Il Piccolo Villaggio is an Italian restaurant at 59 Church Lane in East Finchley. Its extensive all day menu is built around freshly cooked dishes and carefully selected ingredients, giving local diners a wide choice rather than concentrating on a single Italian region. The relaxed setting suits family meals, casual lunches and longer evenings shared over several courses.
Antipasti range from rustic tomato bruschetta and aubergine parmigiana to Parma ham with buffalo mozzarella, garlic prawns, fried calamari and mussels in tomato, courgette and wine. Burrata with cherry tomatoes and pesto brings a fresh vegetarian option. Marinated olives, mixed salumi and several styles of garlic bread make straightforward plates for sharing.
Pasta covers classics such as lasagne, Bolognese, carbonara and arrabbiata alongside crab tagliolini, clam linguine, seafood pasta and gnocchi. Vegetarian combinations use mushrooms, spinach, ricotta, courgette, tomato and pecorino, with gluten free pasta available. Risotto brings prawns, seafood, vegetables, mushrooms or Italian sausage together with Arborio rice and wine.
Pizza ranges from Margherita and four cheese to versions topped with Italian sausage, Parma ham, vegetables or mixed seafood. Beyond pasta and pizza, the kitchen serves grilled sea bass, sea bream, salmon, steak, chicken and veal, usually with simple vegetables or potatoes. Salads and vegan dishes broaden the selection, allowing mixed groups to find a complete Italian meal in one menu.
Address: 59 Church Lane, East Finchley, London N2 8DR, United Kingdom