Farina & More — Restaurant in London

A big slice of Sicily in the heart of Hammersmith. Farina and More's deli and eatery fed and entertained us in true Italian style. In their first, of many, Supper Clubs, we feasted on a 7 course tasting menu, exquisitively paired with delicious wines. The table, beautifully laid with fresh flowers and citrus fruits, was set for 20; some of the diners knew each other but clearly new friends were made on the night. Our Sommelier, a very knowledgeable and passionate wine merchant, addressed the gathering, talking us through his choices that would perfectly complement the food. After the welcome prosecco and dips with Sardinian pane carasau, we were in high spirits as we waited for the show to begin. We started with asparagus soup, parmesan crostini & Guanciale crumble, paired with Pinot Grigio Doc Venezie Terre dei Dogi. Next a trio of beetroot smoked salmon on brioche, guacamole prawn & smoked mackerel burger with a glass of Pecorino IGT Terre Di Chicti La Tessa. Then a duo of arancini black ink sauce & truffle washed down with Gavin DOCG del Comune Di Gabi Dario Bersaglio. To follow, prawn, leek & Genovese pesto millefoglie served with Falanghina Sannio DOP Svelato Terre Stregate. Then on to the main course and my personal favourite, grilled swordfish fillet, salmoriglio & caponata paired with Primitivo Drop Sale to Rosato Poggio Maru. To finish, IL Dolce pistachio Sicilian cannolo, sfinci Di ricotta and chocolate salame with a glass of Zinibbo liquoroso IGT Terre Siciliane Nicosia. Everything was cooked to perfection. It was a wonderfully well- thought through menu, with a great sense of balance nothing too heavy or rich..... And just when you thought the party was over, it was actually just beginning: the music was turned up and in quintessential Sicilian fashion we danced until our feet could take no more! A massive shout-out to the organisers; chefs; kitchen and waiters ( particularly the Shakespearian lover ) who made the night so special....and at 65 pound ahead,...

Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, I was very disappointed to see a lack of covid measures in place among staff- no masks, not requiring guests to hand sanitise upon entry. It makes me concerned that upon preparing food etc behind the scenes - that measures were perhaps not taken seriously.

Secondly, the ‘homemade’ tiramisu (what drew is to the restaurant in the first place) was served with canned whipped cream (I saw the can out front , as it was being served by the waitress). For a dish that is supposedly homemade, I was very put off to see this. Secondly, when served, the tiramisu was drowned in what appeared to be a custard (also ready made, in a packet). I would definitely not have ordered, had I seen this before.

Finally, it took 10 minutes for our bill to arrive after asking for the cheque. The waitress didn’t seem to think it an issue to keep us waiting, while she served the other customers. Finally after getting up she gesturing twice, we were able to get our bill.

The starter, buratta was served with wilted rocket leaves. Not impressive to see.

The pasta was probably the best part of the meal. But absolutely not worth it considering all the other disappointments. I like to support independent businesses, rather than franchises, but I unfortunately don’t recommend this place. It isn’t the quality, authentic Italian experience one would expect from...

Found tonight's trip really disappointing in every way.

We've been to Farina & More before and it has been OK, if unspectacular. Today's visit put me off visiting again anytime soon.

First an extremely long wait for the drinks or food order to be taken (despite only two other tables of people), then disappointing food. It would have all been lit by a flickering, annoying light bulb but that was eventually fixed when asked.

The taste of both the starter and main were good but both were pretty basic dishes. A bread starter with olives had the tiniest drizzle of olive oil and the mains of two pasta dishes (photo attached) seemed pretty underwhelming in terms of quantity for £10 each.

There were also zero COVID-19 measures in place - no hand gel, no cleaning done in our time there, no masks worn and very little attempt at social distancing. When we arrived, we were given a table next to one of the two other tables taken, so close that the chairs were touching.

Completely get it is a tough time for the industry at the moment but there was enough happening here to give a really bad experience.

It was a disappointing dinner even with the Eat Out to Help Out scheme paying a chunk of our bill - I'd have hated to...