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When we previously included Terra Terra in a roundup we were curious to find out whether the restaurant would deliver on its hope to deliver a lively yet relaxed vibe. We visited midweek to try the Italian eatery’s dinner menu.
Terra Terra
Set across two floors, Terra Terra’s contemporary design uses clean lines, terracotta hues, and modern metallic finishes. In summary, an enticing space in which to dine. Diners will note the kitchen at the front of the venue, which means they can peak the bread and other tasty carbs even before entering, which is always a temptation. And guests on the ground floor get a view of preparation.
Menu
Terra Terra’s menu includes a variety of small plates, and a select choice of pizza, salad and pasta by way of main courses. The chef explains that menu choices take elements from across Italy.
From the small plates, we chose the Burrata (with summer tomato and chilli) (£11), and Chicken Milanese (with tomato, mozzarella and basil) (£8) as starters to share. Both were simple (so difficult to get wrong) and well presented, with the breaded Milanese a perfect circle topped by tomato purée and a melted mozzarella.
Main courses consisted of Pizza (of the fennel sausage, roasted peppers and chilli oil variety) (£9), and Casarecce pasta with a lamb ragu and pangratatto (breadcrumbs) (£14.50). The pizza toppings were scant, but portion size generous. The pasta was perfectly well cooked, though a little dry for our taste – but perhaps not a reflection on the restaurant as we did choose a dish containing breadcrumbs.
There is always room for dessert, and this came in the Italian forms of Vanilla panna cotta (with summer fruits and amaretti) (£6) and Ricotta cannolo with chocolate and orange (£6). We would have preferred a lot more amaretti crumbs, but the panna cotta itself was sumptuously smooth. The cannolo had perfect crunch, and Ricotta contained a moreish quantity of chopped chocolate. Mixing the soft cheese with cream would have made for a moister filling.
Overall thoughts
Terra Terra has a modern, appealing interior, ideal for a date night. Whilst some of the menu choices weren’t up to our preference in terms of moisture, Terra Terra does offer quality food at affordable prices, particularly the pizzas and panna cotta dessert. Service was friendly, frequency and not intrusive, so staff have clearly been well trained. Overall Terra Terra has a good product, which we would definitely revisit when next on Finchley Road.
Did Terra Terra deliver on its vibe though? Relaxed definitely, and lively only when there was an unplanned fire alarm go off at the end of our meal.
Location: 120 Finchley Road, London, NW3 5JB
For more information and to book, visit: terraterra.co.uk.
