Trullo

Some odd reviews — it doesn’t look Italian? So what — it’s an Italian restaurant in London. It’s run by Brits and most of the staff are Brits.
Having an Italian ‘feel’ is hardly an indicator of quality.
Onto the food: I’ve eaten here about 8 times over the past five years and it’s always been uniquely excellent. They occasionally have an off dish but there’s a reason I keep coming back. The service is great. The upstairs dining room is excellent, the downstairs one a little more poky.

I came here with my two flatmates last night, after making local dinner plans in anticipation of the tube strike that eventually got called off. It’s been on my restaurant list for a while, but for some reason I have rarely been out on St Paul’s Road, which tends to be forgotten in favour of the better known Upper Street. There are a number of places there that I have been meaning to try. From the outside it’s easy to miss, with a dark awning that says Trullo in the corner, but otherwise quite low key. We were one of the earliest diners, as we could only get a 6:15 reservation, but the restaurant filled up during our time there and it became very busy.
For starters, we ordered the Coppa di Parma with San Marzano crostini, and a burrata dish we found in the Oven section of the menu. In non-​Italian speak, Coppa di Parma is parma ham made from the pig’s neck, and San Marzano is a type of tomato, none of which I knew at the time. But there were two crostinis, the tomatoes were drizzled in a delicious olive oil and the whole thing was really great. At first we thought the burrata was baked (given that it was in the Oven section), but in the end it was a normal burrata served with pesto, a marinated bell pepper, and two sweet pea fritters. We had asked the waiter what he recommended between the burrata and the buffalo mozzarella actually listed as a starter, and he said definitely the burrata. This too was fantastic; burrata and pesto is such an amazing combination, and the fritters were a unique touch (I don’t normally think of that as Italian).
As for the mains, there weren’t any dishes that particularly spoke to me, so I ended up getting the Black Hampshire pork chop with pancetta, celeriac, and lemon thyme. I haven’t had a pork chop for ages, but it was tasty, while celeriac is something I definitely don’t eat very often, and it was served in square chunks as a kind of stew that tasted like celery. I definitely couldn’t have guessed that was an Italian dish. My flatmates got the pappardelle with beef shin ragu, which the waiter recommended to be paired with a side salad as the pastas are small dishes, and the lemon sole with spinach and golden garlic, which was a whole fish, bones and all, fried as you would a fillet for fish and chips.
Overall, besides the two Italian starters that we sought out and a handful of pasta dishes, I didn’t think the menu was particularly Italian, perhaps just inspired by Italy and featuring a number of options that are typical of European cuisine. The wine list, however, was categorized by regions of Italy. We enjoyed two bottles of the I Fiori white wine from Sardinia, which we couldn’t try beforehand but was recommended by the staff, who said it was a favourite of «all the ladies.» It was a good choice. I think we all enjoyed our dining experience, as the food was very good and the restaurant also has a nice, relaxed vibe. I can definitely see myself coming to Trullo again.

I’d gone past Trullo many times before finally deciding to book a table and thanks to the reviews and general look of the restaurant I was highly excited.
Unfortunately by the time I left I was highly disappointed. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is nice but not in any way Italian, in fact none of the staff that helped or spoke to us were either. That leads me on to the food. The ravioli starter was in fact very good but my main of braised beef was poor. Certainly not worth what we paid for everything.
My girlfriend who is actually Italian from Tuscany was also very disappointed and if I hadn’t told her beforehand wouldn’t have guessed it was an Italian restaurant.

Had a really lovely dinner at Trullo last night with a group of 6. The place has a great vibe to it — upscale and intimate, yet casual and inviting. Staff made us feel very welcome, and were happy to describe any of the items on the menu in great detail.
The upstairs dining room had a very clean, rustic feel to it with dark floorboards and simply decorated white walls. I also really loved the semi-​open kitchen, which made for a great view of the chefs at work perfecting their dishes.
Menu changes daily and offers a nice mix of pasta, seafood and meat dishes to keep everyone happy. As recommended by some fellow reviewers, I ordered the pappardelle with beef shin ragu for a starter — and what a dish! The pasta was delicate, fresh and flavourful, but the real star was the beef ragu, deep, hearty flavour, while still feeling light and fresh, finished off with a dusting of grated parmesan.
For my main I had the crespelle — which was a crêpe filled with mushrooms, leeks, and taleggio cheese, served with a lentil and mixed greens salad. The flavours did deliver, but I think the crespelle was just a touchy greasy, but this was fried in a pan to start, so I suppose that’s what you get! The lentils were delicious! I only wish I could learn the secret to making lentils taste so delicious.
Dessert was an almond tart, served with fresh strawberries and cream. A delightful finish to a lovely meal. I’ll definitely be back to try more!

