Osteria dell’Angolo (Bar, Restaurant)

Top 10 things we learnt about Osteria dell'Angolo restaurant:

1) Walking into Osteria dell'Angolo, you get the sense that many political careers might’ve started, and been destroyed, in this restaurant. It’s in Westminster and is as discreet as they come; even with a private dining room served by its own kitchen.

2) Although surprisingly, for a restaurant opposite the Home Office, it feels like it’s going through an identity crisis. It’s a peculiar mixture of the posh stiff upper lip service and relaxed home-made Tuscany hospitality.

3) Opened by restaurateur, Claudio Pulze, Osteria dell'Angolo certainly has pedigree. This is, after all, the genius behind Zafferano, Aubergine and Brasserie St. Jacques. He has opened over 50 restaurants since 1975!!

4) Claudio has used his Eton-esque connections to hire Massimiliano Vezzi as head chef. Vezzi’s experiences from Italy - in particular Milan and Napoli - are evident in his cooking; with emphasis on local produce and seasonality. He adds original touches, but always respects the classical nature of the dishes.

5) Take scallops on a bed of mixed vegetable caponata, for example. You wouldn’t see that on many menus, but this is not some faddish fusion food. It’s taking a classic and making it better.

6) When you say medium for your beef fillet, it does tend to arrive pink; not that it’d be of any concern here where the beef is sourced from Galloway. Their beef is one of the world’s longest established breeds. One of the worst food crimes to commit would be to overcook such meat.

7) Helpfully, their sommelier is on hand to recommend wine to accompany each of your courses and they have a great selection by the glass. Their Sangiovese wines match the meat dishes well, especially that Galloway beef.

8) Dessert is a way of life for Italians and once again, the restaurant has an extensive selection. I’d recommend the hazelnut nougat parfait rather than the standard tiramisu; the hazelnut adding a rich aroma to the parfait without being too overbearing or filling.

9) Slightly disappointing is their open kitchen. It’s very clean and presentable, but sadly, in these modern times, you almost expect open kitchens to be designer-lead.

10) Osteria dell'Angolo isn’t a place for dates, but it’s great for discreet business meetings when you actually want to get some deals sealed....read more