Casa Tua King's Cross

This effortlessly charming, traditional Italian doesn't shy away from cliché, but once you've tried the handmade pasta and clocked the price, you’ll probably be channelling La Dolce Vita anyway. Translating as The House of Moustache, Casa Tua was founded by Giuseppe from Puglia, who (you guessed it) boasts a formidable 'tache. The informal, simple dining room is embellished with vines and vintage Italian vinyl, while it's tucked-away location beside a church provides rare calm, considering its proximity to King's Cross. The menu covers continental breakfast and brunch options, followed by a range of Puglia-centric small plates and pastas. Our meaty octopus salad benefitted from lashings of lemon juice, while a crisp stack of polenta chips was lavished with layers of lardo strips. Questionable points included (traditionally Puglian) brocolli pesto and supremely al dente vegan strozzapreti, but if you're looking for a freshly made, hearty portion of quality pasta, you'll find it here. All the pastas are made fresh on-site (and driven to Casa Tua Camden daily, too), with similar attention paid to the smooth Negronis, aged for one month in an oak barrel. A brief, affordable wine list also favours Puglia, while the affable, all-Italian troupe of staff completes this strong package.

Hungry for Italian food near King's Cross? Casa Tua breaks the mould of the large-scale chains surrounding this area and instead, offers something independent, home-grown and passionate, serving authentic Italian cuisine in a cosy setting.

The Casa Tua name first started in Camden in 2013, founded by Puglian hospitality expert Giuseppe. From there, he expanded with a deli - also based in Camden but a lovely opportunity to buy real Italian produce if you're ever in the market - before opening the King's Cross branch in 2016. 

One of the best things about Casa Tua is that it's open all day. Come by mid-morning and enjoy breakfast dishes such as ricotta, pistachio and nutella-stuffed croissants, avocado on toast or pancakes. For brunch, there's eggs however you like them or the Italian special with sausage, pesto, mozarella and poached eggs, while for lunch a panino is an easy, hearty choice with fillings such as beetroot smoked salmon, buttermilk breaded chicken breast, Prosciutto di Parma and more. 

The space itself is simple, rustic and homely with white walls, wooden furnishings and plenty of plants. Wine bottles are placed here and there, while much-loved cookbooks decorate the shelves. It's the kind of place you could pop in for a sandwich or spend all evening, enjoying the extensive dinner menu. 

In the evening, the menu offers appetisers in the form of easy-to-share small plates like homemade aubergine balls served with yellow datterino compote and fresh mint, as well as buffalo mozzarella served with green asparagus, homemade rocket and basil pesto, and breaded king prawns topped with homemade zucchini cream and chilly jam dots. Amongst the larger plates are gourmet pizzas, finished with fior di latte mozzarella and herb roasted porchetta, as well as homemade pasta. You should try the pasta experience for two, which shows off three of the kitchen's signatures.