http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio Fabrizio - London, 30 St. Cross Street, EC1N 8UH, United Kingdom en http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/placepics/299175_5895a659.140.jpg http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1191b7c
Review by Dot01

Rating: 5.00
Tags: italian, family & home feel, good value
I went here for lunch and it was lovely. The maitre d was passionate about what he offered (he could talk about any dish or wine on the menu extensively) without being overwhelming. It was relaxed but busy for lunch. I agree that I wouldn't like to have been sat downstairs though. I like the decor but then I do go for rustic charm!

I had the spicy scallop and lentil salad which was not as I would describe a salad as there were a lot of lentils and a few salad leaves. But it was absolutely delicious and something I would cook for myself for dinner if only I knew how!]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:06:03 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1191b7c1017060055 Dot01 italian family & home feel good value 51.520551 -0.109594 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/109177c
Review by choucroute

Rating: 5.00
Tags: good value, family & home feel
I am a Fabrizio's regular and love it all - the guinea fowl is out of this world and the pasta spot on.
Am I the only customer who hates the pale green on the walls? Fabrizio, if you are listening, could you PLEASE consider a lick of paint? Anything warm will do, I'm not fussy, but sick green really does put one off the wonderful stuff on the plate.]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:22:24 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/109177c2110181775 choucroute good value family & home feel 51.520551 -0.109594 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1o7pn7
Review by lbreed

Rating: 5.00
Tags: italian, good value, lively
Lovely little bistro style restaurant with a casual decor. We highly recommend the spinach & chevre tart and chicken liver starter. We had the specials for the main course. Our venison was beautifully cooked and tasty. The butternut ravioli was home made and very flavorful.]]> Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:14:42 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1o7pn72096836421 lbreed italian good value lively 51.520551 -0.109594 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1m3888
Review by arif

Rating: 5.00
Tags:
Yes it is great and i like it]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:50:37 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1m3888733334532 arif 51.520551 -0.109594 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1488l8
Review by sue

Rating: 3.00
Tags: italian, family & home feel, good value
After reading all of the rave reviews about Fabrizio I had been very keen to go there for a meal, and was excited when the opportunity finally arose to dine there one evening.

Based on the reviews I had read, I wasn't expecting the restaurant to be fancy looking - and it wasn't, though I have seen worse. I did thank my lucky stars however that we weren't there on a busy night and had to sit downstairs near the toilets - this whole area smelt like Venice on a bad day.

Service was friendly enough, though there was no sign of the famed Fabrizio himself. The menu had enough choices to appeal to all of us, and a chilled glass of Prosecco helped us to get the evening underway. The wine list was not very exciting, so we stuck to a bottle of the House red which was cheap and entirely drinkable.

Our meal started out well. We ordered two pasta dishes to share between the three of us - the Crab & mascarpone ravioli with creamy lemon sauce & rocket, and the Aubergine & pecorino tortelloni with French beans & sage sauce. Both dishes were really enjoyable - the pasta was perfectly cooked and the all the flavours worked.

Our main meals were a little less successful. We had the Seared beef tagliata with balsamic reduction, rocket & potatoes; the Medallions of lamb crusted with herb, with cranberry & port sauce, & mashed potato; and the Pan fried seabass with creamy pernod sauce & wilted spinach. The beef was a little tough and the balsamic reduction was over-powering; while the lamb was good quality, the flavour of the sauce was just wrong; and the Seabass was nicely cooked but swimming in the creamy pernod sauce. Maybe we are too fussy.

