Restaurants

The room has a capsule-like feel that smacks of amateurish over-design, with violet neon strip lights and red crushed-velvet pillars. A DJ booth pounds out throbbing house music that just about allows loud conversation. The owners are also involved with Noura, the Lebanese restaurant next door, so it’s understandably that while the cooking is competent, it is not always authentically Italian. Risotto of asparagus and peas took a promising 20 minutes to cook, and indeed the rice was al dente; however, the seasoning was bland and the dish lukewarm, causing a skin to form over the rice. Pan-fried scallops with baby fennel were likewise cooked well enough, but lacked seasoning and taste. In contrast, a sea bass fillet, served with clams and an artichoke and potato gratin, was far too salty, though otherwise fine. Our most disappointing dish was lobster spaghetti, which featured overcooked shreds of lobster meat, a tomato sauce that lacked depth and supermarket-standard spaghetti. Chocolate soufflé – really more of a chocolate fondant served with pistachio ice-cream – was unremarkable. Staff are generally friendly and helpful.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009