SYNONYMOUS for early mornings, late nights and a constant buzz from the financial crowd, the City of London is an unusual place to open a restaurant. Originally founded in Moscow, then making its mark on the Old Town of Riga, Piazza Italiana has now established itself in the British capital with the help of famed restaurateur, Victor Ravdive.
The brainchild of Sicilian-born Remo Mazzucato, whose 50 years of culinary experience guided him to curate and create the menu for his protégé and now-Head Chef Aleksandr Sarujev to execute, the Italian restaurant seeks to prove itself as a superlative dining experience in the city.
Interior of Piazza Italiana
Standing proud in the former, exquisitely restored British Linen Bank on Threadneedle Street, the Grade II listed building oozes opulence as you enter its exaggerated glass doors finding yourself in a warmly-lit room stretched high with ornate ceilings, Neoclassical Corinthian columns and contemporary splashes of interior.
Like many restaurants a complimentary offering of bread is served prior to the meal, however with luxury the theme of Piazza Italiana, this was no ordinary gluten indulgence. Grissini, focaccia and Carasau were served with glass tubes of olive oil and balsamic, and with two additional dips of olive paste and red pepper tapenade.
Insalata di pomodori e burrata
Tartare di salmone
For my starter, I indulged in octopus carpaccio that was drizzled with a balsamic citrus sauce while my guest opted for the yellowfin tuna tartare that was served with avocado and mini slices of toast. Though the plate was large and the portion was generous, the starter was nothing short of moreish. For those not keen on raw fish, other starters include the classic hearty burrata, creamy girolle mushrooms and slow-cooked veal.
Carpaccio di vitello al tartufo
When you think of Italy, pasta comes to mind and Piazza Italiana is not short of offering a plethora of concoctions stretching from king crab ravioli in a lobster sauce to tagliolini in rich truffle topped with parmesan. Choosing the asparagus risotto with prawns, that I can only describe as mouthwateringly good, it immediately became a plate that definitely topped my must-try list, cementing my opinion on this place as a hidden palace of flavours.
Spaghetti alle vongole veraci
Spaghetti alle vongole veraci
A variation of green sides are an offer, however I was recommended to enjoy the triple cooked chips with parmesan and truffle oil – who could possibly deny yourself that treat? But my feast did not end there, as I finished my meal with the ultimate Italian dessert of tiramisu. With the prices edging on the higher end of the middle ground, you truly get your money’s worth as a large square of this delicious layered cream delicacy was served with a scoop of ice cream to make anyone with a sweet tooth smile.
Operating on a seasonal approach to produce, Piazza Italiana undoubtedly offers one of the best Italian dining experiences in London by formulating dishes that make you instantly want more. Though I questioned its location initially, you realise its secret spot makes it your ultimate trump card for dinner spots.
by Imogen Clark
Piazza Italiana, 38 Threadneedle St, London, EC2R 8AY
Open Tuesday – Saturday