Fabrizio

Fabrizio's has been one of my favourite places to eat in London for several years now. The food is, quite simply, fabulous, and reasonably priced given the quality. As Ladis19 mentioned, the decor was updated at the start of 2007, but the place still has a comfortable feel. As such, Fabrizio's is a very versatile restaurant: as well as having cosy meals for two, I've taken a group of colleagues here, and have popped in by myself for a quick pasta at lunchtime. Situated as it is near the corner of St Cross Street and Leather Lane (disregard the inaccurate google map above), Fabrizio's is well off the usual tourist routes, but dead handy for those working or living in the Farringdon, Holborn and Clerkenwell areas. Nearest tubes are Farringdon and Chancery Lane.

On my latest visit, a Thursday in March 2007, we were the first people to arrive at 6.30pm, but the restaurant filled gradually with other diners while were there. Bread, olives and tap water are complimentary. I had crispy tiger prawns with bacon, asparagus and cherry tomato to start; Henrietta had pan-fried mullet fillets with truffle oil and salad garnish. For my main course I had roast venison tagliata with plums, brandy sauce and mashed potatoes: Henrietta had cuttlefish ink risotto with tiger prawns, green peas and cherry tomato. Together with a huge dish of mixed green vegetables, wine and coffee for two, the bill came to just 66, gratuity included.

As many others have noted, Fabrizio is well-known for emerging from his kitchen to say hello and have a bit of a chat with his customers. London is a big place, yet this is one of the very few places where my face is remembered - indeed, if I'm working in the area, I often bump into Fabrizio at 9am as he's opening up, and he'll stop for a chat then also! While this might be a bit of a drawback for those craving anonymity, it's worth remembering that there are plenty of other places in London where one can go and be anonymous. By way of contrast, it's obvious that Fabrizio and his family take a personal pride in what they do. For example, my cafe machiato once arrived when I had nipped to the ladies. Rather than let it sit on the table getting cold, the waitress apparently insisted on taking it away so she could bring me a freshly made one once I reappeared. Service like that is rare, even at the 'best' restaurants.

In short, I cannot recommend Fabrizio's highly enough. Eat, drink, and enjoy!