The story
Ida in London brings the uncompromising quality of regional Italian cooking to Queen's Park. Founded in 2007 by Avi Reichenbach and his wife Simonetta Wenkert, this Grade II listed corner shop serves as a tribute to Avi's mother, Ida. The restaurant takes its name from Ida, who was born in 1922 in the medieval hilltop town of Cupramontana. Her culinary philosophy championed simplicity over fashion, favoring ingredients so pure she once held a grudge against a Roman greengrocer for packing a bruised peach. Most dishes at the table trace directly back to her recipes. Avi and Simonetta now run the kitchen alongside their three children, keeping the daily rhythm focused on making everything fresh.
Fresh pasta and gnocchi represent the only category the Italian kitchen refuses to compromise on. These elements arrive in-house daily alongside regional specialties. The tagliatelle al ragù Marchigiano adheres to the tradition of using gizzards and hearts. Bronze-cut mafaldine arrives coated in sheep's ricotta, tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan. Vegetable preparations follow the seasons. A salad combines white Devon crabmeat with vine tomatoes and Granny Smith apple, dressed with a velouté of roasted red peppers. The menu avoids fussy deconstructions, prioritizing the integrity of each component.
Dining occurs within a warm, homely setting where the Good Food Guide notes impeccable service. The next generation manages day-to-day operations with infectious warmth, maintaining the spirit of the local community since 2007. Dessert offerings range from seasonal fruit tarts to a basil and dark chocolate panna cotta. Guests can pair meals with a short list of Italian wines or try the saffron and sour-cherry spritz.
Recognition
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