Our first lunch in London was excellent thanks to Melanzana. The pizza and eggplant were terrific. The service and atmosphere was quiet and attentive. Highly recommend for all who want a good meal in a nice location! read more

So far our favorite meal on our London trip. After a long flight from India, we decided to grab a meal close to our flat. We were not disappointed by this choice. Service was extremely friendly. And the pizza it was out of this world. I got the Proscuitto E Rucola pizza and my husband- the Numero Sei. Thin crust and scrumptious toppings. Thank goodness we had leftovers for a second meal to enjoy. Truly yummy! read more

I've had really good experiences here, and they do an excellent latte. However yesterday (Sunday afternoon) I was witness to a long string of service faux pas... (1) 5 members of staff, and 3 customers... they didn't manage to seat us after 1 minute so we sat ourselves. It took another 6 minutes to order, and 3 for coffee. I almost walked out since the wait was so appaling. (2) One waitress was busy at the deli counter... as she cut the meats, she was snacking on them. (3) The apparent reason they were all busy is because they were preparing late lunch for two of their waitresses, as we saw them sit down in front of delectable looking food complete with a pint each. I don't care if staff eat front of house, but I don't believe that a sacrifice in customer service to meet these ends is appropriate. (4) One waitress was drying cutlery, dropped the drying cloth on the floor, looked around to see if anyone caught her... (assumed no one did... she didn't spot me) and then resumed. read more

This place inspried me to write a pretty long review! I'd heard about Melanza from my mum who stays with a friend around the corner. I think they 'almost' ate there one night - you know, those times you walk past a restaurant and really wish you were hungry but unfortunately all you can manage is a peppermint tea or something, as you'd walked the other way that night and stopped somewhere else. Battersea Square isn't exactly a square and, it has to be said, in a city teeming with cute streets and leafy squares, there are more desirable locations that are easier on the eye but Battersea Square has something special. With a nice collection of bars and restaurants, it's something of a hidden gem - for example I love Barrio, a fantastic Latin bar with sister venues up in Angel and Soho. Anyway, I digress, I guess my mum's comment stuck and I found myself wandering in with my husband on a quiet and overcast Monday afternoon. The menu wasn't available - it was that awkward hour between 4-6pm when most places are closed - but anything from the counter was there for our consumption. Don't worry, we went back very soon after for an amazing dinner. Trying to keep my gaze from the distraction of shelves heaving with the sort of Italian groceries that my flatmate (who's from Sicily) regularly flies home to stock up on, I focussed on the array of delicious offerings. A cheerful member of staff was immediately warm and friendly and was very helpful in recommending dishes. Lasagne was a given - it was over 3 inches high and looked amazing. Pizza slices, why not? Pizza isn't something I generally enjoy but these looked mouthwatering. The manager had just finished his lunch of sea bream with all manner of vegetables julienne style tossed in a light vinaigrette, well if it was good enough for him it was good enough from me. A few extras such as mozzarella & tomatoes wrapped in courgette, olives, bread and butter topped off the order and we sat down. The venue has a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere, a couple of tables were occupied and the odd person popped in to book a table for that evening. With large windows, Melanza offers a bright and fresh space that would suit any time of the day for a coffee, snack or meal. The food arrived at an enjoyable pace, the pizza was that great balance of tasty, doughy bread that was crispy on the outer edges, with A fantastic balance of flavours with no single, overpowering taste. The quality of the cheese and the bread was obvious, as was the freshness of the toppings. These guys know their stuff. My lunch arrived, I think it was the first time I'd ordered Sea Bream in a restaurant and I was thoroughly impressed. My meal was a success through and through - the Julienne vegetables were perfectly cooked and seasoned and the fish was a delicate flavour that worked well with the vegetables. Also, the added extras were a great addition, especially the courgette rolls. The smell of melted cheese announced the arrival of the lasagne. A masterpiece. Bubbling slightly at the edges and looking imposing enough in its bowl to satisfy any hungry stomach. Deliciously gooey, but not in that mushy pasta sort of way, the lasagne was a sensation. The friendly waiter served us a mountain of parmesan (great to have a venue with such fantastic products who don't withhold them from guests - there's nothing worse than a tiny smattering of parmesan on your pasta and having to ask your waiter "please sir, can I have some more'! Anyway, back to one of the best lasagne I have ever tasted. I'd be inclined to say it was the best I've ever had but I fear my mum would be upset - she makes a darn good lasagne - in fact, scrap that - this definitely is the winner. Sorry mum! I used to wish that I had a box of chocolates an that each time I chose a chocolate from the box it would be replaced the next time I opened the box. Well I wished this lasagne would never end and that I would never be replete and that I'd be able to continue eating it day and night. I'd love to have had space for a coffee but viewed it as an excuse to go back again - which we did (we returned for dinner shortly afterwards and I am happy to report that their coffee is delicious, as is their dinner menu). I now have further excuses up my sleeve - I need to try the quiche, I need to try the set lunch, then there's the wine list to be explored,...the possibilities are endless. In fact, if you come by yourself, there's a high chance you'll find me at a table looking for something I've yet to try on the menu! Amazing place but be careful it's now getting very busy in the evenings so you will probably need to book read more