Wanting to love this restaurant, we pushed on to dessert, opting to share a serving of Tiramisu. Sorry to say, it was possibly the worst Tiramisu I have ever had. The main complaint was that although it looked like a decent serving, 2/3rds of it was just whipped cream covered with cocoa, and the small cakey part was unremarkable.]]> Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:15:09 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1488l81193425189 sue italian family & home feel good value 51.520551 -0.109594 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/110819
Review by Cedric

Rating: 4.00
Tags: italian, family & home feel, good value
This is indeed a very good choice if you are looking for a restaurant, or if you are an Italian-food lover like I am. This small venue is puzzling at the first look, small, minimalistic deco... I initially thought that I had been istaken. But the surprises lay in the food. The chef is really knowledgeable, present both in the kitchen and the front room to advice and engage with the customers. I opted for crab linguini which were not even on the menu but which had been cooked for the couple of Italian sitting on the next table and who happened to be relatives of the waitress... A special that I have not regretted with its fresh mushrooms and the delicate sauce. Overall, the four of us really enjoyed the evening in this restaurant which, although located in the other side of the city, might see us again very soon. I strongly recommend this venue!]]> Sun, 02 Dec 2007 21:10:40 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/110819100957763 Cedric italian family & home feel good value 51.520551 -0.109594 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/111809
Review by sokratis

Rating: 4.00
Tags: Italian, Clerkenwell, Farringdon
This is the type of place that TrustedPlaces was made for. A true gem that you're most likely to come across through a recommendation from a friend.
The surrounding office buildings, NCP car park and the unimpressive entrance certainly don't let out that there is an amazing Italian restaurant hidden in there.
Fabrizio is a superstar who really takes care of his food and clients. Very friendly and knowledgeable guy when it comes to food.
A typically north Italian selection will really leave your pallette and stomach satisfied. Everything from starter to dessert was absolutely spot-on. Not cheap, but not expensive by any means and totally worth it.]]> Wed, 23 May 2007 17:56:56 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/111809231795793 sokratis Italian Clerkenwell Farringdon 51.520551 -0.109594 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1028z9
Review by Lacrimosa

Rating: 5.00
Tags: italian, good value, great service, delicious food, family run, friendly
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!]]> Sun, 01 Apr 2007 11:45:23 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1028z9588212108 Lacrimosa italian good value great service delicious food family run friendly 51.520551 -0.109594 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1038y9
Review by Ladis19

Rating: 5.00
Tags: italian, Amazing Authentic good value italian Food, "family & home feel", family & home feel, cheap eat, good value
Fabrizio's has just been redecorated and now has a much more homely feel to it. The food is still as amazing as always.

I've attached some pictures of the new deco.
]]> Wed, 17 Jan 2007 23:12:50 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1038y9474890896 Ladis19 italian Amazing Authentic good value italian Food "family & home feel" family & home feel cheap eat good value 51.520551 -0.109594 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1048x9
Review by raffaella_volpe

Rating: 4.00
Tags: italian, family & home feel, good value
I have dinner at Fabrizio on a regular basis, even if it is on the other side of the town from where I live, because I think it is one of the best Italian restaurants on this island&and beyond!
Fabrizio, the chef, is an amazing cook and a lovely person. By consequence the food is superb and the service is impeccable.
The atmosphere is very relaxing (it is not a swanky place&) and I always feel at my ease. The wine list is also good, offering a selection of South Italian wines like Greco di Tufo or Nero D'Avola. Definitely worth the journey effort'!

]]> Wed, 20 Dec 2006 13:39:23 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1048x91247047054 raffaella_volpe italian family & home feel good value 51.520551 -0.109594 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1058w9
Review by alevy

Rating: 4.00
Tags: italian, seafood, international, good value, mediterranean
Fabrizio is from Sicily. I mention this because Southern Italy has a tradition for peasant food that differs significantly from the wealthy north, where fine ingredients about. But in the south, chefs have to do more with less. Take those chefs out of Southern Italy, and they still have the, erm, chops to bring the most out of the ingredients... but put them here in London they have a richer pallette of ingredients to work with.

At Fabrizio's, you'll benefit fully from this blend. On the menu alongside a braised venison in a juniper/red wine reduction, you'll find speck-wrapped monkfish over a bed of spinach. Fabrizio brings together the best tastes from all around Italy, mixes it with solid execution, and serves it at a very reasonable price.

