Twickenham: home of manly rugby, non-conformist Eel Pie island, and a slew of historical houses and gardens. It’s a lovely spot by the river, and the riverside has plenty of benches from which to admire the view. Boats sway gently on the water, ducks paddle happily by the river banks. On a beautiful summer day, it’s a London that’s as charming as can be.
And the most charming street in Twickenham, I dare say, is Church Street, a pretty pedestrian street that runs parallel to the river and is home to an array of independent businesses and eateries. It’s like a West London version of Exmouth Market in Clerkenwell …with added river.
At a glance...
Coffee and cannolis
Number 46 Church Street is home to Corto Italian Deli, a wonderful little deli and café. The café part offers a menu of light bites (paninis, but also arancinis, amongst other) and delicious pastries, as well as coffee, tea and “thick Italian hot chocolate”, which I’ll definitely try next time. If the weather is nice, there will be several tables outside, but be prepared to east somewhere else if it’s raining too hard; the umbrellas are not that efficient in screening the rain.
The deli part is impressive. The shop is rather tiny, but the wide shelves are lined with an array of Italian products: various kinds of pasta, many types of tomato sauce, specialty flour, fish conserves and several types of tapenade, and that’s just what caught my eyes. One fridge is stocked with Italian drinks, including Italian beers and Italian wines, as well as ice tea. Another is full of cured meat and cheeses, including Stracchino cheese, one of the most delicious Italian cheeses there is, and one that’s not that easy to find outside Italy.
The Italian coffee experience
Corto Italian Deli also offers an impressive selection of coffees and sweet treats. Popular brands such as Cartapani coffee and Fabbri syrups are perfect for creating your own Italian coffee experience at home. And the variety of cookies and biscotti, including classic Italian favourites like Gocciole and Settembrini, make for the perfect accompaniment. A selection of Italian spirits, such as Aperol and Campari, complete the picture.
So if you want a bit of Italian Riviera on the Thames, do head to Twickenham and Corto Italian Deli.
Where to go from there
You might also want to visit Italo Deli in Vauhall, another wonderful provider of all things Italian, and sample one of their fantastic focaccias. And if you’d rather stay in West London for your European food shopping, head to the other side of the river. Ham is home to the Hansel and Pretzel German Deli and the Swiss Bread Bakery, both of which are well worth a visit (read all about both in this post).
Corto Italian Deli: useful information
Address: 46 Church St, Twickenham TW1 3NR
Corto Italian Deli on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QEz2Sws43gwA1HMN9
Website: No website, but they’re on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/cortodeli/ ) and Deliveroo (https://deliveroo.co.uk/menu/london/twickenham/corto-italian-deli-twi).
How to get to Corto Italian Deli:
- From Central London: There are trains every few minutes from Waterloo, with the fastest journeys being around 20 minutes.
- From South London: these same trains also stop in Clapham Junction
About the author
Everything you read (and see) on this site is by me, Emma Duchat—unless I clearly say otherwise. I’ve lived in London most of my life and never seem to run out of things to explore. I walk the walk (literally), take the photos, and research and write every post. Come say hi on Instagram, too!
