Sale e Pepe originally opened its doors way back in August of 1997, the brainchild of business partners Nicola and Nicki. The restaurant bills itself as an authentic taste of Italy and this is obvious from the moment you step through the doors thanks to the rustic and cosy feel.
The dining room at Sal e Pepe is typified by exposed brick walls and a neutral wooden colour palette, with imposing roman busts, a wall of wine and hanging pictures of Italian landscapes adding a real sense of character.
Sale e Pepe’s menu is a celebration of all things Italian, majoring in pizzas and pastas as well as a selection of main courses. The restaurant is also well-known for its daily-changing chef’s specials – just ask your server on the day to find out what they are. Otherwise, you can kick-start your meal with the likes of calamari served with homemade tartare sauce or deep-fried mushrooms served with garlic mayonnaise.
For your main course, you can pick from the selection of classic pizzas, or opt for pasta dishes such as spaghetti carbonara or Agnolotti Alla Aragosta (fresh pasta parcels filled with lobster chunks, prawns and cream). If you would rather enjoy a more traditional main, opt for the likes of steak fried with green peppercorns and served in a creamy brandy sauce, or perhaps try out the slow roast rump of lamb with a rosemary and red wine jus.
While you might expect Sal e Pepe’s drinks list to feature exclusively Italian wines, you might be surprised to see that it actually contains a few international flourishes, with wines hailing from Australia and South Africa. If you are in the mood to celebrate though, you can always order a glass of Moet & Chandon or Prosecco. Prices are pretty fair too.