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Exciting news for Islington residents as the site of a once well-loved restaurant, Gill Wing Cafe, has an exciting new future as a neighbourhood Italian with two River Cafe and Fifteen alumni behind it.
Jordan Frieda, formerly front-of-house at The River Cafe has teamed up with chef Tim Siadatan - one of the original trainees at Fifteen who has since worked at both St John and Moro to open their own restaurant. 'The idea behind Trullo is to have an earthy, wholesome, neighbourhood trattoria that is true to the principles of the great places we've worked, while being super-affordable,' Jordan told Hot Dinners this week. 'Our wine list will have a set mark up of £10 on all bottles, making some of the best Italian wines really accessible, and we'll look to concentrate on a small, seasonally-fluctuating menu based around a real charcoal grill, excellent pasta and risotto, good salumi and fresh, exciting antipasti and salads.
'The site worked well as the Gill Wing Cafe and we want to bring it back as a solid, neighbourhood restaurant.' Trullo is currently being done up and should open on the St Paul's Road spot, just off Highbury Corner, in June.
UPDATE - as the restaurant is now open, read what the critics have to say.
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Gastroblog 
Comments
The place is very busy for such a new establishment, and it is obvious why. A small, charming place with delicious food!
I suspect others' comments on the lack of service may be a result of so few service staff, providing such good care... it takes time to give everyone as much attention as they continuosly offer.
I'm taking all my friends, and making it my second dining table.
nd visit-the quality of the food was good but not as melt in your mouth tasty as the first visit, although definitely above average.The bruschetta with peas and mint was refreshing and wholesome.The pappardelle with prosciutto was delicious. However,the massive problem was the portion sizing.The ravioli with ricotta has been reduced by both number and filling to look like it’s missing the filling! These are starters but given prices also increased 40%,we all agreed that the price (£7) for 4 tiny anorexic looking ravioli is outrageous. So disappointed, had high hopes but looks like they are already hiking up prices and reducing portions sizes.
The menu looked surprisingly simple and unadventurous for a place trying to make an impact in their first week. But be no fooled by this. The dishes are actually so much more than it appears on the menu.
There was, however, one thing seriously wrong with the place. Service...or rather the lack of it.
As I live just round the corner I hope this place lasts and I wish them well. I will go back to give them a second chance. However, no matter how relaxed we islingtonians might be, we expect more than just good food in a restaurant – we want good service. One cannot go well without the other and hopefully, the service will arrive at Trullo soon.