Restaurants

The concept of a dedicated mozzarella bar might have sounded unlikely at first, yet the slick Selfridges outpost of this Italian chain keeps improving. True, some of the price tags seem to match those of the high-fashion labels for sale upstairs, but they reflect the fact that the delicate cheese is flown in daily from Italy. Although the menu includes a small but pleasant batch of antipasti and pasta dishes, Obika’s main draw is its platters, combining a choice of three mozzarella varieties with a changing selection of charcuterie rarely found outside Italy. If it’s available, don’t miss the prized prosciutto di cinta senese, which comes from a type of pig bred free-range in oak forests. Starting at £12 for three items degustation platters don’t come cheap, but they attract hordes of shoppers. The crowds don’t faze fast, competent Italian staff, who didn’t miss a beat during a busy Saturday lunchtime. In a bid to attract homesick Italian expats (those with a generous pay package, we presume), Obika now offers aperitivo evenings on Thursdays, with food included in the cost of drinks.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008