On a gloomy Monday evening, a decedent Italian dinner date was just what I needed as a post weekend pick me up. Set in one of the city’s beautiful old bank buildings, Piazza Italiana offers luxury Italian cuisine in an impressive setting to match. High ornate ceilings, exquisite chandeliers, Neoclassical Corinthian columns and floor-to- ceiling arched windows, the restaurant is housed in a spectacular grade-II listed building, the former home of the British Linen Bank.

For starters we ordered the ARANCINI AL TARTUFO; Truffle arancini stuffed with mozzarella cheese, wild mushroom sauce and the TARTARE DI TONNO; Yellowfin marinated tuna tartare, avocado mousse, slow-cooked egg yolk, shallots, chives, baby parsley, ciabatta toasts. Both presented beautifully, perfectly placed with garnish touches, the arancini was particularly delicious, both creamy and crunchy at the same time and surprisingly light.

For the mains, I had the SPAGHETTI AL TARTUFO; Homemade Spaghetti, creamy truffle sauce. This seasonal dish is available vegan upon request which was very much welcomed. Made with cheese and cream substitutes, it was so creamy and indulgent It didn’t feel like I was missing out on the real deal at all. Served spiraled onto a plate and with the optional added black truffle, no doubt it wasn’t a healthy one but deeply satisfying and I would 100% recommend trying it as a meat free option.

My guest had the RAVIOLI AL GRANCHIO; Ravioli with white crab meat, lobster-tomato sauce and asparagus. The fanciest pasta dish she had ever enjoyed, we were both happy with our mains. Of course, no Italian meal is complete without tiramisu, delivered with a little glass of limoncello, this was the kind of Italian hospitality we love to see.

We coupled our meal with cocktails from the bar menu. LOBSTER IN SORRENTO; Piazza Italiana Gin, Limoncello, and freshly squeezed lemon juice and the BROWN BUTTER OLD FASHIONED; brown butter-infused bourbon, demerara syrup, and a touch of cacao liqueur. The cocktail menu is equally luxurious as its food counterparts, making for a menu feel of depth and glamour.

A breathtakingly beautiful Italian restaurant, bar and event space, this is a perfect spot for a special occasion and when in need of opulent dining. They also offer an incredible bottomless brunch deal on Saturdays 12pm – 4pm. At £35 per person for food only (starter, bottomless pasta + pizza and a dessert) or £59 for bottomless food and drinks, it’s time to embrace a bolder side of bottomless brunch.

Address; 38 Threadneedle Street, London, EC2R 8AY
Website: https://piazzaitaliana.co.uk

Written by Jordan Crowley

Photos courtesy of Piazza Italiana