136 Lauriston Road,
Hackney,
London,
E9 7LH
(020) 8985 8448
The ViewLondon Review
Su Sazzagoni’s charm and appeal are made up of several parts: a classic Italian bar, an English coffee shop, and a Sardinian delicatessen and trattoria. Generous portions, fantastic service and lively atmosphere make this spot worth coming back to again and again.
The Venue
As you walk in and smell the tantalising aroma of pizza cooking and hear the delightful Italian music playing, you know it’s going to be a meal to remember. The decor at Su Sazzagoni is uncomplicated and rustic. The large open kitchen complete with a wood burning pizza oven is the centre point of the room. Exposed brick and tan coloured stone walls add warmth and character. Decorations are kept minimal with several authentic Sardinian masks hanging around. The dining area is made up of five long, wood communal tables seating twelve people each and finished with simple blue tablecloths. Su Sazzagoni’s theme is casual family style dining so you are sure to have good conversation and even make new friends while enjoying your meal. If you liking dining alfresco, there is plenty of seating outside as well.
The Atmosphere
You feel as if you have just landed in the capital city of Cagliari and wandered into the local trattoria for a meal. It doesn’t get any more authentic than this. The staff are very friendly and very willing to explain menu items and offer advice and personal suggestions. The owner’s passion for the restaurant and its patrons shines through as she chats with customers, waits on tables and oversees the full operation of the restaurant with style and class.
The Food
Su Sazzagoni has something to please everyone. Menus include English, Sardinian and continental breakfast served until 12:20pm, sandwiches and focacce served until 5:30pm, The a la carte includes antipasti (starters), primi piatti (pasta and rice), secondi piatti (fish or meat), contorni (side dishes), and dessert. There is also a three course set menu for £22 per person including a starter, main course and dessert and a two course set lunch for £14.50 per person. If you are a pizza lover, Su Sazzagoni offers any pizza to take away for £7.50. For the ultimate Sardinian dining experience, try the cena agristuristics menu (£45 per person) which is seventeen courses of Sardinian specialities like you have never seen before. Su Sazzagoni also has a small delicatessen where you can purchase foods such as pasta, cured meats and cheese.
Antipasto sardo (£8.50) is a delicious and hearty choice for a starter. It consists of a selection of Sardinian cured meats such as salami and prosciutto, cheese and grilled vegetables. Pair this with some of the fresh homemade bread and you have yourself a very satisfying appetiser. Caprese e polpettine (£7.90) is another fantastic starter of buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and either aubergine polpettine or Sardinian caponata. This is how buffalo mozzarella should be, creamy, slightly salty and so soft that you don’t need a knife to cut it. The caponata, which is sometimes substituted in place of the aubergine, is a mix of celery, peppers, thinly sliced aubergines and capers all marinated in a tangy and sweet balsamic vinegar and olive dressing.
Fantasia di verdure (£9.90), a vegetarian main, is a substantial portion of fresh tagliatelle with a savoury pesto sauce and crunchy, bite sized mixed vegetables (green beans and courgettes). Grigliata mista di carne (£15.50), on the other hand, is a main course for meat lovers. You get charcoal grilled chicken thigh and leg, Sardinian sausage and lamb chops served with roast potatoes and grilled vegetables. The various meats are all seasoned well, succulent, juicy, and grilled to perfection. Since Sardinia is known for its seafood, the tonno all’isolana (£16.90) is highly recommended. A charcoal grilled tuna steak topped with a crust of poppy seeds, the fish is undeniably fresh, cooked to your liking, and served with seasonal grilled vegetables.
With so many delectable choices you will find difficulty in picking a dessert. One that stands out is the tiramisu (£5) which is served in individual glass round dishes and is decadence at its finest. The creamy, rich, and ultra thick mascarpone cheese make Su Saggagoni’s tiramisu stand out from others. Looking for an out of the ordinary, traditional Sardinian dessert? Then try the unforgettable seadas (£6.50). This savoury and sweet dish is a pastry filled with fresh pecorino cheese then deep fried and topped with honey. The cheese is mild enough not to overpower the sweetness of the honey and though this sounds a little odd, it is quite tasty.
The Drink
Wines range from £15 to £30 per bottle and choices include red, white and rose. There also are sparkling wines, aperitifs, beer, cocktails, soft drinks, juices and coffees. The house red wine, Su Sazzagoni Nieddu Cantina Dorgali, is light for a red wine and goes down very smooth and doesn’t compete with the flavours of your food.
The Last Word
At Su Sazzagoni you can soak in all the passion and warmth of Sardinia just outside of Victoria Park.
Su Sazzagoni has been reviewed by 24 users