Homegirl London’s Food Review: Anima E Cuore Italian Restaurant. This tiny and unassuming eatery is located in what looks like an ice cream parlour come café. But don’t let that fool you because out of the tiny kitchen comes amazing Italian cuisine made with love. If you’re looking for the best Italian food in North West London, places to eat in Kentish Town or a date night treat head for the super cute Anima E Cuore Italian Restaurant.
“A tiny and unassuming little café in Kentish Town serving up some of the best Italian food you’ll find in London, with fresh pasta and Italian gelato it’s a winning combination” Homegirl London
Anima E Cuore Italian Restaurant Menu
The menu is written on a chalkboard which is brought to your table. The adorable pastry chef will take you through the dishes and give you a breakdown of ingredients. You’ll find a good mix of vegetarian, fish and meat dishes available. We dined there yesterday for a friend’s birthday, and I didn’t intend to take photographs because I didn’t want to annoy the other guests so I had left my good camera at home. But I fell in love with the place and decided to capture the dishes on my mobile phone instead, which probably did annoy them after all! These images don’t do the food justice but believe me, and the presentation was excellent.
Soft Shell Crab Tempura
I digress, let’s go back to the menu. Starters included Tuna or Beef Tartare, Scallops, Soft Shell Crab Tempura, Octopus with Licorice and Bottarga Croquettes (salted cured fish roe). Homeboy loved the Soft Shell Crab which was almost black thanks to a bit of squid ink. I enjoyed the creamy Buratta with Figs which also featured a tiny savoury muffin on the plate. The chef shouted out some other veggie alternatives from the little kitchen. Because everything is made fresh to order, they are happy to omit certain ingredients if you have allergies or you’re a fusspot. One thing to point out is that the portion sizes are decent so you may want to share a starter so you can squeeze in a dessert (just a thought).
Buratta with Figs
If you love pasta, you’re in for a treat because you’ll see that it’s made fresh and you can taste the difference. I went for the Truffle pasta dish, which was first class. I can still taste the truffles today as I type up this review. There were a few Spaghetti options, with Clams, Cherry Tomatoes with Basil, Butter and Black Pepper or Black Spaghetti with Octopus.
Pasta with Truffles
Homeboy ordered the Pumpkin Ravioli, so we swapped our dishes halfway through the meal. Wow, this was amazing, it had sprinkles of amaretti biscuits on top. The other option was Ravioli with Burrata and Ricotta. Fettuccine fans can try pasta ribbons paired with Duck, Rabbit or the veggie option with Scamorza (Italian cow’s milk cheese) and Girolles (mushrooms). It’s worth noting that the meat sauces are slow-cooked so have a vibrant flavour.
Spaghetti with Clams
The pastry chef will tell you about the desserts in the glass cabinet. If you love Italian ice cream, you’ll be in heaven with fresh-made gelato and exciting flavours. I decided on coffee which was smooth and creamy. Homeboy went for a chocolate ice lolly dessert with banana and peanut butter filling. Other delights included a decadent chocolate mousse, tiramisu and cannoli.
Dessert
I thought considering the standard of food that the prices were very reasonable. Starters were £9-11.50 and mains £12.50-16. A few of the dishes were priced higher like the Duck Breast with Pistachio Mash and Rabbit Sicilian Style. You can bring your bottle of wine, and they have a few cans of soft drinks.
Anima E Cuore Italian Restaurant Interiors
The interiors are akin to a small ice cream parlour or café. It’s quite cramped inside but therein lies the charm. We were a party of 10 situated right in front of the dessert counter (not a bad place to sit in my opinion!). Other guests seated at the back had to squeeze past us but no one minded. Usually, there would be room for 22 covers, but they could accommodate 30 people at a push. There’s not much else to tell you about the interiors as it’s very low key.
Anima E Cuore Italian Restaurant Information
Restaurant Exterior
I’ve never noticed this restaurant before, and I’ve walked past many times. Once you’ve been introduced by a friend (as we were), you’ll put it on your favourites list. There’s currently no website to view. The address is 129 Kentish Town Road, London NW1 8PB. The nearest station is Kentish Town. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 6 pm until 10 pm. You must book a table otherwise you won’t get in so call 020 7267 2410 now!
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Thanks: The Mysteries and friends for recommending and a lovely evening out.
