Sale e Pepe - with smiling walls

One thing that really sprang to mind while dining at Sale e Pepe was that the service made me smile! Not a tight lip smile, or a fake smile, but a genuine toothy grin that sends happy thoughts to the brain. 

In the heart of Knightsbridge, right next to Harrods, Sale e Pepe has been there for over 30 years, but I could've sworn that I was in a family restaurant somewhere in the middle of Italy! The dining room was buzzing, and it truly felt like there was one waiter for each table. Red roses and white table cloths, where the staff  were at times louder than the diners while 'conducting' the dinner service.

Insalata Tricolore £10.50

 
Starting with the Insalata Tricolore and the Malenzane (Aubergines baked in tomato sauce with Mozzarella) to share, this was a perfect start to the meal.

Melanzane alla Parmigiana £10.50

The insanely huge tomatoes on the salad were perfectly fresh and had the true rich flavour, which only achieved through a full course of ripening on the vine. The only thing which slightly reduced the quality for me was the mozzarella; it was too small for such a 'big' salad.

The tomato based sauce on the aubergines was superbly flavoured, a light yet satisfying dish.

Agnello alla Monteverde £17.50

The 'main' menu was boasting with choice, and I was torn as I appreciated the presence of Calves Liver and the nights' special just sounded delicious (beef medallions with truffle sauce, or a whole baked fish as an example). I decided on the Lamb Cutlets pan fried in Parmesan flavoured Breadcrumbs and Fresh Mixed Herbs. The cutlets were succulent and juicy, and yet perhaps too 'bready', however the flavours were spot on. 

Too full for dessert, and not to mention the fantastic Cosmopolitan (£7), Sale e Pepe is truly a little gem. If you are feeling down, let the staff and the homey food bring right back up.

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