EAT & DRINK
Originally published on Thursday, 14 August 2008
Ida
I can't help wondering whether there would be less street crime if every neighbourhood had its own Ida.
It's not so much that the cooking at this little family-run Italian gem in Kensal Rise is life-changing, but more that the whole homely experience makes you feel like the world's not such a bad place after all.
Although, saying that, the food, which is mainly Piemontese-influenced, is not at all bad. The pasta is 'fatto a casa' (homemade), there are starters that combine tender aubergine, oozing burrata and tomatoes that taste like tomatoes, and hearty dishes like pot roast veal and meatballs with, of course, tiramisu to finish.
But it's the friendliness of the staff and owners, the candles on tables and the wonderfully shabby-chic, faded quality of the place, as if you could be part of a sepia-tinted photo, that really gives you that feel-good feeling.
It's the kind of place you can forgive for running out of cold rose, even on the hottest night - and that's saying something.
Hours: Mon-Sat 6:30pm - 11:30pm • Closed Sun
Place: 167 Fifth Avenue, Queen's Park, W10 4DU
Cost: £20- £30
Book: 020 8969 9853
