"Like a second-hand bookshop by the coast or a flock of ducklings stopping traffic, some things can only be described as “just lovely”—and Ida is one of those. From the branded plates to the white tablecloths, and grandparents spooning tiramisu out of small glasses, everywhere we looked there were things that made us feel warm and fuzzy inside. A bottle of red wine helped too. The menu at this charming Italian spot changes often, but Queen’s Park locals swear by the ragù, which is always made the Marchigiano way, with gizzards and hearts. We can confirm, they’re absolutely right. The pastas are some of the best in London, the mood is set for Gavi-fuelled compliments over candlelight, and the terrazzo tiles will transport you back to your imaginary childhood kitchen in Italy—if, like us, you grew up in a grey suburb and the kitchen had linoleum tiles. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Food Rundown photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Pappardelle Al Ragù Marchigiano This sauce is from Italy's Marche region, and made us switch allegiances from our till-death-do-us-part ragù bolognese. Instead of just pancetta and beef, this sauce uses beef, pork, and chicken which means much more flavour. It’s also slow-cooked in wine and clings to each long, flat ribbon of pasta, like us gripping the seats at Ida when it's closing time. Three meats, several Burford Brown eggs, and one incredible plate of pasta—this is our golden ratio. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Linguine Al Granchio Con Pomodorini E Prezzemolo The ingredients in this pasta read like a who's who of the produce world. The crab is from Devon, the tomatoes are datterini, and the name-dropping is totally justified because each simple bite punches well above its weight. It's a little sweet, a little garlicky, and a lot moreish. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Tiramisu Simple and solid, this tiramisu would fit right in on our old-school Italian guide. Don't expect to be blown away by it, though. It's a comforting mouthful and tastes like something you'd find in any cafe in Italy, but we'd have preferred a bigger coffee hit and a less soggy sponge." - Sinéad Cranna
