Mangia Mangia! A Slice of Sicily
You know those evenings when you’re all set for an enchanting dining experience because of all the Google reviews proclaiming authenticity or labeling it as the best place in London, but reality falls just a bit short of the dream? Well, Sicily Restaurant in London fits the bill. The evening showed potential, but some stumbles along the way left me with mixed feelings.
Fortunately, I really enjoyed the evening itself, thanks to good company and a wine marathon. (my body couldn’t recover until Monday morning, what a damage)
Ambience:
It is a casual place, yet they host live Jazz music every Friday evening, which I personally found quite enjoyable. I also appreciated the witty words on the walls.
While I am still in the process of learning Italian jokes, these particular ones resonated with me swiftly.
Service:
Regrettably, there were some miscommunications between the restaurant owner and myself during the booking process, or it was actually between the owner and staff.
Anyway, it is worth noting that the staff on duty during my visit made diligent efforts to resolve the issues.
Drinks:
If there was one thing Sicily Restaurant truly excelled at, it was their wine selection. I was enamored by the variety and quality of wines available.
Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a casual wine lover, you’ll undoubtedly find something to suit your palate.
Price: ££
An incredibly basic price right in the heart of posh central London. It’s so basic.
What I Ordered:
Assorted Cheese Selection
Are you a fan of cheese too?
If so, we should definitely be friends! I thoroughly enjoyed both their hard and soft cheese selections. Additionally, the olives and dried fruits served as the perfect accompaniment to these delightful cheeses.
Meat Board
The flavors of their cured meats were rich and intense, perfect for those who relish the bold tastes of such delicacies. This dish offered a savory journey through various types of cured meats and is ideal for sharing among friends, especially when paired with a good bottle of wine.
Pizza Fiorentina
The balance of flavors, textures, and the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients made this pizza a great one.
A generous portion of fresh spinach was perfectly cooked, neither undercooked nor overcooked, and it added a delightful earthy note to each bite. A sprinkling of high-quality Parmesan cheese completed the experience, adding layers of depth and sophistication to each mouthful.
Porchetta Arrosto
Unfortunately, the Porchetta Arrosto was overcooked, resulting in pork that was not tender and almost dried. While I appreciated the Mediterranean herbs and spices and the crispy skin of the pork, it didn’t provide the delightful contrast of tender, juicy pork that I was hoping for.
Conclusion:
Sicily Restaurant is a place of both highs and lows. While some dishes and wines manage to deliver an authentic taste of Sicily, they sometimes fall short in showcasing what makes them truly special. Their quality seems more in line with a chain restaurant rather than a family-owned establishment. Apologies to the London-born brothers, SCALZ.
With a bit of fine-tuning, they could elevate this experience from a three-star review to something outstanding, on par with a Bib Gourmand restaurant.
If you’re in the mood for reasonably priced, high-quality wine and simple Sicilian dishes in a convenient location, then this might be the place for you.
Sample Menu available : https://www.eatatsicily.com/main-menu-3/
