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Writer's pictureAvi Sen

Mele e Pere (London)

Updated: Feb 12

From the inimitable hospitality to the hearty, rustic food, Italian trattorias are a great way to sample authentic Italian cooking at great value. Was it any good? Time to find out...

Mele e Pere Interior

Ideal for:

  • Lovers of authentic Italian food

  • A quick drink after work

  • Date night

 

Ambience & Décor


Mele e Pere Interior

The exterior was unassuming and with the wine bar atop the restaurant, one could mistake it for such. The basement revealed a cavernous rustic Italian eatery. Wooden floors, exposed wine stores and wall-to-wall trinkets. The art deco pieces on the wall livened up the monochromatic walls. Low ceilings and artificial dimmed lighting lended a more intimate vibe perfect for dates and small gatherings.


Service


The service was quite proficient and I got the sense they all had great working chemistry. However, given the restaurant was quite quiet, I would expect decent service.


Food


Slow cooked lamb shoulder served with smoked aubergine, coriander, cress and pomegranate

The slow cooked lamb shoulder served with smoked aubergine, coriander, cress and pomegranate (left) looked awful, but the portion was hearty. Pomegranate seemed odd, but its freshness paired well with the rustic ingredients. The lamb was grizzly in places indicating it was overcooked. Lack of consistency meant it did not melt in the mouth.

Grilled fillet of bream, gremolata, yellow & green courgettes

For my main, the Grilled fillet of bream, gremolata, yellow & green courgettes (right) was my choice. I would have avoided this dish like the plague in my youth due to my disdain for courgettes, and the lack of excitement from fish dishes. However, the fish was cooked perfectly, and the sweet courgettes paired well with zesty lemon and earthy gremolata. Presentation wise, again, it was more rustic than ravishing.


Tiramisu

Capping off the meal, in traditional fashion, I ordered a classic. The Tiramisu (left) was an institution in the home-run Trattorias and the lack of presentation once again reared its head. What it lacked in presentation, the tiramisu made up in taste. Caffe vermouth cocktail fused with bitter chocolate liqueur, espresso and cream. With neither the coffee nor the alcohol being too strong, add the fluffy texture and it was a delicious mix. One of the best I have had.


Mele e Pere has a shy exterior, but it packs a punch where it counts; the food. Add the superlative service and the quirky décor, this trattoria offered a pleasant dining experience. My gripes with the slow-cooked lamb and the lamentable presentation, cost Mele e Pere. However, this restaurant is great value for money, and gets an overall B rating.


Photos of Mele e Pere and more can be found on Instagram here.

 

Final grade: B

Final comment: Good quality, hearty, rustic Italian food that needs some modernising!


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