Osteria Due Fratelli

Cute and quaint family run italian place at the heart of Hornchurch, surrounded by pizza chains and adding a bit of character to the area. On my first visit I got a parking ticket, but have since discovered a nice car park tucked away within easy walking distance, so no risk of another misshap.
The menu is short and divided into starters, pasta, pizza and meat/​fish dishes, with daily specials on the boards. There is a good amount of choice but I feel the starters selection needs a freshen up. I went for the calamari, and at £9 I expected more than the small amount I was served. That said, it was really tasty. The verdure alla griglia brings chargrilled vegs + a lump of yummy goat cheese melting into them. My vegetables were a bit on the limp side, but still flavoursome.
On the mains, my favourite dish so far is the vitello milanese; veal in breadcrumbs served with spaghetti in a delicate tomato sauce. Simple and perfect. Last time I ordered an american hot pizza (that wasn’t really that spicy) + added capers. I was immediately given an extra plate of pepperoni after I had been served, as the waiter noticed a certain lack of it on my pizza — which I thought it was a nice gesture as I hadn’t complained yet. :) But it would have been much better if they had been there in the first place. The pizzas are enormous, like barely fit in your place huge, but thin crust so you don’t have to worry you won’t manage. They’re filling, but light. This way you can have room for dessert, even though I always go for just the coffee because it’s good — as you would expect from an authentic italian.
The service is perfect; attentive without hovering. The house red is a delicious montepulciano that I would recommend over more expensive bottles. It’s not a place I visit often, but I always have an enjoyable time when I do.

I’ve known about this restaurant for some time but never had an inkling to dine there, but after it was recommended to me we decided to give it a try. The good thing I liked about this place is that it differs from all the trendy italian high street restaurants and is family owned and run. The décor is typical of a restaurant located down a side street in a small Italian town/​village. The tables are a mismatch as are the chairs, which have a quaint weathered/​stressed look. The food is of a very high standard, although it was the first time that i have eaten carbonara with so much olive oil in it, but i couldn’t knock it for taste, although their tiramisu was lacking a lot of the flavour. That aside, this place makes for a very enjoyable evening

There is an oversupply of Italian restaurants in this area and Osteria due Fratelli definitely wins the crown. It cannot compete with the chains (Ask, Prezzo, Wildwood, Zizzi) on price, but it makes up for it in authentic food and unparalleled family service.
I’ve been here a few times. The menu has a good selection of meat and fish dishes aside from the usual pizza and pasta. Really good, and clearly freshly baked, bread. I’m completely addicted to the Zucchine. Perfectly judged batter cooked in olive oil with sea salt. If you are a fish lover I recommend whatever they have as the fish special. The swordfish steak served with potato, tomato and onion salad is also a good option.
If you can manage desert they have a good selection of cream cakes, tiramisu etc. Also, as you would expect, really good coffee. So in summary, whenever I use one of those 2−4−1 vouchers at a chain place, I always imagine what I could have had over here.