TUCKED away in East Street is Cafe All’Angolo, a little piece of Italy serving regional specialities from the old country.

Owners Christian and Francesca Cucca have been here for two and a half years and built up a loyal following.

The interior of Cafe All’Angolo is a light, simple space, with a menu accommodating something for everyone.

But their real passion is educating diners with diverse, interesting dishes packed with flavour and executed in a traditional style.

All the recipes are traditional and authentic with ingredients sourced direct from Italy, such as the buffalo mozarella from Campania, prosciutto from Parma and the flour for bread, pasta and pizzas from Puglia.

The word artisan may be used a little too freely in the restaurant trade but in this case it really is appropriate.

With an extensive breakfast menu, and pizzas galore, it is the diner menu that really inspires.

Fish carpaccio and zupetta sit alongside classics like eggplant parmigiana and a range of antipasti.

Mains include linguine al cartoccio – pasta with clams, mussels, king prawns, chilli and cherry tomatoes. The fritto misto is a classic medley of king prawns, calamari and whitebait deep-fried in a light batter and served with aubergine, courgette and bed of rocket and deep fried lemons.

Linguine al nero di seppia from the region of Puglia is a pasta dish made smothered in squid ink and velvety white crab meat, clams and cherry tomatoes, full of big, punchy flavours.

Christian doubles up as the sommelier and suggested the trebbiano d`abruzzo, crisp rounded white with notes of pear and citrus.

The wine list may be short, but it is well constructed and makes choosing rather more simple. All deserts are homemade, with heavenly seadas, a calzone stuffed with pecorino and liberally drizzled with Italian honey.

Cafe All’Angolo
3-4 East Street
Brighton BN1 1HP
www.cafeallangolo.co.uk
01273 777312