Panton Street

Strada used to be my go-to venue for a cozy dinner after work with friends. I was working up in Camden and it made for a very convenient meeting place with a tasty menu. Then I went a few too many times, got a little bored and vowed to try pastures new.

An invitation to sample the new menu tempted me back through the Strada doors and the selection didn’t dissapoint.

We started with a selection of olives, antipasto and my favourite - a salty crisp Schiacciatella aglio. I generally shy away from the garlic bready options, as they seem a bit boring, but this has changed my mind - a really good starter, hearty but light. It didn’t last long on our table at all.

From the pizza and pasta selection, we sampled the Strozzapreti Pugliese - which for me was a little heavy on the garlic, as well as a Risotto Zucca. In the interests of full disclosure, I should mention that I’m not the most discerning Risotto critic. I love it so much I would happily have a big squidgy bath in it, but this was indeed a very good creamy, tasty example - great comfort food, highly worth a try.

The Quattro Stagioni pizza came next, topping over the plate with four different toppings on a lovely crispy base.

The thing is with Strada, I always expect the Italian staples to be good, and I would generally always order the pizza, pasta or risotto options - knowing full well they won’t disappoint. What I didn’t expect, however, was a fine selection of meat and fish dishes.

We tried the Saltimbocca Maiale - a pork dish with simple rustic components, brimming with hearty flavour - as well as the Orata Al Forno. For me, the fish was a little bit dry and this one could have been better executed, but the Saltimbocca proves it’s well worth looking past the obvious choices and exploring the menu a little further.

Absolutely stuffed to the brim - worth noting the portion sizes are more than ample, particularly if you enjoy the Schiacciatella as much as I did for the starter… - we finished off the meal with a trio of desserts, classic Affogato, Bunet Piemontese and Pistachio Gelato.
The puddings didn’t blow me away, but they were well executed classics and you can’t really go too wrong with a little ice cream as a full stop to a tasty meal.

The restaurant had a nice, homely atmosphere and the staff were great. All in all, I’ve been reconverted to the Strada cause and I’m looking forward to taking friends in to enjoy the new menu. I’ll be having the Schiaccatella aglio, with the Risotto Zucca for my main and Pistachio Gelato for pudding - a hearty and homely Italian meal, which offers great value for money.

We were sitting near the front door, so whenever someone walked in or out, we were met with a draught of cold air but this was the only downside.

Apart from this, it was a wonderful meal with a brilliant waiter. The man (I didn’t take his name sadly) went above and beyond to help us, asking us how we were doing, whether or not we were ready for the next course, and then asking the kitchen to cook additional vegetarian options for one member of our group.

The food was lovely, especially the Sea Bream and Nougat desert, but there was so much of it! 3 starters, 5 mains, and 3 desserts! I was full after the first main course but had to make space for all the delightful meals to come!

There was so much food that the amazing waiter even wrapped up the extra pizza and gave it to us in a doggie bag. Lovely food, and a very enjoyable experience. Very grateful to Strada for letting us sample their wonderful menu!

Lovely staff and lovely food.
The garlic bread was fresh and well seasoned.
I highly recommend the Sea Bream - moist and full of flavor - and the pumpkin risotto. We ordered both, shared, and was a great combination!
The chocolate pannacottta was a great way to finish the meal!