An interesting thing to note about Fabrizio's is the location -- it's tucked away in Clerkenwell, right where you might find yourself heading out for a night of drinks and/or dancing. Far too often, we all go out on an empty stomach (I can still hear my friend Al saying "You don't put solid fuel in a liquid engine.") But Fabrizio's location makes it the perfect stop before a long night out... for those of us who don't choose alternative fuel to propel us through a night of clubbing. And for those who are in cars, there's ample parking in the neighbourhood at dinner time.]]> Wed, 13 Dec 2006 09:11:52 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1058w91780919107 alevy italian seafood international good value mediterranean 51.520551 -0.109594 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1088v7
Review by nighthawkdiner

Rating: 4.00
Tags: Italian
As Walid says: one of those places you walk past every day without noticing. I did exactly that for a year when I worked round the corner.

But then that's what this website is all about!

A fine venue for the Trusted Places Christmas Party 2006]]> Wed, 13 Dec 2006 00:19:30 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1088v71975916407 nighthawkdiner Italian 51.520551 -0.109594 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1098u7
Review by Buraco

Rating: 4.00
Tags: italian, hidden, family & home feel, good value, tasty, expensive
Excellent food, very good wine, interesting company and friendly service. Not much more I can say really (which is unusual for me!).

I would have given 5 stars, but it's a touch on the pricey side (£42 per head for a set xmas dinner) and I would have liked some more veggies with the main course, but that aside this was a really memorable restaurant. A real Trusted Place which I'll be going back to...but only when I have a job!]]> Tue, 12 Dec 2006 12:31:19 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1098u7923728674 Buraco italian hidden family & home feel good value tasty expensive 51.520551 -0.109594 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1008t8
Review by walid

Rating: 4.00
Tags: Italian, christmas dinner, family & home feel, Farringdon, good value, friendly staff
Met Fabrizio through Ladis, and I'm very glad about that. I had heard a lot about this place through my circle of Italian friends. Thus choosing this place to be the venue for our small christmas dinner party was a bit risky as I had never tried it. That's where the power of word of mouth via TrustedPlaces kicks in and empowers you to take such "risks".

The venue itself is nothing special and probably a place I would have walked by without noticing anything. However the secret in any good restaurant is in its food and this is where Fabrizio's shines through.

As a starter I had the cured wild boar ham with rocket leaves and shaved parmesan dressed with olive oil and lemon. This was absolutely delicious. The ham was very tender and tasty.

As a main dish I had the honey roasted venison tagliata with brandy and juniper berries sauce, served with mashed potatoes. The venison was incredibly tender and nearly melted in your mouth... it was quite something.

For dessert I had the tiramisu whose cream was delicious but I would have liked a bit more "cake" to the tiramisu.

Throughout the night the staff where both diligent, efficient, and very friendly. Thus all in all the food was great, the staff where good, and of course all the guests that attended made it a night to remember.

I've attached a picture of myself with Fabrizio and if you're in the area make sure you pop by and say hi to Fabrizio on behalf of TrustedPlaces ;-)]]> Tue, 12 Dec 2006 10:14:42 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1008t81509148789 walid Italian christmas dinner family & home feel Farringdon good value friendly staff 51.520551 -0.109594 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1018s8
Review by lisas

Rating: 4.00
Tags: italian, family & home feel
I have been to Fabrizio's a couple of times.... Last night we went with a bounch of people from TrustedPlaces. All very nice people, from all over the world, all very friendly, all nice and fun. TrustedPlaces is not just Places...

We had a Christmas dinner. Fabrizio, the Italian chef and owner, prepared a very nice menu. I had the cripsy prawns with bacon and then venison tagliata...YUMMY!
And Tiramisu....which was delicious...
So very very happy with the food. Wine is OK, good selection on OK prices. Not impressed with the grappa they gave us at the end. But the food made up for it!

The restaurant is quite small in a small street behind Farringdon/Clerckenwell. Last night they had a Xmas tree, Xmas crackers, and the atmosphere was nice and cozy.
Price wise it is just OK, not on the cheap side ...]]> Tue, 12 Dec 2006 09:36:55 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/1e76u6f/fabrizio/1018s81153176735 lisas italian family & home feel 51.520551 -0.109594