Quirinale, Westminster, London

The food was spectacular, made to perfection and tasted delicious but the service was to be desired. Our wait staff were snobby and missed a few key things like sugar for coffee, salt and pepper, missed a few bits from our order and more... they were just a bit arrogant and strange, also very un-attentive when the restaurant wasn't even busy.

Not sure what happened as heard great things about this place :(

As I begin to effuse about the wonders of Quirinale, you may think that I've been bought. I haven't, yet, but believe me I would gladly trade the last dying embers of my innocence to dine here.

We visited in the evening, and though I was expecting this renown Italian to be sophisticated and plush, it was a pleasant surprise how relaxing the atmosphere was. The staff were perfectly attentive, able and oozed a palpable confidence.

I have yet to master the art of resisting filling up on bread, seeing as it is the first arrival to the table where I wait in ravenous expectation. Here, the delicious varieties all baked on the premises, got the evening out of the blocks like Usain Bolt and it only got better from there.

My starter of freshly-prepared malloreddus con salsiccia e pecorino sardo (malloreddus with Italian sausage & Sardinian pecorino) was as epic as Ben Hur and had me wriggling in my seat with ecstasy. My two Roman companions were equally delighted with their choices.

The delicious fish dishes that followed had their bones removed with some style and grace at the side of our table, before they were presented by the slick server. The accompanying potatoes and vegetables were also perfectly prepared. Without any hesitation, I can confidently say that every dish we ordered was flawless. A rare experience, indeed.

By the time the sumptuous desserts arrived, I was flagging but had enough fight left in me to finish mine, but by the time I clocked the chocolates and truffles that came with the coffees I was spent. Utterly spent. I could barely walk and staggered out like an over-indulgent

At lunchtime, I would guess, that Quirinale is brimming with folks from the House of Commons but in the evening the ultra-chic setting was serene. The menu at first glance may seem a tad pricey, but not only are the starter dishes available as reasonably costing main courses, there are also deals on the website. Currently, a ludicrously good value two courses for £19.00 or three courses £23.00.

Hands down, easily the best dinner I have had in London this year.

Apparently run by a former trainee laywer who liked food better, this is probably my favourite Italian restaurant. Set just off the Embankment and a stone’s throw from Parliament this is a discreet, light and airy basement restaurant, and as the previous reviewer said, a haven for MPs - I’ve seen several cabinet ministers here on various visits.

The food, service and attention to detail are always spot-on, and although quiet when I’ve been there, I think it’s much busier at lunchtime. The menu changes regularly and there’s always something different on the menu, much of which is very definitely authentic Italian (Sicilian, I think).

I could go on and on but I’d just be reinforcing my opinion that you should go there - I’d rate this more highly than Locanda Locatelli in Seymour Street.

If you go, look out for the ever-present huge bouquet of flowers by the window that you can smell throughout the restaurant!

Update: I visited Quirinale again tonight (September) - little has changed: service was excellent - extremely attentive and friendly, food was the best I’ve ever had here (including the chef talking to a few guests) and it was on the verge of being full - even before parliament has started sitting again. Tonight’s reinforced my opinion that this the best Italian restaurant in London for service and food, it just doesn’t brag about it like others.

This is a small, high-class Italian restaurant at the Parliament end of Great Peter Street. Unsurprisingly, it’s a favourite for lunches with the Westminster village of politicians, lobbyists, trade associations and the like.

The food is upmarket modern Italian, made with fresh ingredients, many sourced directly from Italy. I found the pasta to be fresh and tasty, with a wider choice of ingredients than I would normally come across - Cappellacci (little pasta pies) with potato & mozzarella, broccoli puree & pecorino di fossa cheese, for example. Vegetarians are reasonably well catered for, and they indicate a number of 'nearly vegetarian’ dishes that can be made fully vegetarian on request, which is a nice idea.

Soups and starters range from £9 to £10.50 and mains from £13.50 for pasta to £22 for steak or wild turbot (extra side dishes - vegetables or salad - come in at £3.50 per portion).

Desserts come in at £6.50, but they are known for their Italian cheese-boards, featuring cheeses otherwise hard to find in UK restaurants: this varies from £7.50 for 3 cheeses, to a waist-expanding £11.50 for 7 cheeses (but can also be shared!). These are clearly very popular indeed and we saw several groups indulging.

The wine list is also substantial - over 130 including champagnes - and this is a rather select mixture of French and Italian wines. A 12.5% service charge is added, so expect a two course dinner with wine to come in at around £50-60 a head: a simple lunch should be about £25 or so.

I’d heard that service has been a problem for others, but my experience is that it was very good: if anything, the bread and water waiters were a little too attentive. We had to wait a little too long to order, but the food then came quickly, as did the coffee and the bill when we asked for it. It was all pretty friendly, as well - not as snooty as some places around Westminster can be.

The price will make it mostly a business location, and it’s clearly very popular for that: lunch bookings are essential. The tables are a little close together in places for a special intimate meal for two (some tables are better than others for this), but then again, who wants to risk having a politician on the next table on their special date? But they are happy to cater for groups and their website lists various group menus, which range from £30 to £44 per person (without drinks, sides or service).

Note: they are open only Monday-Friday.

I’ve been noticing this place for a while as it’s on my running route. Chique little place set in a secluded downstairs area, not too big either with a smart, yet slightly cosy feel.

I’m not a fan of Italian’s either, but thought this place might be worth a try - the girlfriend would enjoy it anyhow. We weren’t disappointed, and although service felt a little slow at first, once they took our order it was spot on from then.

I had tuna carpaccio followed by the squid-ink risotto and the other half had the Angus steak. The tuna could have a little more flavour too it, but both the other dishes were excellent. The steak had great flavour and the risotto was one of the best I’ve ever tasted - not sure about the squid ink but the risotto was technically perfect.

For those that are looking for a first rate Italian in the modern style, this place won’t fail to satisfy. If you’re up for a bit of celeb spotting, you may get lucky here - we were sat next to a table with David Blunkett and his dog.