Diciannove (Restaurant)

Top 10 things we discovered about Diciannove restaurant when we visited:

1) It’s a great place to chill with a date, mate, work colleague or family member. The ambient music, ease of atmosphere, elegant decor and welcoming staff (like Vincenzo) make it notably different to the world that lies beyond the glass doors.

2) As the restaurant is located in Blackfriars, there are more city types than tourist sites, but both are welcome to dine.

3) Stay away from stereotypical Italian food. Don’t expect meatballs, bland tasteless lasagne or the usual spag bol here (even the word spag bol sounds sad). You have two tempting menus of Italian choices, such as the sumptuous lobster spaghettini and filetto de manzo. Be different!

4) We all hate a cheap knock-off, such as chicken tikka pizza. Why eat that? It’s an affront to Italy. Instead, keep Italy happy and try Diciannove’s pizzettes. Small pizzas made using only authentic ingredients like spicy Italian sausage with mozzarella, tomato and oregano.

5) I’ve tasted plenty of scallops in my time but here you shall find the best scallops in London. Fact. Soft, well cooked, and beautifully balanced with a butternut squash puree - I didn’t know these could work so well together - served with pancetta crumbs. Mouthwatering.

6) Ever eaten tiramisu? I did once. It was a pathetic, soggy, sad creation in a box. But hear this: DO NOT touch another tiramisu until you’ve eaten Diciannove’s tiramisu. I could easily have wrapped myself in it and lived there the rest of my days. Light but filling, creamy but never sickening. It gave me foodie chills. The Zabaione is also a heavenly lemon delight.

7) Live a little; try delicious cocktails with a difference, like a cider cocktail instead, or a twisted rhubarb Negroni.

8) Loved your dish so much you wanna try making your own? Then buy ingredients at the restaurant deli. Do not browse the deli when tipsy or you’ll end up paying for more San Pellegrino drinks and fancy pasta than you probably need.

9) The price is a little steep but fair for the quality of the food.

10) Be happy knowing you don’t need to fly to Italy when you can enjoy it in the City of London. Nothing beats the real thing but escapism doesn’t hurt for a few hours....read more