RUSTICO ITALIAN BISTRO — Restaurant in England

Very impressed after an improvised visit on the way back home! (The Fork discount disclaimer, honest review).

I was a bit scared when I saw the place completely dead at 9pm (more on this at the end).

Despite the initial feeling of incredulity due to the lack of atmosphere and the terrible location the owners have chosen, I must say this is one of the best food I’ve ever had in the UK (shame the incredibly uncomfortable terrace-like chairs and lack of charm in the decor).

It all began top high with an amazing selection of green and black olives mixed with some sun-dried toms and the yummiest ever olive oil with garlic.

Focaccia also followed (shame it wasn’t toasted).

For mains, we went for the monkfish and the pork tomahawk and, oh dear, what a delight to our palates that was!

Super flavoursome, well cooked - simply delightful.

Little room for improvement on the way the monkfish was presented, though: I understand you finish the fish on the oven but, pls, do remove the oven paper when you serve it! I found so hard to believe they’d serve us something inedible that I almost tried it!

Lastly, and I truly think this must be fixed asap, they dare to add 12.5% service charge to your bill…

No offence, but this is barely acceptable on high end venues in central London, what makes you believe you can do this to your guest?! It’s so offensive, forcing people to pay taxes (government takes 20%) plus a forced tip. This may also explain why they had no other guests tonight - but it may also be due to their poor location.

On top of that, no AMEX accepted - which should be informed in advance, I believe (missed a good few Avios tonight…).

Bottomline: if you listen to your guests and become a little bit less greedy (remove SC & add AMEX), upgrade your decor, throw away those terrible chairs and move to a better location, I have no doubt you guys have a great future ahead!

PS: parking can be challenging. No steps to access the venue, but no accessible toilet available. Great music in the background, yet it comes from a single low-quality speaker located next to the counter. Campari Spritz for £7 is such a bargain!

Piacere, MRA @ 2030 Films Global...

Where do I start? Maybe from the fact that I am Italian myself and super fussy when eating at Italian restaurants since unfortunately most open with the best intentions and then get lost along the way with dishes that are not Italian nor British but a bad mix of everything. However, RUSTICO ITALIAN BISTRO is the best Italian food place I have tried during my 10 years in the UK. From fresh fish appetisers, to a superb pasta, and last but not least, the pudding ... an explosion of Italian flavours with a modern twist, always respectful of the Italian culture. Don't get fooled by the semplicity of the place or the short menu, the proof is in the pudding (or in this case in everything that Giovanni, AKA the chef, gives life to). My first time here, greeted by the lovely Valentina, co-owner, few chats with her and Giovanni made me miss Sicily, my home and family, a little less. Ok, running to make another booking now. Ciao ! Thank you Valentina, Giovanni and...

This place serves very amazing dishes, it is one of the nicest places in the area. I went there today after many friends suggested it to me, and they had a superb menu. All the dishes were done with top ingredients, fresh and tasty. There is so much research in the tastes and the results are absolutely brilliant. The ingredients from this season feature also squash in many forms: as soup, or marinated part of a board of cheese and cured meats, or combined with gnocchi and salsiccia for example. Gnocchi salsiccia and zucca was my favourite dish (you absolutely need to try this one). Also desserts are very well done and are perfect to conclude an outstanding meal. Just book in advance if you want to go there because the seats are limited. The atmosphere is intimate and you really feel welcomed and...