Gloria

Italian·
££££
·
Gold Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Gloria

Gold Award

Few restaurants successfully manage to transport you back in time without feeling like a clichéd relic from an earlier era, but this UK debut from French hospitality group Big Mamma does just that. Despite its Gallic roots, Gloria’s shtick is Italian food, billing itself as a ‘70s Capri-style trattoria’.

A tiny bar area leads into a buzzy dining room decked out in the kind of flowers, wicker furniture and other faux-distressed details that make Gloria feel like it’s been around for years. There’s another dining room in the basement, this time with a mirrored ceiling and ruched drapes that feel more like an old-school Parisian bistro, although it’s so dimly lit that you’ll need your phone torch to decipher the menu; we’d recommend you book upstairs if you’re eating during daylight hours.

The food is, in a word, extra. The menu ripples with over-the-top, Instagram-baiting versions of Italian classics – think a lasagne which is ten layers high, or a slab of lemon meringue pie which looks like it could do serious damage to the Titanic.

Beyond the frivolity, though, there is skill. Pasta al tartufo involves bouncy ribbons of house-made malfadine pasta, rubbed with mascarpone and flecked with black truffle shavings and button mushrooms. We also loved the profiterole Napoletana – a single, gleefully rich giant profiterole which swaps out the traditional cream filling for ice cream, topped with lashings of warm chocolate sauce.

The restaurant's quirkiness – including mismatched crockery and naming a dish ‘Brexit-alia truffle’ – might prove irritating to some, but its infectiously vivacious atmosphere completely charmed us.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
Italian
Ambience
Cool, Dark and moody, Fun, Lively, Quirky
Food Occasions
All day dining, Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner, Late night dining
Special Features
Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Birthdays, Celebrations, Dates, Group dining [8+]
Food Hygiene Rating

About

This new site from French restaurant group Big Mamma is found on the corner of Great Eastern Street in Shoreditch, in the space which formerly housed Red’s True BBQ. The restaurant is split over two floors and seats around 150 diners. The interiors are inspired by the Italian island of Capri in the 1970s, while on the menu, you can expect to find over-the-top versions of Italian classics.

Take the 10-layer lasagne, or the cacio e pepe, which is served in a giant wheel of cheese. Desserts are just as epic, including the likes of a singular giant profiterole, and a hefty wedge of lemon meringue pie. Drinks are fun too, and include a classic Negroni topped with truffle foam. 

Interior image: Jerome Galland
Food image: Joann Pai 

Gloria is featured in

Location

54-56 Great Eastern Street, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 3QR
Website

Opening Times

Breakfast
Mon 08:00-11:00
Tue 08:00-11:00
Wed 08:00-11:00
Thu 08:00-11:00
Fri 08:00-11:00
Sat 09:00-11:00
Sun 09:00-11:00
Lunch
Mon 11:00-16:00
Tue 11:00-16:00
Wed 11:00-16:00
Thu 11:00-16:00
Fri 11:00-16:00
Sat 11:00-16:00
Sun 11:00-16:00
Dinner
Mon 16:00-23:00
Tue 16:00-23:00
Wed 16:00-23:00
Thu 16:00-01:00
Fri 16:00-01:00
Sat 16:00-01:00
Sun 16:00-23:00

Reviews

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10 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Grace C

27 December 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Such a fun place for date night or dinner with friends . Generous portions , relaxed atmosphere and small well behaved dogs are allowed . Great cocktails too ! 

Maycon S

24 November 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

The ambience alone will make you want to stay in the restaurant!  The service is excellent!  

Sara T

20 February 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Amazing lunch

We went to Gloria for a Sunday lunch. The whole experience was great - the place is gorgeous, and th food delicious. A special thanks to our waiter Carlo, that has looked after us and made us feel welcomed and at home! Definitely recommend this restaurant and we'll surely be back here soon! 

Anon

22 May 2021  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Tutto perfetto

Un servizio perfetto dall'inizio alla fine. Un ringraziamento particolare a Giorgio, ha reso il mio compleanno speciale ed indimenticabile, professionalità e simpatia garantite. Grazie tantissimo anche a Carlo, ottimo consigliere e persona socievole.

Grazie di tutto. I suggest to book your table right now ??

Rose M

06 August 2019  
Proof that good food and drink doesn't have to be serious. Traditional Italian dishes done well (and generously!) With brilliant cocktails to boot, and all in a beautiful room with a buzzing atmosphere!

Milan V

26 July 2019  
Good fun, and justified the hype.

Helen L

26 July 2019  
Wonderful atmosphere, attentive not intrusive service and outstanding food!

Adele L

08 July 2019  
Great value, decor, service and excellent food.

Eleanor J

08 July 2019  
Theming, decor, service, food all amazing. Very cool.

Megan J

02 July 2019  
The most beautiful restaurant you will ever go to! The food and cocktails will not dissapoint. The best beef carpaccio and all the desserts! Great value too.
Bookings not required

Reservations are not required at Gloria.

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