Trattoria Raffaele — Restaurant in London

Inviting kerb appeal - looks like a very traditional family run Italian restaurant, it was a special birthday occasion so we decided to ignore the rather pricy menu and venture in. The decor is old school Italian circa 70's/80's and judging by the cutlery and crockery some of it looks like it's survived from back then. On this particular busy saturday evening the acoustics made it almost impossible to have a conversation. Starters from the menu were averagely good but the main course is best chosen from the chalkboard. My wife opted for the veal and spinach cannelloni (£16.00 chalkboard choice) and was reasonably happy but my lasagna (15.00 from the menu) was a big re-heated "square block" which as a signature Italian dish from a traditional Italian restaurant was very disappointing (I've had better from a reasonably good cafe for half the price). The staff are hard working and attentive and we were happy to leave a tip. Perhaps the best way to enjoy a meal out at Trattoria Raffaele is to knock back quite a few glasses of wine to help blur out the noise, inflated prices and any disappointments from the main menu....oh and the deserts -...

This family run Italian restaurant is one of the best in London. One can eat here for a fraction of the cost of the West End. I had the dough balls. Now the miniscule ones you have at Pizza Express are about 1/6th of the volume. This starter almost filled me up. I had the chicken with mushrooms and Mediterranean mixed veg. I had to take a doggy bag home. I finished my meal 22 hours after the event without eating anything in between. It is not cheap. It is not expensive but tge level of dining belies the price. Now how many restaurants are absolutely full on a Tuesday evening? This was packed i woukd recommend it for a family meal upto 10 people at one large extended table. One also must book ahead for weekend tables. Well ahead. Now that must be a clue to the quality of food and service. I love the place. If I was reasonably well off I would eat there far more often. Even the London Evening Standard has highlighted the quality. Kudos to...

This is an absurdly good restaurant. I had three courses and every one made me literally giggle. I arrived late as the kitchen was closing, apologised, and asked them to give me whatever they felt like serving.

The burrata was a work of salty bacony art. It was followed by a pork and nduja ragu that literally made me cry. Other patrons laughed but clearly understood. Maria, Elisabetta and Fernanda looked after me like one of their own as the owner Dominic sat quietly behind me probably judging my loud Welshness but not letting it show like an absolute boss. I have never liked tiramisu but thought if I was going to like it it was going to be here. Dear lord it was magnificent. Apparently I like tiramisu but only really good tiramisu.

You need to try this place. It's about the best place I've ever eaten.

When the chef left, I knelt before her and I was only slightly...