"Like most memorable experiences, I discovered this restaurant quite by chance. I was in the area on business and wanted a covenient spot for an early dinner before heading home. This was just around the corner from the intriguingly named Frying Pan Alley in Spitalfields. I must have been the first guest that evening as the place was still very quiet. I was welcomed and seated warmly and enthusiastically enough, although I was disappointed to be shown to a table in an enclosed room at the back, as it felt very cut off from the main dining area. This room would be ideal for a party of 10 as a more private dining area, for example. Another item of note is that there was a somewhat musty, damp smell in the atmosphere. It was not overpowering, but very noticeable on arrival. It was not so prominent later, as the restaurant filled up, and it did get very busy during the course of my visit, but it is interesting that this smell has been mentioned by other reviewers here, so it clearly isn't just me, and indicates that it may be an ongoing issue. Other than that the decor is interesting, and the bookshelves and impressionist paintings certainly create a rather distinctive theme. Now to the food. I tend to gravitate towards dishes that are unusual, original or unique, so for the starter I opted for the gamberi fra' diavolo (stew of prawns in spicy tomato sauce and lobster bisque). This was not something I've come across before, so it was a real revelation. The sauce was excellent, rich and spicy, but not overpowering (see pictures). However, the food was barely lukewarm when it arrived, which tempered my enjoyment somewhat. Disappointingly, the main course was also slightly cold, at any rate not piping hot. I ordered the linguine cacio e pepe (pasta in creamy sauce of pecorino Romano with black pepper and truffle paste). It was delicious. Cooked to perfection and beautifully presented (see pictures). For dessert it had to be the tiramisu. As something of a connoisseur on tiramisu as my numerous reviews on this platform will no doubt testify I particularly relish ordering this in an Italian restaurant. This individual portion was served in a curved glass. It was the quintessential tiramisu exactly how tiramisu should be light, creamy, not overpowered by the coffee or the wine, and the biscuits soft and not soggy. Probably one of the best I've had. Excellent! With the bill coming in at just over £60, with drinks and the now almost ubiquitous 12.5% service charge added, that is not too bad for a City of London venue. I want to thank the gentleman who was supervising the floor on the day, who stopped to discuss the tiramisu with me, and I'm sorry I do not recall his name. But I do hope to visit again soon to check out the rest of the menu. Thumbs up. Highly recommended."
Tartare
