Choosing the perfect setting for a birthday, anniversary, engagement dinner or corporate milestone can feel daunting, yet it needn’t be. Friends of Flavours, a family-run Italian gem tucked just off the high street, has quietly become the go-to spot for celebratory dining. From its elegant private spaces to a menu steeped in regional tradition, every element is designed to turn a simple meal into an unforgettable experience. Below is a closer look at the best areas to book inside the restaurant, along with practical planning advice and answers to the questions most often asked by hosts.
Award-winning hospitality sits at the heart of Friends of Flavours. Recent diner feedback collected by leading reservation platform TableTime shows a 96 per cent “would recommend” score, with reviewers praising the balance of attentive service and relaxed atmosphere. The front-of-house team, many of whom trained in Rome and Florence, greet guests with genuine warmth and expert knowledge, guiding parties through the wine list and suggesting dishes that suit everyone at the table.
Equally impressive is the kitchen’s commitment to provenance. Chef-patron Alessandra Greco sources PDO buffalo mozzarella from Campania, sun-ripened tomatoes from Puglia and organic herbs grown in the restaurant’s own rooftop garden. These premium ingredients underpin every dish, ensuring that the flavours shine without fuss or gimmick. When planning an event, hosts can rest easy knowing that each plate—be it the signature tagliatelle al tartufo or the slow-braised beef shin in Barolo—is crafted with the same meticulous care.
Bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, the Garden Room seats up to 24 guests around reclaimed oak tables. Olive trees in terracotta planters line the edges, while trailing jasmine fills the air with a subtle perfume. Afternoon celebrations benefit from the brightness; come evening, oversized lanterns cast a golden glow that feels both romantic and refined. Acoustic panels discreetly tucked behind climbing vines keep conversation comfortable, making the space ideal for speeches and toasts.
For those seeking intimacy, the vaulted Wine Cellar accommodates between 10 and 14 diners. Walls of exposed brick and rows of hand-picked Barolo, Brunello and Super-Tuscan bottles create a cosy ambience reminiscent of countryside cantinas. A long walnut table runs the length of the room, laid with antique silverware and crystal glassware at every service. Hosts can opt for a guided tasting flight, pairing courses such as porcini risotto and venison pappardelle with rarer vintages rarely found by the glass.
Available from late spring through early autumn, the Terrazza is Friends of Flavours’ open-air jewel. Fairy lights are strung overhead, and a retractable canopy shelters guests from the occasional British drizzle. Seating 30 for a sit-down meal or up to 45 for canapés and prosecco, it offers panoramic views of the city skyline—an Instagram-ready backdrop that adds extra sparkle to milestone moments. An outdoor wood-fired oven allows Chef Greco to prepare blistered Margherita Classica pizzas on the spot, turning dinner into theatre.
Friends of Flavours’ celebratory set menus are built to reflect the seasons while still showcasing signature staples. Spring gatherings might start with delicate burrata drizzled in basil oil, followed by lemon-infused sea-bass fillet perched on courgette ribbons. In autumn, truffle takes centre stage: hand-rolled tagliatelle tossed in aged Parmigiano and finished with fragrant shavings of Umbrian black gold. Vegan guests are far from an afterthought, enjoying dishes such as spinach and potato gnocchi in roasted red-pepper sugo, while a gluten-free spaghetti arrabbiata delivers heat without compromise.
Desserts lean towards Italian comfort: think velvety pistachio panna cotta, or the crowd-pleasing tiramisù layered with espresso-soaked savoiardi and mascarpone whipped to cloud-like lightness. Many hosts add a celebratory flourish with the Crostata di Frutta—a vibrant tart crowned with seasonal berries and available with personalised chocolate script. Whatever the selection, each course can be matched to one of 60 Italian wines or the restaurant’s house-made limoncello.
Securing the desired room is straightforward if done early. Weekends and the last Friday of every month book up quickly, so the events team recommend reserving at least four weeks in advance for parties of ten or more. A deposit of £10 per head confirms the date, with final numbers not due until five days before—handy for those inevitable last-minute changes. Menus are finalised two weeks ahead, giving the kitchen time to adjust for allergies or special diets without fuss.
Ambience matters as much as food. If a formal tone is required, opt for the Wine Cellar and request low-level classical playlists. For livelier gatherings, the Terrazza’s resident DJ can curate a Mediterranean soundtrack late into the evening under local noise-compliance guidelines. Hosts are encouraged to visit the venue beforehand, sample the menu and test the AV equipment; a 20-minute slot with the events coordinator is complimentary and saves stress on the day.
Friends of Flavours understands that no two celebrations are alike. Bespoke touches range from edible place cards—mini bruschetta bearing each guest’s name in balsamic glaze—to a “build your own antipasti” station where diners select from wheels of aged pecorino, San Daniele prosciutto and marinated artichokes. Couples marking an engagement often choose the candle-lit tiramisù reveal, where sparklers are embedded in individual ramekins before lights are dimmed for a picture-perfect surprise.
Can I bring my own cake?
Yes. The restaurant charges a modest £2.50 per person plating fee, which includes storage in a temperature-controlled cabinet and service with vanilla gelato if desired. Alternatively, the pastry chef can bake a custom mille-foglie layered with Chantilly cream and fresh strawberries with 72 hours’ notice.
Is live music permitted?
Acoustic trios and solo pianists are welcome in the Garden Room and Terrazza, provided a sound check is completed before doors open. The Wine Cellar’s arched ceiling creates natural resonance, so only background playlists are allowed there to preserve conversation.
What are the parking and transport options?
An on-site car park offers 20 spaces after 18:00, and the restaurant partners with local eco-taxi firm GreenRide for discounted journeys home. For guests using public transport, the Overground station is a five-minute walk, and the nearest bus stop is directly opposite the entrance.
With its trio of distinctive spaces, ingredient-driven menus and a team passionate about crafting joyous experiences, Friends of Flavours stands out as the definitive choice for Italian dining celebrations. Whether it’s an intimate family supper or a rooftop soirée beneath the stars, every detail is fine-tuned to let hosts relax, raise a glass and create memories that linger long after the last espresso is sipped.
Ready to indulge in the authentic tastes of Italy and create unforgettable memories at Friends of Flavours? With our passion for fresh, flavourful cuisine and award-winning service, we invite you to experience the best of Italian dining right here in Penge, London. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply savoring the everyday, Angelo Gobbi and our team of experienced chefs are dedicated to crafting a unique dining experience for you and your loved ones. Don't miss out on the opportunity to gather around our tables—Book a Table today and let us make your next event truly extraordinary.