My friend scoots by Melanzana every day on the way to and from work, and we decided to pop in on a recent Friday night. It's hidden in Battersea Square, a nice locale that isn't well connected and presumably overlooked by anyone who's not from the area. The place was fairly heaving but we still managed to get a table. The service was fairly good and we were given a nice little amuse bouche of bruschetta. I started with a caprese salad, which included some of the freshest and most flavourful mozzarella I have had in a long time. My main was a linguine with mussels. Tasty but certainly not as zippy as I may have hoped. My meal was good....I wouldn't say outstanding but certainly better than most Italians in London. That said, I think that I'd like to visit again to come to a more certain conclusion! The price was more than manageable- starter, main + 2 glasses of wine came to about £20. I definitely plan on checking it out again, as well as their deli counter, which was full of nice looking bits to take home. all those in Battersea or passing through can't do much better! read more

This place has amazing food and service. We were visiting from the US and the owner went above and beyond with helping us out with questions we had and we went back several times throughout our trip because the food was just that good. read more

This is my local, and just some of the best Italian food you can find in London...! Not too pricey either, which is important, the house wine's excellent. Always eaten really well here, Thoroughly recommend it! You might have to book though. It is popular. read more

The only thing better than the food were the proprietors. So kind and friendly they embraced us like long lost friends. This was close to our rented flat for a London Trip and we were able to visit more than once. On our first visit with the kids they made a special pizza for my dairy free son. On our second visit we were greeted by name and ushered to a corner table for a lovely pasta dinner. Don't skimp on dessert and be sure to get the tiramisu. Also notable were the lasagne and carbonara. Thanks much to our hosts for making our London experience that much nicer. read more

Lovely Italian place with gorgeous pastas. There's a really warm atmosphere, the owner comes around often (twice giving me a bit of lemoncello!) and they're unendingly friendly. I'm a little broke so I can only comment on pastas and starters - i've had the pizzas which are okay, but not amazing. That pasta though...! My top recommendation would be the lamb bolognese. It never goes off the menu and it's spectacular. Other than that, I normally try any one of the specials. The carpaccio is a really good starter, but my favorite (when it appears) is the tuna tartare. Previous reviewers are probably right about service - it is slow and often faulty. I've had lost reservations, forgotten items, long waits. But in a friendly neighborhood restaurant, with a glass of wine, a perfect plate of pasta and families chatting around me (many of them in Italian) I couldn't care less! read more

Lucio and Jimmy are back on the square with a new partner Paolo. They had previously been across the road now a Dry Cleaners with a small deli cafe but now have created a Deli , Cafe and Tratoria that serves simple mainly southern Italian cuccina casalinga . Even though Melanzana opened yesterday I was able to enjoy an excellent plate of pasta a la Norma (Rigatoni with aubergine , tomato and garlic sauce ith Sicilian Ricotta). The daily changing menu is availble to eat in or take away. The deli counter has a wide range of salumi , hams and cheeses and there is excellent bread and small selection of vegatables. It's also great to be able to get a decent espresso as the other places on Battersea Square have coffee which frankly is as bad as their food. Melanzana is a much needed addition to the Battersea Square area that is open for breakfast through to dinner . read more

Great wine and food to stop in for lunch! Did so yesterday with a friend and very much enjoyed it!!

