‘I visited the family-run Italian restaurant that has a starter bigger than my face’

Italian food is my absolute favourite, so my typical order includes a starter, pasta dish, and dessert. In this Essex restaurant, I was surprised when my starter arrived and it was bigger than my face.

FIGO in Brentwood is a family-run Italian restaurant with roots in tradition and a modern twist. Its menu showcases diverse regional flavours steeped in centuries of culinary heritage.

When I sat down and asked the server for recommendations, they instantly suggested the ‘Cozze,’ their most popular starter. It turned out to be unlike anything I’d ever seen before.

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I was served a giant pizza-dough shell seasoned with sea salt and rosemary. Cutting through it revealed a steaming plate of mussels in a rich, smoky sauce.

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The ‘Cozze’ is an Italian ‘soup’ which combines mussels, cherry tomatoes, garlic, chilli, parsley, and white wine sauce. At FIGO, they elevate this classic by encasing it in a delicious, doughy crust perfect for dipping.

The pizza crust hid a delicious secret
The pizza crust hid a delicious secret -Credit:EssexLive

I also tried another starter, the Melanzane Alla Parmigiana, a baked aubergine dish layered with mozzarella, tomatoes, and parmesan. It came in a typical lasagne-sized tray, also offering a big portion for a starter.

The starters were so satisfying that I think it would be enough to order one per person and then move straight to dessert. They were also high-quality; both tomato sauces were so rich, with the mussels’ sauce delivering an amazing spicy kick.

The starters were enough for a meal
The starters were enough for a meal -Credit:EssexLive

Despite my full stomach, I was still able to try two pasta dishes. The La Gran ‘Romana’, their specialty, is served in a Pecorino cheese wheel, completely drowned with parmesan, black pepper, and butter. This dish was absolutely divine! The pasta was perfectly al dente, and the cheese, though abundant, wasn’t overwhelming or sickening.

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Next, I tried the Pasta de la Nonna, a Neapolitan tube pasta with aubergine, tomato, ricotta, and pistachio. I’m a sucker for aubergine, so the flavour was perfect for me, and the creamy cheese and crunchy nuts created a flawless combination.

This pasta is perfect for those cheese lovers like me
This pasta is perfect for those cheese lovers like me -Credit:EssexLive

No Italian meal is complete without tiramisu, and FIGO’s was a standout, simply unique. Its mascarpone was thick, creamy, and balanced, making for a dessert I’d happily revisit.

FIGO’s cocktail menu is equally amazing, with signature drinks like the Bella Vita with Grappa, Limoncello, Triple Sec, and Apple Juice - this one is great for those with a sweet tooth. For something fizzy, try their signature FIGO Fizz, a refreshing elderflower-liqueur delight.

FIGO’s extensive menu had me sceptical about quality, but I was proven wrong. The seafood was fresh, the cheese was plenty, and the tiramisu was authentic. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their dishes!