Pasta is one of my favourite things in the world – both to cook and to eat. So, it’s no surprise that Trullo has been on my list for a while, I suppose.
Promising a simple, Italian, seasonal menu with fresh pasta and meat cooked over a charcoal grill, I knew I had to hurry up and get there – luckily, I finally got off my butt and found an excuse occassion to go.

THE FOOD

I’d heard Trullo was good, don’t get me wrong…but there’s no way I’d expected it to be this good.
I’m a big fan of sharing dishes, and luckily, Trullo’s menu allows for this easily – our waitress even gave us ideas for what would work well together and how many plates we’d need for our party.

I’ll give you a quick rundown of what we ordered, but the menu changes pretty often, depending on what’s in season – I’m willing to bet every menu is consistently wonderful, though.

To start, we had a bruschetta of bone marrow and salted anchovy, alongside shaved violetta artichokes with parmesan; both were delicious, but the bruschetta was the real star of the show, and I could’ve eaten a thousand more.

Luckily, though, the mains didn’t disappoint, either; we shared the pappardelle with beef shin ragu, squash ravioli with ricotta and sage, and a gorgeous farinata (a kind of Italian crepe) with burrata and braised greens. Between three people the three ‘small’ plates were perfect, so I’d definitely recommend 1-2 dishes per person, depending on how hungry you are!
Finally, for dessert, a salted caramel ice cream which was a tiny bit saltier than I’d like and probably my least favourite dish of the evening, alongside a gorgeously creamy panacotta, and a stunning almond and fig tarte. Salted caramel aside, the desserts were a pleasant surprise in a restaurant where the mains are the star of the show.

The flavours were unique but complimentary, something new and exciting without trying too hard, and the portion sizes were just right.

THE DRINKS

We all know I’m a sucker for anywhere I can get an Aperol Spritz, but I have to say, the entire drinks menu was pretty impressive; even if you’re not a huge ‘aperitivi’ fan, the wine list is affordable and well-rounded, and there’s even a ‘Pentonville Oyster Stout’ from Hammerton Brewery on the menu – it shouldn’t work, but does.

THE ATMOSPHERE

We arrived at 6.30pm and were seated downstairs, where the atmosphere was quiet, but not uncomfortably so – by the time we left a couple of hours later, though, it was pretty packed, and even then, not obnoxiously loud or rushed. Trullo is truly laid-back, and I’d definitely recommend going for a slow meal that you can draw out as long as you’d like. The restaurant itself is gorgeous, all exposed brickwork and low-lighting, hidden alcoves to pour yourself into and soft background music downstairs, and a more traditional dining room upstairs.
I also have to give a special shout-out to the staff, too – they were helpful, knowledgeable about the menu, and friendly, and they made the experience even more enjoyable.

THE PRICE

We clocked in at just over £50 per person, which included three courses, and two drinks…which I actually think is pretty good for a three-course-meal in Islington, with drinks!

OVERALL

Whilst I wouldn’t suggest just ‘popping in’ to Trullo if you’re in the area, it is a great place for meeting friends or family – or even celebrating a special occasion – when you’re not in a rush to go anywhere and don’t mind spending a little more for a good meal.
Honestly, I couldn’t recommend it enough.

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