L'Assaggino

L'Assaggino is a charming little restaurant tucked away in East Twickenham that delivers an authentic taste of Sardinia. The owner, who is from Sardinia, imports many of the ingredients from his homeland, and it shows in every dish. The menu is limited but everything is executed beautifully—fresh handmade pasta with both seafood and meat sauces is the highlight. I had the pappardelle al ragu di agnello which was rich and perfectly balanced, while my companion enjoyed the ravioli asparagi. The starters, particularly the aubergine parmigiana, are also excellent.

The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, reminiscent of a small family-run trattoria in Italy. Service is friendly and attentive, and the wine list, though small, features interesting Sardinian selections including a slightly sweet white with great minerality that pairs wonderfully with seafood dishes. They even have their own Sardinian beer. It's a place where passion for food is evident, and it's no surprise they managed to survive the pandemic lockdowns. This is the kind of spot you'd stumble upon in the backstreets of an Italian town—simple, honest, and delicious.