La Porchetta

lazydays

foods fine , but you wont enjoy it 9th April 2009

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Maybe its just lunchtimes , but the waitress must be Himmler's grandaughter, surly and abrupt.
We couldnt wait to finish our food and leave.
There were others who came in whist we were there and left almost immediatly , her attitude stinks.
We have been several times in the past and always enjoyed it , but never again.

iamroninator

Better than ever - che taglio! 18th October 2008

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Tucked away down a (semi)alleyway between Holborn and Farringdon, this is an especially friendly and cosy pizzeria - great value for money.

Staff (and kitchen?) seem to have changed since the summer, and pizza was better than ever -

Recommend the calzone (without salami - senz'altro...)

patheticshark

Massive tasty pizzas. Hurrah! 31st August 2008

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I have a lot of love for La Porchetta. It's tucked away down a street with basically nothing on it, so not easily found unless you're actually looking for it (though it is a very central location). It's often full of savvy students and young couples on cheap dates - and downstairs there is usually a birthday party going on with 20 people around a table (if you are lucky enough to have your birthday party here, the waiters will drop some pizza dough on your head to celebrate. Ace!). It's usually pretty crowded but service is pretty efficient and the pizzas are really, really tasty, as well as being huge. Also: dead cheap house wine and the bruschetta is brilliant. A Bloomsbury gem.

greedoe

Great authentic food 22nd February 2008

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Great, authentic Italian food at really decent prices.

The pizza was massive, tasty and full of wonderful toppings. They even left the chilli oil on the table. The diet coke was a bit flat, but you expect that at restaurants.

I would definitely go here again over any of the chain pizza places.

pancake

4th July 2007

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I agree, great pizza, not expensive. I haven't been to this branch but the one in Stroud Green Rd is always good. It does get really noisy. And all the ingredients go in a pile in the centre of the pizza, for those who care about even distribution...

savagepink

3rd July 2007

4 found this helpful

Definitely one of the best pizzerias in London, and they have other branches in Stroud Green (the original) and Roseberry Avenue. Excellent value and fresh ingredients add up to a winning combination. Not a gourmet joint by any standards, but good hearty fare and a good time.

RVCBCFundraisin

The Legend that is La Porchetta 29th November 2006

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La porchetta is a legend in its own time to all Royal vet college rowers, and to a lesser exent the whole of the college. Host to many rowdy socials, I agree with the previous reviewer in that noise is definitely the order of the day!

The atmosphere is simply amazing. The lower level of the restaurant is definately the place to be, although the cave-like end section can get stuffy and claustrophobic if it fills up. All the italian waiters are always up for a laugh and a very friendly lot.

The food does not disappoint either. I can eat more than most at one sitting, and find that a lot of pizza restaurants leave me feeling like I could eat double the meagre portions they provide. Not la porchetta! The pizzas are huge and delicious, especially the "Calzone" - a folded pizza containing mushrooms, pepperoni and ham.
If you're looking for an alternative to pizza, try the squid ink pasta or charmingly named "Stinco di porco" for more authentic tastes of Italy.

Finally, we must get to the wine. I doubt you can buy a litre of house wine any cheaper in the whole of London. This makes it perfect for any club/lads nights out where the aim is to get somewhat tipsy (note: I in no way condone alcohol abuse in any way!).

All in all, 5 stars. Excellent food, cheap wine, friendly staff, what more can you really ask for?

annika

Pizza Heaven 24th September 2006

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Having grown up in Italy, I admit being a little picky when it comes to Italian food. La Porchetta will never get any Michelin stars but what they really do pretty well is the pizza. I still think it's one of the best to be found in London (but am always open to new suggestions!). Definitely try the one with pears and gorgonzola, it's simply to die for. The other great thing about the place is just how great the prices are. The house wine is decent and the staff (exclusively Italian) are extraordinarily friendly and cheerful (with groups of girls they sometimes are a little too cheerful and friendly...). The other downside (which for me, however, makes the place only more authentic) is the noise level - it's not a place for intimate conversations...
If the one close to Holborn is inconvenient for you, check out their outlets in Islington, Clerkenwell and Finsbury. Go to their website at http://www.laporchetta.co.uk/ to check out the menu. Buon appetito!