East End greasy spoon meets Little Italy in this charming Italian café. E Pellicci steers away from the quiet cup of coffee ilk, making a lunch break here all the more invigorating.

The Venue
Located on Bethnal Green Road, E Pellicci is a diamond in the rough, and thus corners the market for the lunchtime trade in a largely residential area. On approach, the café’s authentic appeal helps it stand out, with an Italian canopy that allows diners to sit out the front of the restaurant.

Continuing the authenticity, the interior is decked out with traditional Italian furnishings – an old-fashioned cash register is quaint and cute while a coffee machine covered in Ferrari logos is boisterous and brash yet absolutely fitting in this lively joint. The kitchen is visible through a little window hatch at the back of the restaurant, and orders are bellowed back and forth during the lunchtime rush.

Signed pictures of popular members from the cast of Eastenders decorate the same walls which hang traditional, Italian family photographs, perfectly demonstrating the dual nature of this East End café-cum-Italian bistro.

The Atmosphere
During the lunchtime rush a queue stretches out the front door, but from the moment you step foot in the restaurant you are welcomed with friendly, mischievous banter and flirtatious, Mediterranean charm courtesy of the Italian waiting staff. As customers from all walks of life come into the restaurant they are greeted as if part of a large and multi-cultural family and most of the clientele are seemingly loyal locals. The tiny restaurant floor fills out quickly and sharing a table is not out of the ordinary during the lunchtime rush, although this only further cements the family feel of E Pellicci.

The Food
The food on offer at E Pellicci manages to straddle two totally different cuisine cultures, with your classic British cafe fare on the same menu as some Italian classics. A variety of full English breakfasts (including a veggie option) come in at a very reasonable £5 each and would put most greasy spoon breakfasts to shame, fully loaded with the typical tucker.

The lunch menu also has classic British dishes on the menu such as shepherd's pie (£6.40), but it’s the Italian dishes that steal the show, with large portions of spaghetti Bolognese and classic Italian lasagne both coming in at £6.40. The veal escalope (£7.80) is the priciest dish on the menu, demonstrating just how reasonable these rich Italian dishes are.

For a lighter lunch, a long list of sandwiches and rolls come with a range of Italian and English fillings. For a more authentic flavour a ciabatta option is also available, with prices ranging from £3.20 up to £5.20. The mozzarella and tomato ciabatta (£4.60) is served Italian style with plenty of olive oil and fresh basil adding to the Mediterranean flavours of juicy, ripe tomato and generous mounds of melted mozarella.

The Drink
Coffee from the Ferrari-emblazoned machine is smooth and fresh tasting, and the cappuccino comes coated with generous amounts of foam and cocoa powder. Pots of teas are also available to complement that slap up breakfast, as are a whole host of soft drinks.

The Last Word
Serving up both English café classics and Italian bistro dishes at such reasonable prices, it is easy to understand how E Pellicci has built up such a loyal, local following and become a lunchtime favourite for so many. The boisterous and busy atmosphere makes this unassuming cafe all the more unique.

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