Lina Stores Clapham - Italian Restaurant

Mum and I had the loveliest evening at Lina Stores tonight. Our server, AJ, absolutely made the experience – warm, attentive, and genuinely delightful to chat with. She checked in at just the right moments, never intrusive, always thoughtful. Truly one of those servers you hope you get again next time. We started with the olives, focaccia, and burrata, all of which were flawless. For mains, we had the veal raviolini and the pappardelle con ragu – both dishes were pure comfort and completely divine. We wrapped things up with a tiramisu to share, and honestly…it was perfection. Thank you, Lina Stores, we’ll definitely be back, and fingers crossed we have AJ looking after us again! Xx

Had a fabulous meal last night-I’ve always enjoyed the original Lina and the Coal Drop Yard outposts, so was excited to try their south london location. The space is intimate but big enough to not feel cramped, and we had very warm and attentive service. Tuna crudo to start was a highlight, and I’m always obsessed with the pici and sausage. Tagliolini was a little lighter in color than usual but still tasty.

Lovely Pasta, Great focaccia, amazing cocktails. Tiramisu missed the mark but most other things made up for it. Atmosphere wasn’t amazing slightly quiet and awkward at around 6PM. For the most part staff were attentive and kind, we have the sausage ragu and crab linguine which we were really impressed by, despite the small portion. As a tiramisu lover I think the recipe needs some revision. Overall a good experience. £1 charity charge on top of service charge was added to tip without asking us first which was a bit odd. Most disappointing part was that we were asked when booking if there was a special occasion at the table (my birthday), which I relayed, however nothing special was added nor that fact acknowledged! If you’re going to ask if there’s a special occasion at least do something with that information!! 8/10

Definitely my favourite London location having been to all of them. The staff were so friendly and attentive, a special shout out to Rachel who really looked after us. I couldn’t recommend the crab linguine more, it’s delicious!

This is such a cute little restaurant and has the perfect vibe for a romantic date. It was lovely to see so many women and groups of friends enjoying cozy dinners there, it really added to the charm. The pasta dish I ordered was quite different from anything I’ve had before, and I really enjoyed it. The drinks were surprisingly strong, which was a nice bonus, and the warm, soft lighting gave the place a very cute and intimate feel. It’s also conveniently close to the station, so getting there isn’t an issue. Parking might be trickier, though. Overall, it’s a great spot to check out at least once, and while I might not return frequently, it was definitely a pleasant experience.

The food was absolutely stunning: delicious, beautifully prepared, and clearly made with care. Unfortunately, the service didn’t match the quality of the food. When we arrived, we were delayed at the entrance by a man joking around with a waitress, who only let us in after we awkwardly said “sorry,” which felt unwelcoming. We were then directed to sit inside without being offered the option to sit on the terrace, even though there appeared to be available tables. Once seated, it took over 10min before we managed to get a waitress’s attention to place our order, as she and what seemed to be the manager were chatting and not checking in on guests. When our food was ready, it sat on the pass despite the chef ringing the bell multiple times; again showing a lack of attentiveness. While the terrace was understandably busy, there were three staff members working the floor, so this shouldn’t have been a major issue. Another discomfort was the air conditioning, which was blasting cold air even though it was just 22°C outside. Guests around us were putting on coats to stay warm inside, which made the atmosphere even less enjoyable. Sadly, we won’t be returning, which is a real shame because the food truly deserves better service. With a more proactive, guest-focused team, this place could be outstanding. I say that as someone who has worked in hospitality, I know the difference attentive service can make.

Our visit to Lina Stores in East London was a heartwarming experience, steeped in Sicilian hospitality and cozy charm. This family-run bistro delivers authentic, homemade Sicilian cuisine that feels like a warm embrace. We enjoyed a delightful array of dishes: the decadent Linguine Black Truffle, the zesty Seafood Casarecce (Casarecce alla Calabrese), the luscious Ravioli con Burrata, and the irresistible Gnudi Fritti—crispy fried cheese balls coated in breadcrumbs. The portions are modest, which we loved as it allowed us to savor a bit of everything. A special highlight was the proprietor’s kind gesture when coke was “out of stock,” recommending the fantastic Sicilian sparkling orange drink, which was a refreshing revelation. Every dish was crafted with care, bursting with authentic flavors. Lina Stores is a must-visit for a true taste of Sicily in a welcoming, homey atmosphere!

The quality of the food is quite good, from the starter to the dessert. I first tried the "Menu to Share" for two people, and both the quality and quantity were excellent. I came back for the same menu, this time for a group of seven, and unfortunately we were not satisfied with the portions. The table of seven was served just two identical sharing plates of each dish—each one was exactly the same quantity I had previously received for two people. There wasn’t a single bite left, which isn’t the true Italian concept of sharing. It’s a shame, because we really did enjoy the food.