Seemor
Anima e CuoreB+Worth Trying
127 Kentish Town Rd, London NW1 8PB
· Italian restaurant, Ham shop, Ice cream shop
· 4.6/5 Google (347 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Fresh pasta and standout gelato in a casual back-room trattoria with BYO corkage; food shines, but service can be slow and the room is plain.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Anima e Cuore delivers exceptional handmade pasta and seafood with genuine neighborhood warmth, earning solid B+ standing. Consistency shows occasional variation—particularly during peak service—and plain decor with bright lighting lacks destination appeal, preventing a higher grade. The authentic trattoria experience and excellent gelato make it competitive with the area's better casual Italian restaurants, though service pacing on busy nights tempers the overall experience.
Restaurant Summary
The front reads like a deli and gelato shop, but slip to the back and you find a low-key trattoria where the focus is firmly on the plate. Diners describe warm, personable service and fresh pasta that tastes like a quick trip to Rome. One regular summed it up simply: "This is the place I crave when I want proper pasta." The room is plain and lighting can be bright, yet conversation is easy and the neighborhood vibe feels genuine. The cooking leans elevated traditional with a few creative touches: think tagliolino with truffle, tidy plates of octopus with polenta, and seasonal pasta variations. You are paying for ingredients and care, not theatrics. Expect a slower pace on busy nights, and consider reserving for weekends; the payoff is handmade pasta and notably good gelato for dessert. Families fare well here. Kids commonly enjoy plain pasta, pizza when available, and of course gelato; the space is casual and relaxed for groups. There is no explicit kids menu, but simple options exist. Portions lean modest, so order accordingly if you have growing appetites.
At a Glance
- Handmade pasta with standout truffle tagliolini and solid seafood
- Excellent house gelato with natural flavors
- BYO allowed with low corkage reported (~£5 per bottle)
- Service can be slow at peak times; occasional mixed interactions
- Plain decor and bright lighting may feel stark to some
What Sets It Apart
- fresh_pasta_made_in_house
- homemade_gelato_front_counter
- BYO_with_low_corkage
- deli_plus_dining_combo_space
What People Love
- The silky texture of fresh pasta
- Gelato that tastes intensely of real fruit and nuts
- Warm, friendly servers on most visits
- Neighborhood-gem atmosphere without pretension
Points of Concern
- Service pacing can be slow on busy evenings (30-60 minutes for mains reported)
- A couple of isolated mussel freshness complaints on the same night
- Decor and lighting are basic and may underwhelm compared to food quality
- Portions can feel modest for the price
- Review patterns show signs of potential variability in service experience, so peak times may not reflect best performance
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£38-52 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- If you enjoy earthier flavors, order Tagliolino truffle (£18) and pair with Burrata (£11.50).
- Seafood fans should consider Spaghetti vongole (£17) or Black tagliolino with octopus (£20).
- Close with Tiramisu (£7) or a double-scoop gelato (from £3) for a balanced finish.
Perfect For
- A relaxed date where food matters more than decor
- Casual catch-ups over fresh pasta and gelato
- BYO wine nights with friends
- Families seeking simple pastas and dessert
Location Insights
Area: Mixed north London high street with local shops, pubs, and casual eateries; draws neighborhood diners and passersby.
Safety: Generally safe urban corridor with steady foot traffic; a few reviewers described the broader Camden stretch as a bit rough around the edges.
Nearby: Near Camden/Kentish Town amenities; deli and gelato counter front with a dining room in back.
Kentish TownA trendy and eclectic neighborhood known for its alternative music scene, independent venues, diverse dining options, and a mix of Victorian terraced houses and modern developments. The area offers a bohemian urban atmosphere with a strong sense of local community.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday18:00–22:00
Wednesday18:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–22:00
Friday12:00–22:00
Saturday12:00–22:00
Sunday12:00–20:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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