For all the years my brother-in-law Tom and his partner, Cristy, have lived in Finsbury Park, the name "Pappagone" has been bandied around in nearly every conversation we've had about their weekend/weeknight plans. And now that they're parents to our adorable 2-year-old niece, Dorothy, the force of this North London pizzeria has never been stronger. Photos of her laughing as spaghetti dangles from her outstretched hands and tomato sauce sweetly decorating her cheeks frequently appear on the Tumblr devoted to her adorable antics.
So, I knew that Pappagone was a well-loved restaurant. What I didn't realize, however, was that it is - in fact - an institution of Italian family-style dining. After celebrating Dorothy's 2nd birthday there this weekend, it only took two photos uploaded to Instagram and Twitter and bam! The comments came flooding in from followers: "I was just there with my entire family yesterday! You missed us by a day!" and, "Pappagone is the BEST Italian restaurant in London, in my opinion!" and also, "I've been wanting to go for ages! How was it?"
I can see why it's so popular - it's loved by Arsenal football fans en route to match day and families out for Sunday lunch alike. Once filled, the cavernous space becomes jubilant and convivial, and the XXL pizza oven provides much entertainment for little ones (my niece included!).
Also: the portions are generous. I underestimated the serving size of the bruschetta (despite my Tom's forewarning) and placed an extra order for foccacia as well, which was a fantastic accompaniment to the two bottles of Montepulciano on table.
Before long, my linguine alle vongole arrived, the pasta perfectly al dente and the sweetness of the clams wonderfully juxtaposed against the white wine, garlic, and chilli. Bellisimo.
Okay, so before I get too carried away with my Eat/Pray/Love style Italian (awful, awful movie, btw, but so good when you're sick and sniffling on the couch!), the lowdown on Pappagone is: friendly service ("They greet you like an old friend!" my brother-in-law likes to say), delicious Italian food, at very reasonable prices.
Get over there - now.
The bruschetta looks amazing, lovely bright tomatoes :)
ReplyDeleteThe food was so fresh and delicious! x
DeleteThis looks so delicious - I'll never get bored of Italian food!!
ReplyDeleteME NEITHER. Pasta 24/7!!!
DeleteOh my god this looks so delicious!
ReplyDeleteThat picture of the pasta with clams alone was enough to sell me!
It's my favorite Italian dish, I think, Hannah! I remember having it in Sicily by the beach and being blown away by how simple, yet effective the flavors were.
DeleteI lived in Finsbury Park for two years and have never even heard of this place before! I was clearly to quick to hop on the Victoria Line elsewhere!
ReplyDeleteA good Italian is always a winner and worth having in your back pocket!
Ha! It's just on Stroud Green Road, a few doors down from Tesco. You're right: it's always great to have a dependable place that you can pop into when you just feel like staying close to home!
DeleteNever heard of this place but I love somewhere that lives on its reputation! Have you ever tried Il Bordello in Wapping? Similar cult status and ENORMOUS portions.
ReplyDeleteCx
charliedistracted.com
I haven't, Charlie! Definitely adding that to my list! Thanks for the recommendation :) x
DeleteTHANK YOU for sharing this - literally omg as I read this! My parents are visiting for CNY and have said no Chinese food (hahaha) so I'm in charge of picking a place and this may have to be on the top of my list when they come round... yay! hehehe.
ReplyDeleteHAHA - love that, Cherie. My mom is the opposite; she's like, "WHERE CAN WE GET GOOD DIM SUM" and I'm like, "Sorry, it doesn't exist in London, mom!" I took them to Princess Garden of Mayfair and they were so critical! Pappagone would be fun. Do you live near Finsbury Park? Otherwise I can recommend other "parent-friendly" restaurants as well since mine were just here!
DeleteOh my, this just looks incredible! I had no reason to go to Finsbury Park before now...but I may just have to make an exception! :-)
ReplyDeleteIf you're ever up there, it's worth making a visit! :) The bread is freshly baked in their oven and is so, so good.
DeletePAPPAGONES is the BEST! I used to work up thataways, and we'd go every single Thursday. Every single one.
ReplyDeleteI was just so surprised at how many people have heard of it, Emma! And it's certainly well-loved. If I lived in FP, I'd go there EVERY SINGLE THURSDAY TOO!
DeleteYummmm. This looks so good! We don't get up to North London enough. I need to find a good Italian down these ways! x
ReplyDeleteJasmin Charlotte
I think I'll definitely be back when we visit our little niece! It's such comforting, hearty food. :) x
DeleteMy fathers side of my family are Italian, and let me tell you this looks and sounds amazing (I have high standards when it comes to Italian food - thanks Grandma!). All the places you post about look so good, I feel like I need to come to London and flitter around the city doing nothing but eat in fabulous restaurants!
ReplyDeleteKara
❤️
Oh, THAT'S why you're so gorgeous!!! Yes, please come down for a visit - I'd love to meet you and your little girl! xxx
DeleteMy brother in law also lives in North London but I hadn't heard of this place, the bruschetta looks amazing
ReplyDeleteIt's really inconspicious, Suze - I'd walk right past! But inside, it's actually huge and has a devoted following to match! :)
DeleteOh goodness, I haven't had a good Italian for so long - looks like I need to go here ASAP!
ReplyDeleteC x | Lux Life
It's tricky to find a good Italian restaurant, which is surprising, since there are so many of them in London! Pappgone is great for low-key, lazy Sunday lunches and dinners. :)
DeleteItalians have to be family-run in my opinion, and overly generous! Love all the food you mentioned though, yummmm. Lots of love, Andrea xxx
ReplyDeleteAndrea's Passions
OMG the food looks so delicious! I love cosy local family-run Italians :) xx
ReplyDeleteMe too, Ayushi! Thanks so much for stopping by to read! xx
DeleteArgh, the linguine looks SO good! My mother always told me that a good vongole is the benchmark of an excellent Italian restaurant, so looks like Pappagone passes that test with flying colours :) x
ReplyDeleteTamsin / A Certain Adventure
A lot of people say that about vongole, Tamsin! I never knew. It's one of my favorite dishes. :) x
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