Right above the high street in Belsize Park, Terrazza stands as one of North London’s best kept secrets. With a flowing layout that includes everything from a sleek indoor dining space and a warm, low-lit restaurant, a visit to Terrazza is always a good idea. The menu focuses on modern Italian cooking, including handmade pasta with fresh Mediterranean flavours. For those warmer summer months, head to the leafy rooftop terrace, it’s the perfect spot for watching sunset views over the capital, especially during happy hour cocktails.
Kick off your meal with a great selection of starters, including dishes like padron peppers and fresh homemade meatballs in a tomato sauce, along with a carpaccio di manzo with rocket, parmesan and lemon, and creamy burrata topped with tomatoes, onions, basil pesto and almonds. If you really want to indulge, try the grilled tomahawk steak for two to share, or a rich pan fried chicken marsala with a wine sauce.
The pasta dishes are what the restaurant is particularly known for, with lots of fantastic homemade options to try. You'll find classics like a layered lasagne al forno with bechamel and mozzarella cheese, spaghetti al pomodoro with a cherry tomato sauce, and ricotta and spinach filled ravioli. Some of the restaurant's specials include a potato gnocchi with tomato, buffalo mozzarella and fresh pesto, and wild mushroom risotto.
There are plenty of pizza options, too, and a range of salads – including the rucola e parmigiano with rocket, cherry tomatoes, parmesan and extra virgin olive oil. There aren't too many options for dessert, but you'll find something warm, something chilled, and something refreshing. Every base is covered. Stand outs include the freshly baked warm brownie with a scoop of ice cream, and traditional coffee soaked tiramisu with a cream made from mascarpone, eggs and sugar.