La Torre Restaurant Crouch End — Restaurant in London

A pleasant but uninspiring Italian restaurant. Food was broadly tasty but the cooking was just adequate.

Supposedly homemade foccacia was weirdly light and fluffy, with none of the characteristic chew, underbrowned, and nowhere near enough rosemary.

Vegetarian antipasto seemed on the menu like it would be some roasted vegetables with mozzarella. Instead it was a rockefeller-style dish, with garlic breadcrumbs on top, cooked a little carelessly, hunks of quite a nice mozzarella, and then a weird, nothingy pile of lettuce.

Milanese was very crispy and seasoned really nicely, but a bit dry and stringy. Such a thin piece of meat needs a higher oil temperature for a shorter time so the outside can crisp up before the inside overcooks. Pasta was well cooked, with a pleasant tomato sauce, but totally unremarkable. The single basil leaf on top as a garnish was tasty, and a few more would have elevated the dish.

My fellow diners had no major issues with their mains, but also didn't seem impressed by them (cuttlefish and prawn risotto and a melanzane parmigiana).

Bill was pretty reasonable, but we ordered cheaper options. ~£70 for 3 starters and 2 mains, no drinks.

Average cost of mains is £25 and starters £11, so starter + main + 175ml glass of house wine is about £43, which feels a little steep for the quality of food.

I definitely wouldn't tell people to avoid La Torre, but nor would I encourage...

An Unforgettable Italian Dining Experience in Crouchend

We just had one of the best meals we’ve ever experienced at this cozy Italian gem. From the moment we walked in, we felt warmly welcomed, the atmosphere is intimate and inviting, and you can immediately tell it’s a place run with heart and passion.

The restaurant is personally attended by the owner, which makes all the difference. You can feel the dedication in every detail, from the immaculate cleanliness to the impeccable service. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, and they truly make you feel at home.

Now the food… spectacular is an understatement! I had the Linguini di Mare, and I can honestly say it was the best I’ve ever tasted, perfectly cooked pasta, full of fresh seafood, and bursting with flavor. My husband had the risotto, and he couldn’t stop raving about it. Every bite was perfection.

The location is also ideal, right in the heart of Crouchend, making it a perfect stop whether you’re a local or just passing through.

If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine, warm service, and an experience that will leave you wanting to come back again and again, this is the place. Don’t miss it. It’s a true...

I was nervous about this restaurant because, despite many positive reviews, it is always very quiet at lunchtime and often in the weekday evenings. No need to be concerned. Restaurant nearly full on Saturday evening and we were found a space without reserving. As all the reviews say, the welcome and service is warm and friendly, without being in the least forced. All the staff seemed to genuinely hope we enjoyed the food. Two main courses and a dessert were excellent: seafood ravioli and a wild boar ragu. Tiramisu, wines and grappa all excellent. It says that these are typical recipes cooked in a specific local style and we have no complaints at all. Good atmosphere in the restaurant. Service was attentive throughout without being annoying. The special main courses are in the range £15-20, which is not cheap, but I think is becoming pretty typical for a good restaurant these days. Starters are also quite expensive, but I'm sure they are good. If they had been a little cheaper I would have been tempted to try one. Strongly recommend that you try La Torre. Hope this restaurant remains in Crouch End and thrives. We will...