Offers a simple and seasonal daily changing menu. We were seated at the front window, which we love so we can always watch the passing traffic.
The menu is great and there was SO much I wanted… i will be back… I started with the bruschetta with sweetbreads, girolles and nduja (£8.50). The sweetbreads were soft and tender. The mushrooms provided a lovely earthiness and the whole dish was seasoned perfectly but I missed any heat or spice from the nduja.
The ravioli of pumpkin and ricotta with a sage butter (£8.50) was so light and delicate that they were gobbled up in a matter of seconds — the portion seemed a touch on the small side. Again though, a brilliant pasta dish and masterfully made.
As they’re located on the same street as I live, I KNOW I will be back many more times to come.

Cozy spot with solid, fresh food. One of my work Bertie’s favorites I’m glad he shared with me.
Food: 4, Atmosphere: 3.5, Service: 3
Cost to worth it rating: 3
Return worthiness: yes
Highlights:
— Atmosphere: no frills like a cool kid that knows they’re cool and doesn’t need to show off
— Seating: was into our intimate cave-​like seating under an overhang downstairs
— Carpaccio: delicate cut but what made it was the shaved cheese on top
— Gnocchi: homemade soft potato pillows with a fresh tomato sauce
— Burrata: large portion filling up the center of the plate, covered in olive oil and topped with peas
— Wine: loved our selections
— Lemon tart: brûléed on top and the perfect tart gooey taste inside
— Cheese: great course with the long crackery pieces of bread
— Service: when asked about the menu items, they were very passionate about them
Lowlights:
— Bit out of the way as I’m typically around SoHo, but fun to explore a different neighborhood
Had a nice evening here and would return.

What’s not to like about a great Italian do I dare say Bistro in an area lacking for restaurants? First of all – book way in advance. I have tried time and time again for a last minute reservation to no avail.
We were seated on the top floor although the bottom bar looks like it has atmosphere.
The service was very attentive (borderline intrusive as they try to turn the tables here quickly).
We enjoyed the wine and I had a pasta with a ragu that was the specialty of the house and it was delicious. Cod cheeks with garbanzos, delicious salted caramel ice cream and good bread rounded out the meal.
Our one complaint was that it got quite smokey in the room – not sure if that was a one-​off or if it is always a bit smokey in there, but one of our party wanted to leave because of it and my clothes smelled the next day.

Went in April 2013 and did not get disappointed.
Nice bread, and you get more of the tasty olive oil if you just ask. Mine ran out fast as it tasted delicious, with a tweak of lemon.
Food was great, I had the coniglio fritto which is a bit like Kentucky Fried Rabbit.
Delicious, and they got nice accompanying wines.
Don’t remember how much we paid but for London standards it was OK.

It’s place is super popular these days, but it’s well worth the wait. My favourite is their Sunday lunch set menu. Their food is just amazing. Proper Italian food, focused on showcasing seasonal ingredients, simple, yet original. I was actually sad when we got to the end of the meal.
It’s also a great place for a romantic dinner (ask for a table upstairs, the basement is not as nice).
Service is efficient and friendly.

i hate how they kick you out after 2 hours so that they can let another party have your table. that being said, the prices here are super reasonable for tasty food. i got the lemon sole yesterday, and it was an entire piece of sole, grilled, and served w/​some fennel and anchovy salad on the side. there were a ton of little bones in the fish though, so i looked like an idiot picking them out of my mouth the entire time.
vanilla panna cotta and salted caramel ice cream for dessert were also delicious.

Amazing Italian tapas restaurant near Highbury Corner. The food and wine are of a high quality. Friendly and helpful staff. I highly recommend dining here.

