Il Vicolo

ProfMagellan

snug Italian in St James's 16th February 2008

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The Wolseley would not take us for a last minute reservation (they laughed at such a crass idea as a table on the day despite my devotion to them and to Mr King, London's premier restauranteur). So we went here instead.
If you like Italian food and you are in St James's, then this is for you. Hidden in tiny Crown Passage, just behind Berry Bros (London's oldest wine merchant), this restaurant has recently had a complete makeover. Although starkly modern, it remains intimate and appropriate both for business and for pleasure. The staff are Italian and thus service is professional and upbeat. Mrs Magellan and I
had the special pasta of the day (penne with bolognese),
a rocket salad and half a bottle of the house Merlot.
The pasta was fantastic, tasty and generous in portion
and the Merlot very quaffable. Most of the other punters appeared to be tourists - or perhaps "non-doms" for this area of London has become a bit prohibitive for local people. But they all looked as though they were having a good time.
But if you are having a night on the town (maybe a show
in Shaftesbury Avenue or a film on Leicester Square this is but ten minutes walk away).
I thought the £60 bill (including service) was good value for this well run and comfortable place. My only criticism was the piped music
which was at least reasonably quiet. Why do restauranteurs insist on playing piped muic which is now about as welcome as smoking or a glass of Blue Nun?
Having recently removed nearby Automat from Prof Magellan's list of West End favourites, I congratulate "Il Vicolo" on having entered it.