Restaurants

A little piece of Milan (home of the original De Santis) in Clerkenwell. This paninoteca is a sleek-looking joint with a smooth concrete floor and a quiet terrace at the back. As in Italy, not much is made of breakfast (coffee and a croissant about covers it); the action starts at lunch. Paninis are the backbone of the menu, and come with a wide variety of fillings: meats (speck, mortadella, bresaola, prosciutto), vegetables, cheese or fish. The bread is baked on the premises, and is light and delicious. Piattini (cold platters) and tartine (open sandwiches) also make a showing, as do hot dishes. These included lentil stew with garlic bruschetta and penne arrabiata, perhaps followed by pear and yogurt cake or tiramisu. A popular local restaurant with a quite justified sense of confidence.

Time Out Cheap Eats in London Guide 2007