Bobby Fitzpatrick

I came to La Brocca at the weekend and was a bit disappointed really. We booked a table for four people but we were all cramped around a table possibly only big enough for 2. There was no room for our food and drinks and we had to give back the glasses that came with the beers to make room for the bottles. Would have been more comfortable if we had a bigger table but there wasn't any. The food and service were okay but not spectacular. To be honest, I found the food quite salty as well as greasy. This is an okay restaurant but I can't say I'll visit again.

I was very dissappoointed with this place. The service was awful, the waitress did not speak proper English and did not seem to care very much at all. Food only ok and thoroughly overpriced for what it was. Afterwards we actually went elsewhere. My advice simply do not bother.

I ate in the upstairs wine bar, where the ambience was pleasant and buzzing. I just wish I'd noticed no-one was eating, but I'd come in because I was hungry so I ordered a glass of Chilean merlot (nice) and looked at the specials board where I was attracted by the stuffed lamb shoulder at £12. On ordering it I was told that it came alone and was directed to the list of 'sides' at £4 a pop. Baulking at the prospect of paying £16 or £20 for a single main course I asked to see the full menu. The helpful barmaid recommended the lamb goulash at £7-odd, but that came alone also so I ordered mash, again at the suggestion of my hostess. All told my bill was £15.45 and when I gave her a 20 she gave me back a fiver 'for cash'. Maybe she knew what was coming and was already feeling guilty.

My food was frankly awful. I got a bowl of mash and a bowl of goulash; not a hit of a vegetable or even a garnish. The potato was innocent of seasoning but the goulash, which might have been pleasant underneath, was overwhelmed by salt. I wolfed it and went out for a cigarette, during which time my table was cleared. When I came back in I deliberately caught my hostess's eye, but there was no enquiry of me whether I had enjoyed my food. She knew.

Life's too shorter (and money even shorter) to tolerate cooking like this. Within 3 miles of here you can find top restaurants offering 50% off on a weekday. Go there. On no account go here.

I have visited la brocca Quite a few times in my life as i have lived close by since i was young, and have to say i have never been dissapointed in the upstairs bar the staff nor the atmosphere.

And when it comes to the restaurant I LOVE IT. i have become addicted to their authentic italian pizza's and Bruschetta, before i went to la brocca i never tasted it before but since then i have tasted it in various retaurants (ASK, PIZZA EXPRESS AND J)
and am never as satisfied as i was in la brocca i will stay a regular visitor till the day im dragged away :)

10/10

Despite a lovely atmosphere, the evening went downhill as our table was engulfed by flies. As we looked at the wall next to our table we noticed it was covered in them. I asked to speak to the manager who when I described the problem was clearly aware of it. We asked to be moved and she offered us complimentary desert and coffees. But her response was somewhat shrugging of shoulders as opposed to shock. the flies persisted (even if it was harder to see them in a darker part of the restaurant). I will never return as it strikes me they have not made an effort (or succeeded) in controlling a pest problem.

starters very good, main course just good.
50 pounds for 2 people
including: bottle of house wine, one aperitif, 2 starters, 2 mains and one desert
well recommended.

La Brocce is a lovely retaurent with lovely food- its typical Italien and much better than the everyday strada or pizza express. its cosy down stairs in the restaurent and is even nice enough to go to for valentines day. i highly reccommend it

Overall for me 'La Brocca' was just ok. Saying that I probably wouldn't go there again. I've definitely been to better Italian restaurants in West Hampstead.
My starter was too salty and the main course was nothing spectacular and overpriced for what it was.

It wasn't bad but I've had better and would rather go to Strada or J's on West End Lane instead.

The loos were a bit shabby and with no handle on the inside of the ladies I got stuck in there until another customer kicked the door to let me out.

It wasn't Terrible but I wasn't overimpressed either.

love this place - best wine bar in west hapmstead - chilled, friendly, top class house red, very varied music for all tastes, and the itallian food is really good - Pizzas are made to perfection - and anti-pasta dish in the bar is perfect with the massive selection of wines