Assaggi is Italian for “tastings”. The restaurant sits on the floor above the Chepstow pub and is thus, perhaps often unnoticed when passing by the Chepstow on foot. However, the capability of Assaggi’s kitchen is no secret. It has been awarded one very discerning star, which by any interpretation of the Michelin guide, is a fair testament to its greatness.
The restaurant serves what strikes me as being the most authentic replication of food one may ever have found in Italy. Imagine if you will, the family-run enoteca or osteria in regional Italy that subjects you to food that one begs to replicate back home, at a price that makes you leap for joy, then you are getting somewhere near the satisfaction Assaggi may bestow upon you. The fond nostalgia derived from an evening meal in rural Italy is what resonates with me at Assaggi.
That is not to say that Assaggi is cheap, but let me make it clear one is not reticent to pay the prices required. This may however, also be the result of marketing the Italian dream, that is forever packaged & sold to us in a very palatable way by familiar, Italian charm. The food is what I understand to be described as “simpatico”, in Italy. The description of which, is best exemplified by x4/5 ingredients on a plate, at most and it is this methodology that gives Italian cuisine it’s clear identity. None of the excellence in any of their produce is undermined by being convoluted with too many other ingredients or ever in any question due to too many unnecessary, accompanying flavours.
The menu is an amalgamation of many regional dishes from all over Italy and the setting is a hot spot for cordiality & conviviality.
The first time I went to Assaggi, I was compelled by a glowing report which thus set the benchmark high in my expectation. It did not fail to deliver on that night and nor has it ceased to do anything shy of exacting total satisfaction during any consecutive visits.
I am a confessed Italian file and I am rather disappointed when the authenticity of an Italian restaurant is undermined by non-Italian waiting staff. The authenticity of Assaggi does not fall down on this particular point and nor on any other for that matter. All of the entries on a limited Wine list are of course Italian and the lack of entries simply negates the agony of choice. The most expensive white is circa £80 and the most expensive red is circa £150, with the cheapest white being £22 and the cheapest red about the same, which merely gives you the range.
Assaggi, like any other restaurant is susceptible to human error, but if you wish to sample something close to perfection, that can best be defined as a “hot spot for cordiality & conviviality”, I suggest you make a reservation. The restaurant only seats about 45/50 people and if you are a party of four or more, they will require a credit card to take a deposit.
I dance out of Assaggi with the feeling that my stomach has been kissed by the fruits of the earth. I may have sold a dream here rather than offered you more objectivity on the specifics of the food, but I don’t want to talk up a fish dish that I enjoyed for example, and thus marginalize non-piscivorous diners. The same goes for my favourite starters at Assaggi, which is Buratta or the Prosciutto with Parmesan crisps & rocket.
Score Board
First date 7/10
Quality of food 9/10
Value for money 7/10
Comfort and atmosphere 8/10
Authenticity 10/10
Service 9/10
Assaggi
Chepstow Place
W2 4TS
+44 (0)207 792 5501
