Ida

Quaint. Easy to find as on main road and the sole restaurant. Decent Italian home cooking styled menu. Ordered T-bone Steak medium... but turn up well done... Nothing red/pink on slicing. Living off the buzz of the building appearing in a recent commercial. Would return to try other dishes.

A Sunday Lunch Worth Waiting For! No one has ever anticipated a Sunday lunch more than me! I first met Simonetta, the proprietor of Ida, nearly a year ago while swimming. I’d already heard about the restaurant, and when I discovered Simonetta was also a novelist, I pre-ordered her book Ida at My Table right away. During a long recovery, I read it cover to cover—reliving the story of her family and the restaurant in beautifully descriptive prose. I felt as though I’d already met everyone before even stepping foot inside. Not long after the book launch, I attended a reading with my friend Adam where we finally met the real-life characters. Since then, I’d been dreaming of a meal curated by Simonetta and her husband Avi. Life got in the way, and I also wanted to wait until Adam—who was observing Ramadan—could join. So we held off just a little longer. When we finally arrived, the day couldn’t have been more perfect. Sunlight poured through the large windows, filtering through shelves lined with bottles, casting a warm, inviting glow across the room. It felt immediately comforting. Having a proper chat with Avi and seeing Simonetta in her “castle” was a joy in itself. We were treated like royalty—but it’s clear everyone who walks through those doors receives the same heartfelt hospitality. The food exceeded expectations. Everything—from the antipasti to the handmade pasta—was clearly made with love and care. I had the tagliatelle al ragù, but we shared and tasted all the dishes. The food was rich yet wholesome, flavourful, and deeply satisfying. Each dish felt like something made at home by someone who truly cares. Ida’s whole team are exceptional. Yes, I’m biased. But if you’ve read the book, met the family, or simply appreciate a meal made from the heart, you’ll understand. This wasn’t just lunch. It was a story brought to life.

A fabulous little place in the middle of Queen’s Park. Amazing food, wonderful service in a cozy, homey atmosphere. Everything was so thought through and detail-oriented. Highly recommend the orecchiette a tre formaggi and the crab linguine, and for dessert the panna cotta and cheesecake. Will deffo return!

Raved about this place to friends and then was a bit embarrassed. Starter of crostini was poorly presented and didn’t taste good. We were given an old menu which gave away the price increases that must have happened lately including the steak increasing from £24 to £28 but the steak was prepared and presented worse than the last time I visited. There was a lack of a good vegetarian pasta option in our view. No water offered to the table for a long time. Had to ask for our drinks a few times. White veal pasta was delicious. We were asked by the waitress to sing happy birthday to the next door table which was a bit intrusive. Probably would have done it anyway but being asked to was a bit odd. Just didn’t feel as good as I hoped it would all together.

Ida is one of those rare, authentic gems you dream of stumbling upon—but only if you’re lucky. Tucked away off the beaten track, this family-run restaurant is a true slice of Italy in London. The experience starts the moment you arrive: the building is full of character, and once inside, the charming decor instantly transports you to a cosy and romantic restaurant somewhere in Italy. The service is warm, friendly, and effortlessly efficient. You’ll almost certainly be greeted by one of the family members who help run the restaurant, adding a personal, heartfelt touch that makes the whole experience feel special. And then there’s the food. Simple, honest, and utterly delicious. The pasta, in particular, is some of the best I’ve ever eaten—even in Italy. They use simple traditional ingredients to perfection. Every dish was packed with flavour . If you’re lucky enough to visit during someone’s birthday, the atmosphere becomes even more magical—full of warmth, laughter, and celebration. Don't miss out on taking a little piece of Ida home with you. The owner has written a beautiful cookbook featuring some of their most beloved recipes, so you can recreate a bit Italian magic in your own kitchen. This is more than a meal—it’s an experience. A must-visit gem great for a date and for anyone who just loves great food, good vibes, and a taste of true Italian hospitality. *Dog friendly too!

I had a wonderful experience at Ida, a cozy Italian restaurant near Queen's Park. The fresh pasta is made in-house every day and it's truly exceptional. We ordered the ravioli di zucca e prosciutto and spaghetti with anchovies and olives, both of which were delicious and reasonably priced. The atmosphere is intimate and charming, with candlelight and artwork adorning the walls. The service was attentive and knowledgeable, and the staff were happy to guide us through the menu. What I loved most was the personal touch - it's clear that the owners, Avi and Simonetta, put their heart and soul into the restaurant. I highly recommend Ida to anyone looking for authentic Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming setting. We'll definitely be back!

We recently booked out the restaurant for Easter Lunch as part of a wedding weekend family celebration. We chose a set menu which was extremely well valued - the atmosphere was great, every dish was fantastic, and the team were so welcoming. Knowing it was a special occasion, they went the extra mile (such as writing us a lovely card, saving corks from the wine bottles and creating a personalised menu). All these little details made such a big difference in making the day memorable for us. Thanks again for the entire Ida team for a great day.

I had no expectations coming here but it blew me away. Pasta is best in London (perfect sauce, perfect bite, good portion size); starters were lovely; service was immaculate. Desserts could be a little better (some ice crystals in the ice cream) but I'm nitpicking. For the price, this could and should be a "must visit" if you like pasta. Side not, the decor is perfect