I think Trullo deserves a 3.5. The food was casual but tasty and well prepared. But it wasn’t great. I liked the small dining area and thought it gave an intimate feel

We came here for my birthday dinner in June and I have to say, I was quite impressed with both the quality of the food and the service. Our waitress was quite easy to flag down, didn’t hover (which I hate!) and most of all, didn’t rush what was clearly a romantic meal.
I had the ox heart for a starter and the lamb for a main course, while my date had the partridge to start and the lamb. All three choices were absolutely excellent, with my (very picky) date actually exclaiming over the quality of the partridge.
I was a bit put off at how close the tables are, but by the end realised there was enough room to manœuvre comfortably.
If you need an out-​of-​the-​way, intimate restaurant in the area, I would highly recommend this place over a chain like Cote.

I have now found some time to come here for lunch during the week. The same menu operates as can be found in the evening with the addition of a lunchtime offer of two courses for £12. This allows one the opportunity to sample Trullo’s cooking without quite the same cost as the evening experience. Somehow eating here during the day also feels right because the light which fills the restaurant can, with a healthy dose of imagination, transport you away from St Paul’s Road to the kind of simple Italian Trattoria which the food evokes so well.

We had to book over a month in advance to bag a weekend evening table, such is the popularity of Trullo for Islingtonites.
The restaurant itself is quite small with only about 15 tables on the main floor although I see there is a downstairs area too. Simple and straightforward interior with low lighting to match the menu of simple and rustic Italian food.
The place was full and the half open to the restaurant kitchen at full throttle. Our waiter was quite attentive and brought bread and water quickly (tap water in a small decanter which was good). A small printed, daily menu is ready on the table. Short but very appealing menu.
Ordered the papardelle beef shin ragu which was quite sublime as I hoped it would be as I am a fan of long slow cooked melt in the mouth meat. Main course of cod served on a wedge of char grilled crostini bread topped with olive tapenade and with white beans, razor clams, mussels and spicy tomato sauce made for a flavourful combination that worked together well I thought.
Only the desert was less than special. Roasted hazelnut ice cream which sounded great and was indeed full of nuts but had surprisingly little actual hazelnut flavour which was slightly odd.
Great food and good service and a good example of just focusing on getting the food right without fancy gimmicks. I can see why it’s popular and is well documented by the food critics and firmly on the locals radar screen so dropping in for a bit probably isn’t an option unless you plan ahead.

Trullo frustrates me on many levels.
It’s expensive for what it is and I thought their bread basket was atrocious. OK quality bread but three limp slabs of floury bread with what seemed like a tiny crucible of olive oil. In thinking this was an Italian restaurant a bit of generosity with oil wouldn’t go amiss.
It felt like it was a portion that was given to you straight from the restaurant’s accountant. Each mouthful you take will eventually balance out the red values on that spreadsheet and lace them back in the black.
The menu was quite diverse but the prices were quite a spank on the pocket. But the food we ate was very good.
To start we had the insulting bread and recession sized drop of olive oil. Then we shared a pasta dish of cream, sorrel and smoked eel. Now that was a plate of pasta to remember. Every ingredient complimented each other and offered a subtle smoky, sweet and tangy flavour. The pasta was fresh and was very moorish. We nearly had another plate but then we decided to wait until our mains.
My beloved had some bulgur wheat which had peas and asparagus and in some ways was like a lighter Spring version of risotto. Very nice delicate flavours and wasn’t too much. I had some lamb that was slowcooked with garlic and served with peas and mint. It was lovely yet had a posh canteen like feel about how it was served.
We opted for a panna cotta for dessert and although smaller and firmer the caramel flavour was beautiful. This was just like having Italian Crème Caramel.
The bill came and it wasn’t overly cheap. Just like the rest of the area really. But the thing I found is that there are restaurants that are shining and I feel Trullo is slightly mediocre in comparison. It had great elements but it was just how the whole experience married with each other — there was something that didn’t quite gel.
I also think I have Zucca partly to blame as once you eat there it sets a very high benchmark.
Trullo does Italian in an entirely different way. Trullo is Italian by English people, Zucca is Italian by Italians.

