The Italian Gem- NURAGHE, Tuffnell Park London

When a Japanese person recommend you a place specialises in seafood, the chances are they know what they are talking about and you should go try this place. This is what Nuraghe is all about- a place that you probably will never walk in no matter how many times you walked past-

POSSIBLY YOUR BIGGEST MISTAKE MADE YET.

SO READ ON or regret.

Nuraghe is situated on the high road about 3 minute walk from Tuffnell Park station. (FYI, the Northern line). 90% of their customers are JAPANESE. What does this tell you? The promising quality of the seafood this restaurant has to offer.

Restaurant itself is small but very bright and cosy.  The Specials board are located at the back of the restaurant (A little difficult to see)

NOW ON TO THE FOOD.... Prepare to dribble.

ZUPPA SEAFOOD SOUP RRP £5.50

Packed with natural flavours from the seafood itself, this soup is light and non-creamy, and certainly MSG-free. All you can taste is mussels, fish and prawns. Very refreshing starter, but might not be for you if you like something with rich flavours.

Grilled Fresh Scallops RRP £9.50

Massive in size, lightly seasoned, pan grilled with a drizzle of olive oil, these scallops can definitely full fill any taste buds of a seafood lover. Very impressive dish at a crazily reasonable price.

(Chef Special) Carpaccio RRP £ 8.50
Marinated swordfish with anchovies sauce and lettuce salad

EDITOR's ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE. Words cannot describe how in love I am with this FISH! Chef has marinated this sashimi with a secret ingredient that took away all the fishy tastes (I am guessing wine). Mix it with the lettuce and anchovies sauce, you cannot get a better combination. This is possibly one of the BEST FISH DISH I have ever had in my life. MASSIVE RECOMMENDATION! TRY IT!

(Seasonal) Deep Fried Sardines Not for you if you are not no good with bones. But this sardine was a very meaty one thinny battered. FRESH!

Polpo RRP £9.50
Mediterranean octopus with new potatoes, grated dried roe grey mullet & Oil

EDITOR's FAVOURITE! I love octopus. This polpo in my opinion, tasted better than the ones I had in Spain. Generous amount of fresh octopus with boiled potatoes. You have to eat the two together and dip the grated mullet for the kick of flavour. Definitely recommend this!

Ravioli al granchio RRP£11.50
Home made cuttle ink pasta parcels filled with crab meat, mascarpone, served with prawns, garlic & tomato sauce

AND THE MAIN AWARD GOES TO THIS. This is absolutely "BANGING" on the wall! Never had a ravioli so generously packed with crab meat and bursting flavours! The tomato sauce they use is so complementing and does not override the taste of the food. ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS I LOVE IT!

(Chef Special) Pappardelle RRP £11.00
Long egg pasta, served with lamb ragli and cheese

You might think this looks like the spaghetti bolognese that you can get from any Italian, and those are the ones that kills me with their chunk of tomato sauce and greasy meat. This time, I actually like enjoyed it thoroughly. Minced lamb was cooked to perfect, not too chewy, the control of tomato sauce and cheese is immaculate. Generous portions too. A big thumbs up.

Spaghetti ai ricci RRP£13.00
served with sea urchins, garlic, parsley & chilli

Personally would like to see more urchins but this dish is actually packed with flavour, yet they do not clash. A very nice dish indeed especially if you are hungry!!

Home made pannacotta RRP £4.50

THIS IS O.M.G GOOD- and you are reading this from a person that is not crazy about desserts. Super light pudding full of texture with a flavoursome raspberry sauce on top. I cannot fault this dessert! You have to try it to believe it. However, if you have a very sweet tooth, you might find this very bland.

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EDITOR's dining tip:

1. This restaurant has a "reservation only" policy, so make sure you make a reservation or you are likely to not get a table.
2. If the Italian menu seems all a little confusing- DO NOT WORRY. Simply ask the staff (look for red short hair woman) to recommend you their special. You can't go wrong.

Overall Rating: 
Staff: 
(The restaurant gets very very busy on weekends and they are always under staff, so service can bit a little slow at times like this. However, they really try their best)

Food: 
(Come here for the starters, order enough to fill yourself up with massive satisfaction. Having said that, I have never been served good quality spaghetti with such generous portions)

Hygiene: 
Value: 
(For all this high quality food?! It has to be a five star!)

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As the restaurant does not have a website, I have attached the essential info below:

Nuraghe
12 Dartmouth Park Hill
London
NW5 1HL

Tel: 020 7263 4560

Open 6.30-11.30pm daily

NB: Review above is a mere personal opinion.