Mele e Pere, Soho – Review
MǶ¦le e Pére ( or `apples and pears` to you and me) has since established itself as that most sought after of Soho destinations: an authentic, no nonsense friendly Trattoria serving fresh Italian cuisine with effortless style and bundles of charm in a relaxed, casual environment. Lussorian stumbled across it last Friday after spying the jewel coloured Murano fruit lined up like semiprecious stones in Brewer Street’s most eye catching window display.
Once inside friendly staff led us down into a surprisingly spacious dining area where reclaimed Venetian tiles line the walls and rows of homemade Vermouth prop up a long copper bar. Away from the hustle and bustle of media land it’s easy to sit back and let the staff guide you through a seasonal menu in which traditional northern Italian recipes like braised rabbit and polenta jostle with southern seafood delights such as grilled octopus and salt cod with clams.
We shared a few dishes that tested our tastebuds including ‘mustard fruit’ and ‘black cuttlefish’ – the inexpensive tapas style servings allow you to really get adventurous and discover some fantastic new flavours. If you’ve room left for mains the beef ragu tagliatelle will satisfy any appetite and a gently steamed sea trout with red chicory provides a light alternative. It’s certainly worth working up a hunger because this place makes it’s own Gelato and even sticky homemade peach & apricot Vermouth! We couldn’t quite make room but would recommend a delicious Pear bellini to kick start your evening as well as consulting your waiter on the best wine to match your meal, their drinks menu is extensive and they really know their stuff. For great food at a great price in one of London’s coolest eating destinations look no further!
* Half price drinks are currently available with any food orders between 4-7pm on weekdays.
Mele e Pere, www.meleepere.co.uk, 46 Brewer St, Soho, London W1F 9TF.
