MyLondon Reviews Writer Tilly Alexander visited charming West London spot Mari Deli & Dining (again)

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There are some places that are so lovely you don’t want to tell people about them. Which is slightly selfish, maybe, but also - in the words of one Love Actually character - ‘a self-preservation thing’.

And to be fair, the spot in question is already popular with locals. I’ve patiently queued for rich hot chocolates, icy granitas and crumbly slices of Torta Caprese outside Mari Deli & Dining more times than I can count.

However, having recently moved to a new London neighbourhood, I’m now (slightly) more willing to publicly share the love for this charming, family-run Italian restaurant in my old one. Because even if it’s not in your patch, it’s worth travelling to for a million reasons.

READ MORE: ‘ I visited the London garden centre with a hidden gem café that’s one of the city’s best brunch spots’

From pots of creamy tiramisu to takeaway to chunky plates of gnocchi to be enjoyed on the slim, sun-dappled and surprisingly European street-side, Mari Deli & Dining's food and atmosphere feels authentic, inviting and cosy. Whether stopping in for dinner or grabbing a coffee for a walk, I've never had an experience there that didn't immediately boosts my daily joy levels.

The restaurant's location in a particularly picturesque residential area certainly helps. Found on the corner of Eyot Gardens, it's perfectly poised to precede a walk up Chiswick Mall; a wide, quiet stretch with beautiful villas on one side and leafy gardens overlooking the River Thames on the other that is not just one of London's prettiest streets but its prettiest . (Views my own).

Even on an overcast day, turning down Hammersmith Terrace towards Mari's honey-brick building and the charming, tented white roof of its outdoor deli selection. Parked to its left and continuing the feeling that you've wandered into a children's book is a small, olive green classic Italian car, trunk propped open to display a colourful array of fresh vegetables.

Tucked beside, meanwhile, is a trio of outdoor tables for two, lit intimately with soft red lights at night or the sun's rays on summer days and evenings. And in either case, a beautiful spot for an Aperol Spritz.

Get a little closer, most likely joining the back of the queue of lip-licking locals, and you'll spot a packed glass display case containing many of the homemade dishes and sides you can find on the dine-in menu - except pre-cooked for you to takeaway. Massive, herby prawns, crisped potatoes, aubergine parmigiana... the opportunities are varied and mouth watering, if rather pricey.

And this is far from the extent of the goods supplied by Mari. Other items on display include but are not limited to: plenty of sweet pastries and cakes, from puffy buns filled with berries and cream to puffy croissants; giant bags of pasta, looking simultaneously rustic and fancy and including several more obscure shapes; accompanying sauces and toppings, fresh and high-quality (I can speak for the basil pesto).

Previous fly-by trips years have involved icy granitas or espressos - both those from those cute, slushie-esque machines found in authentic Italian eateries - normal coffees and hot chocolates, occasionally accompanied by triangles of cake. The most recent time around, I went for a chunky ciabatta sandwich with cured ham, tomatoes, mozzarella and leaves alongside a refreshing lemon granita (£10.50 for the two).

These accompanied me beyond Mari up Chiswick Mall for a side of riverside views. Normally, I'd just walk while sipping or nipping but, the sandwich being as messy and oily as it was flavour-packed and filling (read: very), I decided to pause on the pavement's edge.

Elsewhere in London I might of hesitated at doing this, but on such a beautiful countryside-esque stretch and with a snack in hand that was quite literally making my mouth water, it was a no brainer. As is visiting Mari Deli & Dining, from wherever in London you live. (I know I'll still be post-move.)

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Is there a story you think we should be covering? If so, please email whatson@mylondon.news or at tilly.alexander@reachplc.com

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