Refettorio Review

Book a table at Refettorio

Best for: inner city splendour; seasonal menus; indulging.

Great: at knowing what it is.

I like to think of myself as a reticent crowd pleaser, but I fear, when translated, I’m just a mess of contradictions. With some, I’m an avid supporter of animal rights acts; with others, I condemn their inference as messing with the progression of science. For one friend, I wish sophisticated cocktails at the launch of a swanky new bar in some well-to-do postcode; for another, I wish nowhere other than an underground dive, deeply immersed in the scent of spilt beer and hot armpit.

Do I know who I am? The name and address loving sewed into every item of my clothing by my doting mother gives a good indication, but can I be one person at the same time as being another? It’s a question that I’m intending to direct to my idol, the Dalai Lama; after I first finish my letter to Albert Mohler, informing him of my support and agreement on his teachings of ‘Buddhism as Satanic power’.

So yes, I am somewhat confused, and, as the gremlins war within me, I am left to roam the streets of London, feeling both love and hate for the city because for the life of me I can’t decide if I’m a country-girl or a city-girl. What I do know is that I’m girl out to dinner at Refettorio, housed in the Crowne Plaza hotel, living in the city of London.

Personified, this Italian restaurant would be the complete opposite of me. Instead of flailing, it would have an acute awareness of just what it is and what it is striving for. It would boast a grade A academic career, having decided what it wanted to be when it ‘grew up’ as soon as it emerged from its mother’s womb. It would be focused and driven, and have climbed to the top of the professional ladder before a wrinkle had set on its perfectly groomed skin (because it knows it wants to look its best as well as be its best). It would be able to reel off a list of likes and dislikes without pausing for breath, and if it weren’t for its charm, would make all others envious of its success.

Refettorio knows it is Italian. It knows to offer you an aperitif once seated, and to keep your water glass filled with just that: water. It knows to offer you a selection of breads, each freshly cooked and omitting scents of tomato, olive, and red pepper. It knows that seasonal produce is important and so currently offers a black truffle menu (due to end September/October when the in-season white truffle will then prevail), which means you should run kids, RUN, as quickly as you can to Refettorio but in somewhat of an orderly fashion, if you please, making sure to avoid tourists and old people.

If you fail to make it in time I guess you could acquire your own pig, take it to France, Spain or Italy to find the delicacy, and then attempt to cook it in the same exquisite way Refettorio does. But that sounds like quite a lot more work compared to a quick navigation round the streets of London. The al la carte menu offers non-truffle options for crazy people (such as my mother) who don’t enjoy what is only allowed to be described as a heavenly taste, and she assures me the char grilled swordfish with Mediterranean herbs, cherry tomatoes and rocket salad was better than anything a pig could dig up. My mother’s getting on; you’ll have to excuse her crazy talk.

Refettorio knows that the pudding and coffee are just as important as all that comes before and so a classic tiramisu and a vanilla panna cotta with almond pastry and chocolate sauce were devoured and washed down with espresso and cappuccino.

Refettorio knows it is city-dining. It knows that whilst it serves Italian food, it is not situated deep in the heart of southern Europe. It is here, in a substantially less hot, less laid back London, and for that reason Refettorio knows its clean L shape dining room - with its streamline dark and chunky wood, leather seats, hessian walls and low hanging lighting - pleases the business diners, the tourists on city breaks, and the couples who just don’t do ‘cute and cosy’.

Refettorio knows how to please, and I know I like Refettorio; that much I am at least sure of.

...read more

Faye Armstrong 11 Aug 2011

Refettorio Description

Celebrated chef Mattia Camorani has teamed up with his old mentor, Michelin-starred Giorgio Locatelli, to create divine Italian dining in the heart of the city. This great restaurant changed the culinary landscape of the Square Mile. For example, the kitchen at Refettorio uses only the freshest produce that is can source - nothing less gets through the doors. Camorani is such a stickler for perfection. Once you've made it inside, you'll be presented with a choice of dining area. You can take the "Convivium" route at the front of the establishment - a spacious, open-plan area featuring mixed seating and banquettes. This is every bit as friendly and enjoyable as it sounds. Or you can opt for the more discreet and formal back dining area. It's up to you. But whereever you go, the superb, deli-based dishes will delight even the most hardened of diners....read more

Customer Reviews for Refettorio

Average (based on 1 votes): 1 Atmosphere: Value: Quality:

The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Refettorio.

“My new favourite restaurant for city lunch. Excellent service and the Italian food is quality. Recommended.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Mr George, London (1 years 10 months 16 days ago)

Additional Information

• Cuisine Type: Italian
• Average Price: £40.00
• Dress Code: Not Specified
• Group: (Independent/Freehouse)