We made the booking for this meal mid-​November and we could only secure a 9.30pm slot for dinner last night (Dec 22^nd) so we excited to see what the hype was about. We’d received great service before we’d even arrived — one of the staff called us to let us know that our table would be ready a little earlier if we’d like. Nice touch.
I really liked the décor here — unassuming and simple but classy. The tables are fairly close together but the low lighting retained an intimate feel to the place. Everyone around us was in good cheer.
The food was exceptional. We shared an antipasto and primo of quail and beef shin ragu between us and thought about ordering some more; it was that good. Our mains were completely different but oh so tasty — the brill was meaty and tasty (especially with the greens in anchovy butter) and my stewed veal was tender. Pear and almond tart and cheeses to finish — all in all a fantastic meal! Simple dishes cooked very well and furnished with plenty of flavour.
Great wine selection here too.
Give Trullo a try — just book way in advance.

I went to Trullo after hearing much hype about it after its opening, and because its just around the corner from where I live. I would have gone earlier, but every time I’ve dropped by or tried to book on the phone, they were full.
I got lucky on a freezing Thursday night, but left quite disappointed. The menu at Trullo is incredibly short, which is fine for really fine dining restaurants where each dish is a work of art and take ages to prepare, but Trullo’s range of Italian was quite standard.
Before our food arrived, we were served a very pitiful looking basket of bread. The basket was big, but inside were three sad looking small slices of bread… it was literally the most pathetic bread basket I have seen. Ever. It did come with a small bowl of olive oil though.
We had a risotto to share first, as we were both warned that the main courses were quite big. It was a big disappointment; quite watery, and somehow some of the rice was still quite crunchy. The flavours were good, but we kinda felt cheated out of the £7 paid for it.
For mains, I had the mackerel and lentils, which was actually very good. Perfectly grilled mackerel, with the flesh still extremely soft and juicy. My partner had the poussin, pancetta, and polenta, which was a interesting innovation of the classic chicken, bacon, and corn combination. The flavours were good too, with the poussin extremely well cooked.
Overall, the mains seemed to be much better than the risotto starter that we had. Pricewise; it was a bit expensive for a small neighborhood restaurant; £17 for the poussin and £14 for the mackerel, and £7 for the small dish of risotto.
Nothing really exciting here though and unfortunately it doesn’t live up to the hype for me.
Reviewed by The London Insider

Sunday set-​menu at Trullo, booked 3 weeks in advance, 27.50pp. No choice = panic for Grace, especially when a lot of toxin soak-​age was necessary. and the fact that munchies were back with a vengeance.
Luckily the main was meat, and lots of it. A bollito misto course with INTENSELY stewed (to perfection) beef brisket, ox tongue, pig cheek and a special italian sausage. All of this served amongst a hearty pile of lentils, carrots and celery (sitting in the gorgeous au jus of aforementioned meatFEST) along with 3 amazing sauces (fresh horseradish, salsa verde, and a bone marrow concoction of awesome).
The starter and dessert weren’t as memorable (polenta with ‘shrooms and either an almond pear/​chocolate quince tart) but the staff had lovely wine recommendations and functioned superbly as eye candy. I think most of the customers were women or gay men, thus insane tip status ensued I am sure.
I left wanting to take a lovely nap in front of a fireplace curled up on a bearskin rug. Naked. That is the definition of a good Sunday meal.

We were very excited to have a hot, new restaurant in the Highbury/​Islington hood. You know it’s ‘hot’ when you have to book a table a good month in advance, and still only score a table for 9:30pm on a Tuesday night. The clientele was a strange mix of a wealthy older crowd and younger hip crowd. Not so strange if you look at the prices.
For all the hype and trouble to get a table, we were not blown away. We started with a sweet potato soup decorated with crispy pig ear. It’s clear they are trying to be bold with their choice of ingredients and we were inspired to be bold in our ordering, only to find that just as you would expect, the pigs ear was chewy, salty and let’s face it, gross.
The starters of ravioli and risotto were delicious. However, our partridge entrée was undercooked and a royal pain to eat. The waiter took it away and when it came back about 10 minutes later, it was clear they stuck the whole dish in the oven, without trying to redress it for us in any way. Booooooooo
Our waiter disappeared never to be seen again until we flagged down someone in the kitchen to bring us the bill and our coats.
We’re not rushing back.