The tag line of The Italian Taste, a small and unassuming neighbourhood restaurant in Surbiton, is "mangia bene", eat well. Whether this is an order or a promise is moot point, for the modestly sized menu of uncomplicated Italian favourites, fulfils on both interpretations.
Established almost 20 years ago in 1997, in the London suburb which lends the word part of and typifies it in the extreme, The Italian Taste sticks to its self-appointed brief of ‘good Italian food’. The chefs use fresh, healthy produce, mix with a little seasoning, a well chosen herb or two, and then apply a simple yet well executed cooking technique before serving with just a little bit of Italian gusto.
With a well selected number of antipasti, pasta, meat and fish courses to choose from - no course comes in with more than 8 choices which reflects the focus of the kitchen - or the option to have a pizza, a very traditional Italian meal can be enjoyed, washed down with an inexpensive wine from one of Italy’s man great wine producing regions.
Highlights include veal saltimbocca, linguine vongole and the ever-comforting fegato in padella which is an iron boosting dish of calves liver, sage, onions and mashed potato. Special notice should be given too, to the zucchini fritte , a simple dish, yet often messed in kitchens across the country. Trust. However in the well priced version offered by The Italian Taste, Surbiton.
With a relaxed and informal atmosphere, The Italian Taste is a good choice for most dining adventures.