L’Antipasto City

L’Antipasto City is my boss’s go to place to take people to lunch which great as the food there is so good. I’ve been there for lunch and dinner and at both times the place is packed out. I would recommend booking ahead. The restaurant is located on a side alley no far from Monument Tube so it is a place that you would only go to if you knew it was there.
The cuisine is Italian so expect pasta and pizzas to form the backbone of the menu. The Bruschetta starter is up there with the best I have ever tasted. I’ve had one of the pizzas and spaghetti bolognaise which were both good. Look out for the specials board as there are often good choices that aren’t listed on the regular menu. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is friendly, a definite thumbs up from me.

If you Google «hole in the wall,» you might just find this place. 10 tables inside, 2 out and very cozy. I’m staying a few steps from here while on a business trip and decided to try it after work on a Friday night. I arrived around 6:30 and was seated immediately. Another table was occupied by a group of 5, and most of the other tables filled by the time I finished my starter. I started with roast veg (courgette/​aubergine/​yellow peppers) topped with goat cheese. Some fresh black pepper on top and despite being simple it was surprisingly good. I thought I might miss having bread with the cheese but not at all. I couldn’t, however, finish the cheese as I knew my main was going to be rich as well. Main was an unadvertised special that once those near me saw it, they ordered it, too. Tagliatelle with sausage, mushrooms, cream, and truffle oil. (I know, insanely rich — I’ll order more balanced choices next time!) I barely finished a third of it.
I think what made this place particularly special to me was the welcoming atmosphere. There was a table of business people, me as a lone business traveler, a couple of date night couples, a grandpa and grandson, and group of friends. In other words, everyone was made to feel comfortable no matter what brought them in. After a long week away from my family, it was really nice.
Others fyis — Amex accepted.