Lorenzo… comfort food that keeps diners coming back

Now more than ever we need to support local restaurants.

The recent news that Joanna’s in Crystal Palace has closed after more than 40 years in business underlines this point.

Lorenzo is another Crystal Palace stalwart, open for 38 years and now in the hands of the original owner’s daughter.

It’s the kind of restaurant that’s held a special place in the hearts of South London families for generations.

Little appears to have changed in the 20 years since I was last there but if the packed house, all three floors, I found on my visit on Valentine’s Night is anything to go by, this is precisely what keeps diners coming back.

Most of the restaurants I passed on the big night were not well attended, with many no doubt deciding to stay at home.

So many people deny paying any attention to Valentine’s, before admitting to purchasing one of the supermarket dine-in deals.

The cost of living crisis can only have added to this.

This old school dining affair at Lorenzo is nothing short of delightful. Starters of stuffed mushrooms and antipasto plate, served with fresh bread, made for an admirable sharing duo.

I ordered an Americano pizza but asked just for spicy pepperoni and no chicken and bacon.

The puffiest pizza arrived, so very different from the wood-fired oven wonders of today, but a delicious throwback to what the dish used to be.

Thoroughly enjoyable, a thicker base made for soft slices right to the end.

My husband’s chicken a la crema was another blast from the past and gratefully received.

This is comfort food that keeps diners coming back for more and it’s fair to say, we’ve now joined this merry band.

Lorenzo, 73 Westow Hill, Norwood, SE19 1TX.
Open Wednesday to Sunday.

 

Picture: Great food at Lorenzo. Pictures: Paloma Lacy