Refettorio

A terrific addition to City dining, set in the fabulously luxe Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blackfriars. The very smart Refettorio is under the direction of Michelin-starred Giorgio Locatelli with the splendid Mattia Camorani in charge of the kitchen. This is not your usual Italian restaurant. The main dining room features a long refectory-style table with benches along both sides. There are booths in this section as well as another, more private, dining room beyond. The look is clean, smart and up to date with a very nice buzz indeed, with a mouthwatering display of fresh produce, meats and cheeses to get your juices going. Start with a big plate of excellent regional Italian cheeses and charcuterie to share among friends. Then move on to one of the many fried dishes that are so light they nearly float. Or try a pasta, like ravioli di ricotta e melanzane(with ricotta and aubergines). Then finish with the ricotta tart with limoncello ice cream. The waiters and wines are first rate.