Gloria

Not as glorious as it seems

Langoustine and black pepper tagliatelle

Part of the flamboyant Big Mama group's collection of funky Italian restaurants in London, Gloria in Shoreditch is an all-day trattoria that attracts tourists and people who love to follow social media trends. This is not my kind of place to go to usually, from what I can see on its website, all Big Mama group's Italian restaurants have similar menus, but each carries a different name with different decor, the food offering seems basic enough for Italian cuisine, from cold cut, pasta to pizza etc. 

Truffle and Parmesan Spaghetti

Mushrooms and truffle pizza

Perhaps I have experienced the real deal in Italy, I found my pasta dish of spaghetti served in a mini pecorino wheel at Gloria was a downgrade. I could tell the cheese sauce was pre-cooked before going into the wheel, and I felt like the tableside service of the wheel was just a theater show without adding much. The pizza is for sure the strength of Gloria. The truffle pizza's base was really solid, soft and chewy just like how you would find it in Naple. The truffle and mushroom topping matched well together, the truffle wasn't overly strong in aroma.

Truffle cream cheese fritter

Chocolate and cream tart

Gloria's food offering is decent enough, not better or worse vs other Italians in London, but for sure you are paying a higher price than the norm. I guess what got people hooked into this place is its flashy decor and food presentation gimmicks, such as having antipasti served in an afternoon tea set. this kind of wacky, buzz-worthy concept might catch people's interest in the first few years, but I am not sure it can last long. For food quality alone, you can do better elsewhere in London for sure.

Food 2.5/5


Average cost without drinks and services:
£60

54-56 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3QR

https://www.bigmammagroup.com/en/trattorias/gloria