I've eaten at Tolli consistently for about 2-3 years.
A wonderfully relaxed, unpretenious yet cultured atmosphere; Tolli always gives you a warm welcome, a bit like stepping into a traditional Italian families home - lots of "Ciao! Ciao!"
Tolli serves lovingly home-made italian food in Kentish Town. The food is fresh, healthy, real-italian and reasonably priced. They get especially busy around 1pm, when the lunchtime crowd piles in - the food and the dedicated clientele speak for itself! They serve everything from ciabatta snadwiches to cakes, breakfasts, pastas and soups (for something hotter).
Highly recommend their daily specials, especially lamb stew, ciabattas (home-made) and any of the pastas - which are all cooked to perfection. Huge range of coffees too. For a more relaxed atmosphere I recommend heading there for late breakfast (10-12noon) or late lunch (2.30pm-4pm)
Full English is also really good with poached eggs, amazing mushrooms, ciabatta, sausage, beans and a coffee for a fiver!
I am absolutely in love with Tolli, it is one of my favourite places in London and recommend it to anyone who enjoys good food - the only downside of this place is if you work Mon-Fri, you won't get a chance to go there - it currently opens during weekdays only, from about 9am to between 5pm-6pm.
Aside from the manic lunchtime when the place is packed and the service is a bit stretched - Tolli is usually very peaceful and very child-friendly.
BUT the Italian Mama at the heart of the operation tells me that they've just got a late licence and are hoping to open 2 evenings a week.
Friday 12th February 2010 is the first trial evening they are doing, just in time for Valentines day! And will have music, dancing, special even menu and prosecco with strawberries in it. I've already booked a table for 6 and can't wait!
Above all, Tolli is my refuge when my stomach craves home-cooking and my mind craves some down time!
Tolli Italian Patisserie sell a wide range of freshly baked goods including pastries, cakes and bread.