle al ragú di cinghiale salsa al vino rosso e Ubriaco. – Tagliatelle with wild boar ragu red wine reduction and Ubriaco cheese. (Ubriaco is known as the drunken cheese as it’s infused in prosecco). (TTI recommendation)
Ravioli di Zucca con radicchio Trevigiano. – Pumpkin Ravioli, served with red chicory from Treviso.
Then for secondo, we decided to go for a couple of meat options.
Polpette alla pizzaiola – Beef meatballs in tomato sauce.
Salsiccia con friarielli – Grilled sausages, served with bitter turnip tops. (TTI recommendation)
Finally, we decided to go all in and order a selection of desserts.
Home made tiramisu.
Cannoli Siciliano – Sicilian cannoli with ricotta, candied orange and chocolate. (TTI recommendation)
Tenerina al cioccolato con gelato all nocciola – Warm moist chocolate cake with hazelnut ice cream.
Overall, I really enjoyed my dinner at Briciole and I thanked Mo for a fabulous recommendation. I will definitely be coming back in the near future. The food was heart warming and the wine (a bottle of Barbera d’Asti from Piemonte) was a perfect match to the food. The service was ok though. They occasionally forgot things that we had asked for. However, their agreeable manner made it all forgivable. A little gem off the beaten track. If you fancy something a little cheap and cheerful and traditional when it comes to Italian cooking, why not pick up the phone and book a table at Briciole. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.
Briciole
20 Homer Street, London W1H 4NA
020 7723 00 40
Nearest station: Edgware road.
http://briciole.co.uk
