glorious gloria

Sarah and I finally made it to Gloria, after trying to get a table a month ago! Having learnt from our previous experience, we got to Gloria as soon as our day at work had finished and got our names down for a table. I wouldn't normally do this for a London restaurant, however, we both had been so excited to try it out and see whether the buzz was worth it. With our names down, we had an hour and a half to kill so found out way to the nearest cocktail bar for some pre-dinner drinks. Bone Daddies had our name on it and we made the most of their happy hour whilst munching of freshly grilled patron peppers, doused in big, juicy sea salt flakes. 

Receiving our text message to say our table at Gloria was ready we hot footed it across the streets of Shoreditch and quickly found ourselves sinking into a corner banquette with views across the restaurant floor. For me, the interiors have been a reason to visit. My company did the interiors for the original restaurant in Paris a few years ago, as well as two other spaces from the Big Mamma Group, so I was keen to see how Gloria would measure up, without the help of MBDS. It's really beautiful, with lovely upholstered seating, marble-topped tables, moody lighting and fresh planting everywhere. Little details like the hand-painted plates and serving platters fool you into thinking you're in Positano and the buzzy, Italian ambience makes for a fantastic evening with friends. 

We ordered drinks and sharing plates for a starter; focaccia and oil; burrata bresaola and fennel salumi. After a slight mix up with our drinks order we were brought some complimentary prosecco (!) and we settled in for our Friday feast. Wedding diet was certainly off the cards for the night. 

For our mains we ordered big bowls of steaming pasta. Tartuffo for Sarah- frilly ribbons of pasta bathing in rich truffle sauce with extra truffle shaved on top and Black Mamba for me - a cuttle fish ink spaghetti with candied tomatoes and tender chunks of cuttle fish to mop up the sauce. The portions are hearty, which we loved, as so often you order pasta and you get a measly amount when all you really want is a steamy bowl of the stuff that won't leave you hungry for more. We both agreed that whilst the pasta was delicious (it really was; al dente and interesting flavor wise), we preferred Trullo or Padella. Gloria, on the other hand, has a fantastic ambience that's perfect for celebratory birthdays or just an evening with friends.

Despite my bulging tummy, we ordered pudding to share. We'd seen portions of lemon meringue pie being delivered to neighboring tables and we knew we needed a bite of the action! The pie is enormous; a huge, billowing pile of soft, whipped Italian meringue, caramelised on the sides and sitting on a crisp biscuit base with a tangy lemon curd blanket. If you come to Gloria, please order this even if you're fit to bursting! Our waiter was charming and brought us complimentary shots of limoncello to finish off our evening. Saluti! 

^^ The look of love

A perfect start to our weekend, I'm so glad we peservered in getting a table. It's worth the trek across to Shoreditch and the wait for your table to be ready. Bring friends, Gloria is perfect for large groups - and don't forget to leave space for the pie!



L.