New Opening: Manitoba Tigella comes to the West End

There’s a new arrival that’s just opened in Londontown and it’s about to become your new central haunt.

I started the day having done no research whatsoever on what tigella is, only to be really surprised by how great it was along with the entire experience. I find that it’s really hard to launch cool new spots along the likes of Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road where you’re mostly surrounded by fast moving coffee shops filled with busy workers on their lunch breaks and tourists grabbing a bite in between shopping.

It’s not the type of location in London I’d normally go for drinks and food. But I have to admit, that’s actually about to change.

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the launch party for Manitoba Tigella, a family run restaurant that shines in every possible way. From the brothers who run the show through to one’s very proud girlfriend who comes in to make the tigella each morning at 3:30am. Did you catch that? 3:30am. Yikes. Now that’s a serious dedication to your craft.

They were lovely and welcoming, as if we’d transported from central London into a little family kitchen back in Italy. It sounds picturesque – and it is. The modern bar and kitchen is welcoming to those looking for something sleek, and their cocktail menu is about to become a serious London contender.

We started at the bar by doing shots. On a Wednesday night? Why not.

They’ve created a special cocktail menu that aims to enhance the sense. Our first drink that we went for? The Tooba. Vodka, lemon, sugar, coffee and sweet and sour mix. Hold up.

Yep. We did shots, bite the lemon and had a spoonful of coffee with sugar.

It’s brilliant. I don’t think I could have done more than one. There’s a reason I avoid ordering espresso martinis. I don’t want to mix my two loves, coffee and alcohol.

I quickly switched over to wine so that I could enjoy the flavours of the tigella.

Tigella is a traditional stuffed bread from the regional countryside, which is to be enjoyed best with cheese and salami, parma ham… delish.

In addition to trying the tigellas, we sampled other small dishes from the menu, the octopus salad is a true standout dish; including crispy octopus, brandade potatoes, agrodolce red onion, cod, parsley pesto and pine nuts.

We also tried the Tuna carpaccio with mustard sauce, salad and hot home-baked focaccia. One thing’s for sure at Manitoba Tigella you can’t fault the food. I’d venture to say the menu is filled with simple dishes, but it’s simple done with excellence.

Of course, it is Italian, so classic pasta dishes such as carbonara and tortellini are features on the menu alongside meat and fish dishes including an Italian spin on fish and chips. Naturally, I won’t blame you for indulging something for your sweet tooth, like the panna cotta or tiramisu.

The restaurant itself will attract a range of people from passersby to those who are looking to enjoy and authentic, casual Italian dining experience.

With great food – and of course a couple of drinks along the way. I’m a little bit in love with their drinks menu display.

Naturally, we ended the night with one final drink.

The Spink (but pronounced like Sphinx – or perhaps there was a typo in the menu!), which contained vodka, orange liquor, vermouth, sugar and lemon juice.

It’s pretty and more sugary than the first.

After sipping on our last drink, we headed on our way for the night.

Manitoba Tigella is open from Monday to Sunday, complete with breakfast menus of Italian coffee, fresh cakes and biscuits before moving onto heartier lunch and dinner options.

Honestly, we had a fantastic time, the food is fresh, made with quality ingredients and the staff are ever so lovely. I’ll definitely be back.

Manitoba Tigella: Open now! 82 New Oxford Street, WC1A 1HB, www.manitobatigella.com

Kelly xox

New Opening: Manitoba Tigella comes to the West End

Share this:

Related

Comments