L’Antipasto City — Restaurant in London

L'Antipasto City: A Delicious Dilemma

As passionate lovers of Italian culture and cuisine, with extensive travels throughout Italy, we were eager to try L'Antipasto City, conveniently located in a small alleyway, for a quick meal in the area. While we were fortunate to secure a table, our initial excitement quickly faded due to the palpable, hostile atmosphere emanating from both the staff and some of the other patrons.

We soon understood the reason for the waiters' stern and somewhat hostile demeanor. It seemed to be a reaction to the behavior of certain customers, likely due to the restaurant's proximity to the business center. Unfortunately, this negativity permeated the entire dining experience.

However, the food itself was truly exceptional. It was so good, in fact, that it almost made us forget the discomfort we were feeling. The flavors were authentic and delicious, showcasing the chef's clear talent and passion for Italian cooking. We were genuinely impressed.

Sadly, the positive experience with the food was overshadowed by the unsettling environment. We observed several wealthy, and clearly intoxicated, customers behaving inappropriately, flirting and seemingly taking advantage of the staff. Disappointingly, the manager did little to address this behavior. Instead, almost encouraging it and making unnecessary, almost egotistical, comments when interacting with polite customers.

Our initial plan was to stay for about an hour, and despite our desire to personally compliment the chefs on the incredible food, we felt so uncomfortable and unwelcome that we decided to leave immediately.

While the food at L'Antipasto City was undeniably amazing, the unpleasant atmosphere and the way the staff were treated by some patrons, combined with the manager's apparent inability to address the situation, left a very sour taste. Despite the culinary excellence, we sadly wouldn't choose to dine...

I can only rate the food based on what I had as a vegetarian. In honesty, the food was absolutely delicious, I had the veggie ravioli (because I didn’t want a basic margarita pizza and that was the only other veggie item on the menu). One goes to spend money on an Italian restaurant to load up with carb heavy food. This restaurant was by no means fine dining, so no excuse for the fact the portion size was far too small, I’m sorry but for the price paid, it was laughable how little was on the large dinner plate, about 6 or 7 pieces of ravioli! The meat calzone my friend had however was enormous, so while I praise the cooking, the portions of the veggie option left me hungry. The bruschetta starter was pretty basic and unseasoned too, perfectly acceptable but only when balsamic vinegar and olive oil added. something I could have made at home. My review can only be for my option though, unfortunately the small portion size left me hungry. The restaurant should cater for more vegetarian options and reconsider its portion sizes. Otherwise everything was lovely, if a little on the expensive side. Service was very attentive...

My review is in addition to Darren Wildman’s recent review. I was eating at the restaurant with him. My food was ok however I did taste his steak and I did not think it tasted like rib eye at all. It was cold. Darren did not eat the rest of his meal and when I had finished mine, he requested that the waitress take the steak off the bill as he wasn’t happy with it and it certainly wasn’t worth £25. The waitress brought the bill over and the steak was still on it. A gentleman came over to our table, presumably the manager, and showed us a cut of meat that was wrapped and sealed. I appreciate he was trying to show us that he was holding rib eye however it doesn’t change the fact that the food was not good enough.

The review is honest. We are not the type of people to leave unsatisfactory reviews for no reason. I booked This restaurant based on the 5* reviews and was I was disappointed. We were the only people in the restaurant, not a single Other person came in whilst we were there.

I feel disappointed that the manager has called Darren a liar. Best of luck to the staff who were lovely, sadly we won’t...