Caffe Caldesi

Browners

Not really a caffe - more of an Italian bistro 5th October 2008

5 found this helpful

Our table for 5 could barely support the weight of the contents of the entire anti-pasti menu! All 6 of their starters appeared on our table and were devoured with a combination of greed, starvation and foodie curiosity. As you'd expect all of the wonderful hams and cured beef were exemplary. But the joint stars of the show were the ball of mozerella and the cougette matchsticks with calamari - a sqeeze of lemon transforms them into little sticks of joy.

Main courses were good too. My haddock was fine, but the spinach and tomatoes stole the show. The skin on the fish could have been crispier and the flesh was well cooked but its integrity had been compromised - maybe it fell apart as it left the pan and was carefully reconstructed. It didn't affect the taste - but as we all know we do eat with our eyes.

The girls had linguine with tomato, chilli and cream which looked great. I've had it before and can testify to its depth and kick. Jess had a vast veal escalope which was large enough to feed the whole of Northern Italy. Tasty though.

My panacotta with passion fruit was perfect. I am a complete sucker for passion fruit. Handled correctly I fall head over heels for it. It wobbled sexily before disappearing inside my already bulging tummy. Yum and twice yum.

We probably didn't need any Calvados - but it added to the fun of the occasion and put me in the mood for the Pie Competition to follow!

Our only gripe was the lethargic service. They didn't get anything wrong. But they just took an age doing everything. And it didn't help that we were obviously all wearing our invisibility cloaks. Probably best not to wear them next time.

Niamheen at 07/10/08

I have been curious about this place, I must try it! It all sounds lovely but the linguine I am very curious about...

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sue

Italian Bar & Brasserie 10th May 2008

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Caffe Caldesi is a café/bar/brasserie located just off Marylebone High Street. We popped in there for a drink one evening before visiting Le Relais de Venise next door for the most delicious steak and chips.

It was a mild evening, but unfortunately there were no free tables outside (there are only a couple, which are no doubt in high demand), so we had to sit inside. We opted for a table as opposed to milling around the bar, as we were exhausted from a busy shopping expedition. We just had some drinks, but those eating around us seemed to be enjoying their food and it looked good.

When we arrived the atmosphere was a little subdued, though service was fast and friendly. By the time we left, it was more lively, though service suffered as a result.

Hugo

Pleasant Italian Bar & cafe 7th April 2008

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I only had a drink here but the bar has an appealing low key Italian vibe.

I'd like to go back and try the food - apparently Caffe Caldesi is associated with a posher Tuscan Italian restaurant and cooking school nearby....seems worth investigating.