Refettorio, Blackfriars (Restaurant) Fluid Style (London) review

Address: 19 New Bridge Street, Blackfriars, London, EC4V 6DB
Nearest Tube / Rail: Blackfriars

A hotel-restaurant in London’s financial district seems doomed to dullness from the start, thankfully Italian restaurant, Refettorio, manages to escape the stereotypical clutches of the surrounding dreary business restaurants and provides a certain charm - plus more cheese than you can shake a stick at.

An understated and contemporary design mixed with long dark wooden tables and chocolate brown leather upholstery provides a luxurious backdrop to your eating experience. The atmosphere is alive with clattering, chattering and chinking, so it’s not the place for whispering sweet nothings. However, it is the place for sharing good food with.

The Convivium (platters to share) of cheese and meat dishes are excellent starter choices. Cow, goat, pig, ewe and boar delights, selected by region are served up by your friendly knowledgeable waiting staff who are always happy to explain what formaggio ubriaco you should be combining with your salsiccia di cinghiale.

Main courses are fresh and interesting, there are plenty of good pasta options such as the deliciously garlicky crab linguine, but they don’t take over the menu. Meat and fish dishes are plentiful; much recommend is the duck or swordfish (to anyone with room to further treat their stomachs). The Desserts are delicious too and most are accompanied with the freshly made ice-cream.

Leave the hotel-restaurant stigma at the door and open your eyes to Refettorio for a top-class authentic Italian experience.

Deborah James (Updated 22/06/2007)

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