Cavallino

Cavallino brings the spirit of an Italian trattoria to North West London, where honest cooking and conviviality take centre stage. It leans into the timeless pleasures of good dough, ripe tomatoes and well-loved recipes, moving from lunchtime cravings to lingering suppers with ease.

Begin with the simple things done well: bruschetta piled with tomato, garlic and basil, or crisp calamari fritti scattered over rocket with a dab of tartar. Freshness runs through the salads too, from a classic caprese with buffalo mozzarella and balsamic glaze to an avocado medley lifted by spring onion.

From the oven come 12-inch pizzas, both classic and special. The margherita celebrates Fior di Latte and basil; the diavola turns up the heat with spicy pepperoni. There is indulgence in mushroom and truffle on a truffle ricotta base, and a carnivorous chorus in frutti di porco with ham, Italian sausage, pancetta and salami. Pasta stays faithful to tradition: spaghetti alla carbonara with guanciale and pecorino, pappardelle al ragù, seafood favourites like spaghetti vongole with white wine and chili, or pappardelle frutti di mare.

Round things out with gnocco fritto, garlic bread and cheese, or toasted panini from the semplice to the leggero with blue cheese, mushroom sauce and caramelized onion. Whether a quick bite or an unhurried feast, Cavallino invites you to settle in and savour. Book a table and let la dolce vita do the talking.