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Londonderry

Europe

United Kingdom

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Londonderry, Saponara Italian Delicatessen offers an authentic taste of Italy right in the UK capital. This charming deli combines a cozy, inviting atmosphere with a rich selection of traditional Italian delicacies, making it a must-visit for food lovers and connoisseurs of fine cuisine. From freshly made pastas to aromatic truffle oils, every detail at Saponara is designed to transport your senses straight to Italy.

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While visiting our daughter and son in law we had a magical evening of great authentic Italian Food and wine.  Their pastas are homemade fresh and their sauces were fantastic.   And don't miss their pizza    The owner was very pleasant and informative.  Don't miss out on this place.

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I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet- we've been so many times! We've gotten delivery and takeaway and have eaten in person. The actual restaurant is small and cozy. Not so great during COVID for them because they have to make the place even smaller to accommodate distance restrictions, but still they let a few people in!

The food is great. I always get the truffle pasta, and I know it's expensive, but it's so fresh and flavorful. We also always get a pizza, and they're all good. The tiramisu here is top notch, and so are the starters. We usually get a cheese or meat starter. 

It's a great little spot with good food and a nice owner. They have a "special customer" aka a cute little cat that sometimes is outdoors near there. He's the nicest cat and doesn't bother anyone. Delivery and takeaway are both great options, and takeaway is a little bit cheaper than delivery if you can pick up in person!

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BEST PASTA EVER host was also very nice and let us in before it opened very authentic Italian experience

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I agree with Joelle, can I give more than 5 stars? I don't usually frequent Italian restaurants as I mostly cook Italian myself so I never bother going out for it. My boyfriend had been telling me about this place that is literally two streets away and I had never been. So we wandered over and immediately became intoxicated by the delicious aromas wafting outside. 

Now, I'm not one for places that are half shop/half restaurant but this place is incredible. Open 25 years, I can't believe I've never been. They brought out the pasta plate and we agonised over crab tortellini versus the wild boar. Fortunately our friends showed up and we got to share. The wild boar was delicious but dear god, please please order the crab if you go. It swims in a buttery prawn sauce and you'll want to die of food heaven. If it's the last thing you ever eat, it would not be a mistake. 

We also both ordered the Quattro Stagioni pizza because it's just that good. Normally I am not in favour of people ordering the same thing but I'd happily go back and all get the same because I am not for sharing here! It's mine!

So with that in mind, we got two orders of amaretto tiramisu and completely and utterly cemented our love at first sight for the place. I want to go back already!

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Great food with simple atmosphere! Loved it !!
Can't even begin to explain how amazing the food is. The artichoke pasta , the pizza - work of Art . Best Italian food I ever had !!!

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Found this deli by accident while taking a short-cut to Essex Road. Beautiful dark interior with lots of knick-knacks and books on the walls and counter, but with a small uncluttered dining area. There's outside seating which is ideal in the current time of year. 

I've only been here a couple of times so far and only for take-away, but I was impressed with the quality of the food and the service. I had the toasted focaccia with ham, mozzarella, sun-dried tomato & olive tapenade on one occasion and the beef, mushroom & smoked buffalo mozzarella lasagne with truffle oil the second time - both were very satisfying.

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Si si! I would give them more stars if there were more. We popped in here the other night to meet some friends and felt like we'd stumbled upon a gem. 

We got a bottle of house red and ordered the Quattro Stagioni (4 flavors of pizza on one pie) and the crab tortelloni.

(Hang on, I need a moment of silence for the crab tortelloni.)

Okay. That pasta was so amazing. We used the pizza to mop up the excess sauce. Couldn't stop wiping the plate. It bordered on déclassé. But we basically ate everything we got our hands on and all of us had a sad when the tortelloni was over (to the point we spoke nostalgically of it on the walk home).

We ended the meal with amaretti tiramisu, which was also delicious. The pizza was great, the dessert was great, the house wine was delightful.

But the crab tortelloni, man... *looks wistfully into the distance*

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Great, homey, authentic little Italian deli tucked away just off a quaint little church yard. The pizza is delicious, although just a little bit on the pricey side. The custard tarts are a bargain at £1 each, with crisp shells and smooth filling. 

The older gentleman is very warm and friendly, and was happy to offer my 8yo daughter a generous slice of prosciutto when he heard how much she likes it. 

All in all, it's a local hidden gem that I am glad to have right around the corner.

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The best antipasto I ever had! Very fresh and rich in flavor. Love the way they presented a plate of sample pastas as menu. Friends recommended this place for reunion, and it turned out to be everything but disappointment. And, their house wine is terrific as well.

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Why doesn't this lovely little place have a list of great reviews already?


 Saponara can be found, conveniently for me but not for them, diagonally opposite Islington's Packington estate, where demand for truffle oil and Lingua della Suocera* is likely to be low although, I imagine, other grander residences nearby are well-stocked with the deli's delicacies.


 I visit every six months, following visits to my dentist in Packington Square (the terrific, painless Maxine O' Grady at Charles Landau's surgery). A few gulps of their great coffee are usually enough to distract me from a numbed maxilliofacial muscle and, if I've not been 'treated', I'll stop for lunch.


 A fairly typical choice of Italian panini, although their food is more tasty than usual deli fare. Soups are delicious - cream of courgette soup was on offer the day I was there. Fresh pasta is sold at the counter and an interesting selection of tinned and bottled Italian imports, along with a good few shelves of great Italian wines, is on offer.


 A bowl of soup, at £3.95 - isn't exactly cheap, but it's not really that kind of place - the place is busy lunchtimes with a devoted clientele and Saponara brands itself more as a high-quality, high-end deli that lays on food for its cognoscenti friends.


 The owner (owners?) are charming, funny, helpful and welcoming. A few square metres of la patria, in Islington.


 Enjoy.


 *The astonishing 'Mother-in-law' biscuit. Like langues du chat, but longer, and rougher...


 http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubber_slippers_in_italy/3886660000/ (thanks to Rubber Slippers in Italy)


 Their white truffle oil, at £6.95 for 40ml, is pretty good value and, available in three choices of fancy bottle, makes a brilliant gift.

Saponara Italian Delicatessen in Londonderry: Authentic Italian Cuisine & Cozy Atmosphere

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Londonderry at 23 Prebend Street, saponara italian delicatessen offers a genuine taste of Italy with its authentic menu and cozy ambiance. Known for its exceptional homemade pastas, flavorful sauces, and traditional Italian pizzas, this charming deli is a haven for food lovers seeking quality and authenticity.

Delicious antipasto platters featuring fresh meats and cheeses

At saponara, the star of the menu is undoubtedly their homemade pasta, such as the beloved crab tortelloni in a rich, buttery prawn sauce. Paired with their signature pizzas, like the iconic Quattro Stagioni, every dish promises an authentic Italian experience, crafted with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques.

Classic tiramisu made with the finest mascarpone and espresso

Complement your meal with a selection from their house wines, crafted Italian spirits, or refreshing soft drinks, all curated to enhance your dining experience.

Enjoy exclusive seasonal dishes, chef's specials, and authentic Italian delicacies that change regularly to bring you the freshest flavors.

Discover authentic Italian flavors at Saponara Italian Delicatessen in London. Savor gourmet treats in a charming setting. Visit today for a taste of Italy!

Saponara Italian Delicatessen in Londonderry: Authentic Italian Cuisine & Cozy Atmosphere

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