Head down to Deptford during your next lunch break and discover the hidden gem that is Festa Sul Prato! With airy, wide windows that overlook Folkstone Gardens, this little cafe tucked away from the high street is the perfect escape for home workers, lunchtime catch ups or perhaps a romantic meal!
This cafe clearly has it’s regulars, and for good reason! The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the effort to remember their customers. It breaths a relaxed and casual vibe for you to soak up as soon as you walk through the doors, as your eyes lock onto the inviting, freshly baked cakes that adorn the front counter.
The decor is simple, yet charming, with cooking equipment collating on shelves and fresh flowers scattered around the tables. This minimalist design makes this a great cafe for home workers who are looking for a change of scenery to get some focused work done. Even students would welcome this calm atmosphere to destress!
By displaying most of their menu on the large chalk board, it was not only bold and clear, but gives off an ever-changing aspect. In a subtle way, it showed off the creativity of not only the chefs that whip up these delicious dishes, but the waiters and other staff, doodling cute designs to give the menu character. This versitility was appealing, as regulars who make this cafe a staple spot can still enjoy new creations.
The pasta dishes come in small and large sizes and retail at £6/ £10 a bowl, which is amazing value! We tried their current special The Meatball Linguine in the small size, which ended up being the ideal lunchtime portion for when you want to fill a hole, but not feel bloated afterwards! The food itself was very tasty and that of classic, home cooked Italian food. It was familiar and a welcome lunchtime treat. Service was efficient and impressive; tummies won’t be rumbling for very long here! Yet, there was never a sense of being rushed here, which I feel can often happen at other restaurants. Instead, I felt attended too and, at the same time, left to enjoy my lunch in peace.
Where the food is delicious and fresh, the coffee is smooth and sharp in all the right places. I enjoyed this caffine fix so much, I had to treat myself to two lattes in a row! The lattes were creamy and flavoursome, with a indulgent amount of foam that sets it apart from your usual cafe creation.
Other lunchtime food served were soups, snadwiches, as well as a Vegetable Strudel, and even some Oven Baked Haddock! The flavours displayed sounded unusual and exciting, making this changing menu worth discovering with every visit. Some of the sandwiches on offer included Chicken & Avocado and Pecorino (an Italian sheep’s cheese) & Tomato. The staff clearly make sure they are up to date with their menu changes too, being able to recommend to their customers what their favourite new pasta dish is or the most scrumptious cake customers must try!
One aspect of the afternoon I was most impressed with was the steady trickle of customers that came into the cafe, even in the lull of a weekday afternoon. If anything, this is a testament to the cafe’s deserved popularity and the ease locals feel when popping into the this cafe, whether it’s for a quick coffee or some lunch.
However, this is a versitile space, as the cafe transforms into a lively restaurant as it transitions into the evening. Come down on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night and enjoy all your favourite traditional Italian dishes, from Pan fried Italian Fennel Sausages to Tagliata. They also offer a range of alcohol to accompany your meal, including Brockley brewed beer, adding to the local vibe of the cafe.
Overall, I would highly recommend Festa Sul Prato as not only a relaxed cafe for meaningful catch ups or a needed caffine fix, but also a fantastic restaurant with fresh and tasty food, coupled with a buzzing ambience. This cafe and restaurant hybrid has all the charm of a classic independent, with staff that feel like family, caring about the meals they cook and the coffee they brew. Don’t forget to use your South London Club card and get 10% off everything!
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