Tried twice, got nowhere, twice. We moved in locally a few days ago. Having seen the place from the outside (looks like a great Deli / Italian taverna) we planned to eat here on Friday night. On arrival, we were shown to a table for two which we occupied for about 15 seconds. After an exchange in Italian, we were evicted by a waitress muttering that the table was reserved for someone else. We heading across the street to London House (see separate review) and had a wonderful meal. Definitely go there. The next morning we walked past and decided to give the place a second chance and try some breakfast. The menu on the door clearly stated breakfast until 1145. We walked in at 1055 and asked for a table. After a shouting exchange between waitress and manager, we were told that the kitchen was closed and that they were not serving breakfast. On both occasions the staff were curt, bordering on rude. I have no idea what the food is like, because we did not have a chance to eat! Twice! Probably best avoided, or have a close alternative. read more

Again, going to this place for my work leaving do, and as always the atmosphere here is immensely great! I prebooked a table for 10 people and within 25 minutes, everyone was served from the order. The pizza I had was great, which was the Prosciutto e Rucola, the ingredients were good, especially the parma ham which was salty but nice, and had to spend 25 minutes eating through this with the Moriti Beer. There wasnt much cheese but the crunchiness of the pizza base makes it taste like a bread biscuit which is very buttery rich. Everyone else enjoyed it especially the Buffolina which is a firm favourite for most of my colleagues! read more

Melanzana - Prosciutto e Rucola - Italian Near Me - London, XGL

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This update previously mentioned service being slow, but I haven't had this problem again recently, been there several more times. It's a great place! read more

We loved the ambiance and the warmth of the Owner and staff! Our favorite kind of neighborhood Restaurant! We had the Caesar salad, my husband doesn't like Caesar salad, but he ate just about all of mine. It had a nice garlic flavor, but not overwhelming , the croutons were perfect, not dry like most places , probably one of the best Caesars I have tasted. (In fact we had one at Harrods recently and it was pretty bad.) Then we shared A huge calzone with lots of meat light on the cheese, great sauce. The flavor perfect and the crust not too doughy with a nice texture. For Dessert Tiramisu fabulous! Must have it! I'm A foodie, but not a snob I just enjoy eating a great Meal, Also a nice wine list we liked the Merlot I can't Remember the name. Anyway, this was wordy, but Would hate to have anyone miss out on this food. read more

Very small, locally owned establishment. Service was very attentive and prompt. Food was extremely good and well prepared. Limited wine list but well priced and we enjoyed our selection. We dined early but by the time we left there was only one open table so reservations should be considered. We had a very nice experience at this small locals restaurant. read more

One of the best Italian in SW London. Great service, fantastic food quality and the feeling of being in Italy.

The first time I visited this restaurant I really enjoyed my pasta meal. However, a week later the experience was nothing like as good. My friend and I waited for half an hour for our meal which was described as chicken in truffle oil with chips. When it eventually arrived neither of us could taste the truffle oil and the chips were sliced potatoes. Although other guests were supplied with bread we were not, neither were we warned that the meal would take so long to arrive. 20 minutes after placing the order we asked why it was taking so long we were told that everything is cooked freshly (which is no more than we would expect). We asked why this had not been stated upfront to give us the opportunity to order a starter. The question was met with indifference. This has gone from being a restaurant we would visit regularly to one we won't visit again. read more

This is my favorite restaurant in London. A quaint, welcoming dinning room on the corner of a quiet road in Battersea serving up some incredible food. The real star of this restaurant was the staff, everyone was kind, humorous, accommodating, generous, and professional. My first visit was on Valentine's Day--a busy service. The staff had no reason or obligation to be so personal and engaging, but they did. They didn't treat us like Royalty, they treated us like family, and that is the best service I can ask for. read more

It doesn't get better than this. Delicious food prepared with love and care. Attentive staff always delighted to see you and nothing is too much trouble. Thank you again and again to Paolo Jimmy and the team. read more

We happened upon this gem while walking in the area. The food was delicious and our waiter was friendly. We're here for only a week, and I hope we will get a chance to return again. The smoked swordfish salad was unusual, with large slices of the sword fish on top of an arugula base with fresh lemony taste. Between we seven we had pizzas, salads and pastas, and everyone was very happy with their portion, though the pizzas were enough for two. read more

