Laypy's review of Tinello

Around a month after new local restaurant Tinello opened we decided to check it out. Having passed by on many occasions and always seen the restaurant fully booked (and also on few occasions failed to get a booking for the evening) we expected good things from a site that has seen it change hands a few times from L’Incontro to Mauro and back.

Without a booking and at around 9pm we chanced our luck and walked in. Staff were friendly and within a few moments we were shown downstairs to a large round table with a view (if you are stood!) of the kitchens. We didn’t even know the venue had a downstairs, what a nice surprise. It’s less noisy and atmospheric than upstairs but nicer for a quiet evening meal.

We both opted to share some of their smaller plates to start, ordering a mixture of fried Zucchini, buratta, the special of polenta and wild mushrooms and some Italian ham. All the dishes were tasty and at very good value considering the size of some of them. For my main I had the aubergine and warm smoked cheese salad which was one of the best in London I have had. The smoked cheese flavoured the whole dish perfectly and I couldn’t have been more pleased with my choice. My companion had the lamb dish which too looked good and I am assured tasted the same.

Our waiter (a charming young man who hailed from Sardinia) recommended a Sardinian wine to accompany our meal which was also very nice. From our table we could see the impressive wine cellars and already look forward to sampling some other bottles.

After our meal Manuel, the proprietor of Tinello came and spoke with us and explained the concept of the restaurant and recommended other dishes for our next visit. He also claims to have the best coffee, something which we will discover on our next visit.

Dishes are fairly priced which is a huge plus for Tinello, that and the friendly on-the -ball staff thrown together with great Italian food makes Tinello a winning local restaurant. We will definitely be returning!