A friendly restaurant that delivers on food as well as atmosphere, Tinello is a welcome addition to Pimlico.

The Venue
Located a quick walk from Sloane Square tube, Tinello’s look is all about an easy-going sophistication, with mirrored walls, banquettes and solid but stylish furniture – posh, but not fussy. Tables are slightly too close together but even by 8pm, early on in the week, it’s nearly full.

The Atmosphere
Tinello has a great atmosphere, with eager, hospitable staff that are clearly proud about the kitchen’s skills. Expect a clientele of locals and women meeting up with friends after work for some gossip, wine and hearty Italian food.

The Food
And hearty it is, with an old fashioned appeal and good quality ingredients. Prices are pretty much spot on for the area, with a nice option of mix and match small eats, tapas style plates at about £2 to £3 each. From these, the burrata and tomato bread (£2.80) is excellent, the cheese soft and creamy and the bread topped with a sauce that you can taste has been made with fresh, ripe tomatoes. Fried courgettes (£2.50) are as delicious as they are adorable, a crisp tangle of thin strips of lightly battered courgettes. From the list of more traditional starters, squid, potato, chickpea and chilli stew (£7) is surprisingly light, the rings of squid cooked impeccably.

The roast pork loin (£16) comes with a pre-warning that it’s quite fatty, although once it appears any reservations vanish as the fat makes the meat even more flavourful. Mustard sauce gives it a subtle kick. From the list of pasta options, the ricotta and spinach gnudi – a signature dish – are described as similar to dumplings by staff. They’re surprisingly green (there’s no pasta coating) and very cheesy, and look pretty on the bright red tomato sauce. It’s a small dish but, thanks to the cheese, very filling. For dessert, the apple strudel cake (£4.50) is crisp and rich, but perhaps a bit too heavy on the powdered sugar, whilst the gelato (£3.50) is a refreshing treat if you’ve had a big main course.

The Drink
Although Tinello offers plenty of Italian wines there are choices from all around the world, including South Africa, Austria and the US. Prices are extraordinarily reasonable, with bottles from just £13 and glasses from £2.50. Champagne, prosecco and dessert wines are also available, as well as a long list of spirits, including four types of the fearsomely strong grappa, an Italian spirit made with grapes.

The Last Word
Though the menu is enough to draw you in, Tinello’s cheerful staff and upbeat, friendly atmosphere will make you want to stay. Definitely worth a visit if you’re a fan of Italian food.

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