As we unwillingly saunter into September, those of us desperately clinging onto what has felt like a uniquely short (and wet) summer season will have begun franticly searching for the last signs of summer.
There’s a last-minute scramble for Al Fresco dining, and a double helping of after work park visits where ‘picky bits’ from Waitrose are the menu for the evening. There’s the realisation that those final, limited-edition menus will soon be ending, and it’s time to book before the seasons out. Our suggestion? Hitting up the last few weeks of Gloria’s summer menu; East London’s beloved Italian trattoria.
Aside from the appetising cuisine and show stopping dishes that were made for the gram (we’re looking at you, lemon pie), if you truly want to hold onto summer, name a spot better than one that mimic’s the Italian island of Capri? Sunshine may not be guaranteed, but once inside, you won’t even notice the weather.
Start your evening with an aperitif in their cosy, animated bar; a warm snug of marble surfaces and glowing lights, where drinkers pile in to start their evening. Whether you’re after a cocktail or simply an Aperol spritz, swing by early to grab a drink.
Once seated in our mini banquette, it was suggested by the all Italian team of staff; who remained as friendly and attentive as my first visit to Gloria back in 2019, to try the refreshing Bardolino Chiaretto; a light rosé that slipped down effortlessly. My friend enjoyed a Saltburn Margarita, that came with pineapple juice and jalapeno; the perfect balance of sweet and punchy.
We started things off with Burrata e Friggitelli; a giant pillow of burrata straight from Puglia, bursting with a sun-dried tomato and almond pesto filling, served with sweet friggitelli peppers that added a brilliant sweetness to the dish. Transport yourself to the Amalfi coast with succulent melon and classic Prosciutto; simple, but delicious, all served on the hand painted Sicilian crockery that remains on everyone’s kitchen Pinterest board. Focaccia and olives were also a must.
Just like her equally chic sister restaurants (Circolo Popolare and Ave Mario); Gloria offers the ultimate opportunity to experience the two Italian food pinnacles with grandeur; pasta and pizza.
Our choice? Paccheri allá norma, one of the specials for the summer; a take on the classic norma with the addition of juicy paccheri pieces. With a zesty lemon and ricotta base and added parmigiano on top, this dish hit all the right places. The Girella alla Bolognese was a refreshing change from the usual, with an elongated snaking piece of twisted pasta filled with ricotta and topped with beef and pork ragù. We also, not so subtly, spied a neighbouring table filled with pizza, Hot to Trot; topped with onion chutney and spicy salami (the jealousy was in full spin).
When it comes to Dolci, you’re spoiled for choice with this menu, and we couldn’t say no to a piece of the Incomparable Lemon Pie, that was as light and fluffy as it looks. If you’re looking to see summer out in style, don’t miss Gloria’s summer menu, available the 14th September.
Gloria’s summer menu is available until the 14th September.
For bookings visit www.bigmammagroup.com
Words by Miranda Bunnis
