Strada

"It usually only takes small and subtle differences between similar restaurants to determine how popular they are. To get a crowd to flock is the prize for every restaurateur. The competition can be no fiercer than with pizza places. Making a good pizza is not enough and the final creation is nothing more than bread with a topping anyway. Strada has to be a fine example of evolution in action. From pizza hut to pizza express to Strada is like naff to nearly to job done. Strada is the all singing all dancing, fast bowling, wicket keeping, good batting all rounder. It has the in vogue woody organic ambience. Subdued lighting, attentive service, a balanced menu with quality produce and very reasonable pricing. Furthermore you will not be expected to pay for the house wine you leave and my cappuccino was served with a delicious biscati as if any sensible person would want one and at Strada you are their guest so there is no need to ask."

Cool wine and classy food, Strada in Islington knows there is a lot more to Italian food than a ham and pineapple topping. The menu consists of such delights as starter Aglio (homemade garlic and rosemary bread) and Tonno Alla Nizza (seared yellow fin tuna with amazing salad). Pizzas are made using traditional ingredients such as salami, Italian ham, black olives and vine grown tomatoes. Pasta ranges from dishes based with penne, linguine, ravioli, spaghetti as well as the more unusual bucatini. The ambience of the restaurant is friendly without being obtrusive; the well-spaced tables ensure that your conversation is not vying for supremacy over your neighbour, and the wooden floors and decor look classy yet welcoming.