This place inspried me to write a pretty long review! I'd heard about Melanza from my mum who stays with a friend around the corner. I think they 'almost' ate there one night you know, those times you walk past a restaurant and really wish you were hungry but unfortunately all you can manage is a peppermint tea or something, as you'd walked the other way that night and stopped somewhere else. Battersea Square isn't exactly a square and, it has to be said, in a city teeming with cute streets and leafy squares, there are more desirable locations that are easier on the eye but Battersea Square has something special. With a nice collection of bars and restaurants, it's something of a hidden gem for example I love Barrio, a fantastic Latin bar with sister venues up in Angel and Soho. Anyway, I digress, I guess my mum's comment stuck and I found myself wandering in with my husband on a quiet and overcast Monday afternoon. The menu wasn't available it was that awkward hour between 4-6pm when most places are closed but anything from the counter was there for our consumption. Don't worry, we went back very soon after for an amazing dinner. Trying to keep my gaze from the distraction of shelves heaving with the sort of Italian groceries that my flatmate (who's from Sicily) regularly flies home to stock up on, I focussed on the array of delicious offerings. A cheerful member of staff was immediately warm and friendly and was very helpful in recommending dishes. Lasagne was a given it was over 3 inches high and looked amazing. Pizza slices, why not? Pizza isn't something I generally enjoy but these looked mouthwatering. The manager had just finished his lunch of sea bream with all manner of vegetables julienne style tossed in a light vinaigrette, well if it was good enough for him it was good enough from me. A few extras such as mozzarella & tomatoes wrapped in courgette, olives, bread and butter topped off the order and we sat down. The venue has a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere, a couple of tables were occupied and the odd person popped in to book a table for that evening. With large windows, Melanza offers a bright and fresh space that would suit any time of the day for a coffee, snack or meal. The food arrived at an enjoyable pace, the pizza was that great balance of tasty, doughy bread that was crispy on the outer edges, with A fantastic balance of flavours with no single, overpowering taste. The quality of the cheese and the bread was obvious, as was the freshness of the toppings. These guys know their stuff. My lunch arrived, I think it was the first time I'd ordered Sea Bream in a restaurant and I was thoroughly impressed. My meal was a success through and through the Julienne vegetables were perfectly cooked and seasoned and the fish was a delicate flavour that worked well with the vegetables. Also, the added extras were a great addition, especially the courgette rolls. The smell of melted cheese announced the arrival of the lasagne. A masterpiece. Bubbling slightly at the edges and looking imposing enough in its bowl to satisfy any hungry stomach. Deliciously gooey, but not in that mushy pasta sort of way, the lasagne was a sensation. The friendly waiter served us a mountain of parmesan (great to have a venue with such fantastic products who don't withhold them from guests there's nothing worse than a tiny smattering of parmesan on your pasta and having to ask your waiter please sir, can I have some more'! Anyway, back to one of the best lasagne I have ever tasted. I'd be inclined to say it was the best I've ever had but I fear my mum would be upset she makes a darn good lasagne in fact, scrap that this definitely is the winner. Sorry mum! I used to wish that I had a box of chocolates an that each time I chose a chocolate from the box it would be replaced the next time I opened the box. Well I wished this lasagne would never end and that I would never be replete and that I'd be able to continue eating it day and night. I'd love to have had space for a coffee but viewed it as an excuse to go back again which we did (we returned for dinner shortly afterwards and I am happy to report that their coffee is delicious, as is their dinner menu). I now have further excuses up my sleeve I need to try the quiche, I need to try the set lunch, then there's the wine list to be explored,the possibilities are endless. In fact, if you come by yourself, there's a high chance you'll find me at a table looking for something I've yet to try on the menu! Amazing place but be careful it's now getting very busy in the evenings so you will probably need to book read more

Hmm, okay I suppose; kinda neither here not there. Hefty waiter/boss in ridiculous fitted shirt (a fascinating distraction) bosses his way about. Surly. Yes, but in SW11? This isn't Rome in the 1950's, chum. Charm in short supply (plus the wine vintages were all inaccurate from the published pricey wine menu), but clearly it's popular. Lots of noisy locals braying at nearby tables. Once - but never twice here. read more

Excellent food and very friendly atmosphere. Staff are very nice and as said before, the food is really fantastic.

Nice place to eat but the service is pretty poor. The male waiter there seems to be always miserable. We live local so tend to be Melanzana at least every other week. Good for breakfast and lunch but not for dinners. Found that the waiter can't really explain what the foods are in English. My Lebanese is not that great neither read more

Very nice experience in Battersea Square, I was very pleased with the quality of the nice Italian food and the atmosphere, the staff were all happy and friendly, they made us feel very comfortable. We will repeat very soon! read more

I went to Melanzana about a week ago and I'm definitely going back soon. Delicious food, nice wine and very friendly service.