City, Italian Restaurant Guide

It’s “always a delight” to visit this sleekly modern Italian duo in Chelsea and the City, which provide an “airy, relaxing escape from the fumes”. “Food and service are of a high quality”, and “there’s been a definite improvement over the last few years”. They’re “undoubtedly a bit pricey”, but “nothing is cheap in these areas”. The group has added a third venue, Canto Corvino, in Spitalfields (see also).

“Outstanding seasonal food with very helpful and friendly service” gets a thumbs-up for this modern Italian by Spitalfields Market. There’s a “great wine list – including by-the-glass from the Coravin system”, and it’s also highly recommended for a business breakfast – “much better than the Breakfast Club opposite, and no queue”.

“Smart and rather business-like” stalwart, near Leadenhall Market, that’s one of the City’s longer-established expense-account venues. Even those who feel that the experience is “all a bit ‘staged’” say it “nevertheless serves great Italian cuisine”; and reporters who feel that “after 20 years it’s a tad tired” still say that “it’s always a pleasant visit”.

“A cramped City Italian with good food”, this traditional venue off Bow churchyard “generally performs well” and is “packed at lunchtime – particularly at the tables outside, when weather permits”. “Portions are huge” and there’s “a fantastic list of regional Italian wines, some of which you might not find elsewhere”. Ratings dropped this year, though, with the odd ‘off’ report.