Ave Mario

Is there something more religious than a good dish of pasta? For the people behind Ave Mario, the new Italian from the Big Mamma Group, this is of biblical matter. 

From the splash of colours to the Sicilian crockery, the provocative neon lights and Raffaela Carra on repeat, this is one of our new favourite spots in the city. 

As we walk into this Italian extravaganza, we can´t help but think of the exuberance and OTT culture that we associate with Italians. And let’s be honest, we love it. 

The decor and music is on point, the waiters are local Italians and so is the people behind the kitchen and the food, let me tell you, is delicious. 

Big and tasty portions are on offer, and we particularly loved the truffled pasta and spinach pizza, but you won’t be disappointed by any dishes here. Save some space for dessert as you’ll be impressed by the gigantic stracciatella gelato on display, amongst many other goodies. 

If you are feeling hungry and would like to party, there’s also a set menu for 50gbp available. You’ll have food come afterwards, but you will a happy bunny nevertheless. Treat yo selves!

Now on to the serious deets…

Where is it? 15 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QG,

Average price with a glass of vino? 40 GBP per person (including service)

When can you go? As many times as you like Monday to Sunday from 12:30-3pm and 5-10.30pm

Enjoy my careless readers, 

TCB xx

Bancone, Pasta's Paradise

Pasta Pasta Pasta

Bancone, the italian that will save you every time

Affordable drinks and home-made pasta in the heart of the West End. Shall I say more?

Bancone is a little gem, really. As the peeps at The Guardian described it: casually orgasmic and deeply affordable, the Italian restaurant succeeds in all marks. Drinks are cheap (a glass of vino for a fiver? I’m SOLD), food is excellent.

WHAT will you get? Pasta, pasta, pasta. If you want pizza, this is not your place. Pasta? As much as you like. The restaurant certainly specializes on delivering the best fresh pasta but also has incredible antipasti. If you ask us, you should definitely try the panelle with smoke duck breast, lardo & whipped anchovies and the cime di rapa (turnip tops) with garlic and chilli. Mouth is watering just reminiscing of it! As for the mains, their Beef shin ‘ossobuco’ ravioli with saffron butter is rich but incredible, and their octopus and nduja with olives is also superb.

Another thing that we really appreciated here was the service. Very attentive peeps; most servers where italian and so were the chefs, which is always a plus.

WHERE is it ? Right next to St Martin In The Fields, by Trafalgar square. More precisely, 39 William IV St, London WC2N 4DD

WHEN is it open? Great news. For once a restaurant in London serves up until 11pm! You can get there closer to the time and still manage to get all the yummy food in the menu. BOOM.

Certainly the perfect spot for pre and post-theatre food. And get this: you can book.

TCB xx