La Tarantella

We first came across La Tarantella a few years ago when we moved into the area and, faced with the daunting task of unpacking, decided instead to go out for dinner. Located down one of the side roads off Chiswick High Road, we found this charming little restaurant. We enjoyed the food so much that our next three dinners were from Tarantella.

Started by Italian chefs in 2007, this is a place to come to for some authentic Italian food. Pizza dough is freshly made every day, and pasta is naturally cooked “al dente”. The Gamberoni Arrostiti (roasted tiger prawns with garlic and chilli, served with salad leaves) were lovely and fresh. The Burrata Aqua Sale (burrata from Puglia with water soaked bread, onions, baby plum tomatoes, capers and rocket) was soft and creamy. The pizzas are thin and light; my favourite pizza being the Napoli pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, anchovies, capers and olives. The rocket, tomato and parmesan salad with the delicious umami taste of shavings of parmesan cheese was very fresh. The Spaghetti Granchietti (with Dorset crab, baby plum tomatoes, garlic and courgettes) is definitely worth trying.

The chocolate fondant dessert, topped with a gooseberry is a wonderful way to end the meal. And of course, with a smooth shot of espresso.

La Tarantella is very popular amongst locals and tends to get quite busy for lunch and dinner. The decor is simple like an Italian family restaurant. The seating area is quite small inside and there are a few tables outside, which is lovely when the weather is good. Staff are very friendly and welcoming.