L'Anima

This must be the best Italian restaurant in London at the moment (sorry Mr Locatelli), tucked away behind Liverpool Street station, it's well worth the trip from the West End. The menu contains a number of unusual dishes and the cooking is terrific. Ocaisionally the boorish behaviour of the local ‘City boys’ pervades the otherwise calm atmosphere.

It is perhaps unfair that, after four or five faultless visits to L’Anima over the last few years, I chose this one to write about. Maybe it was the timing; we went late one Wednesday evening, post theatre when the restaurant was thinning out. We were the last to be fed and the table of three ladies-what-cocktail over the far side of the room had been (and continued to be) properly lubricated. Maybe it was just a one-off. Maybe it is just that it is not as good as I remember it.

The room has always been the least interesting part of the restaurant: it is a cavern. High ceilings, a big wall of glass with stark, hard stone floor. In other words, it is not gezellig; you don’t get a warm and cuddly feeling when you walk in. It is harsh. It is hard. You get the shrieking of the cocktail table amplified across the other side of the room. (If you have the private room, you need to keep the door closed, as the noise seems to be funnelled through the doorway, as if through a sonic magnifier, making it quite impossible to hear your neighbour). Given that this is the City, and that Deals are no doubt being Done, it seems an odd set-up.

Nonetheless, the food has always been excellent. Up to this time. I don’t know if I have some anti-food vibe that only comes out on my birthday, but it seems that this time of year brings the biggest disappointment to my meals. A few years ago my birthday evening libations were taken at Scotts (like L’Anima, a Square Meal three star); people had been raving about it and I wanted desperately to find a really great fish restaurant in town. I hated it. This year’s 21st was spent at L’Anima. Same thing: if this had been my first visit, I’d never return. It wasn’t so I will give it another chance.

We started with a perfectly adequate plate of ham and the fried courgette flowers. I love this time of year when courgette flowers are in the markets. Stuff with some cheese, dip in a light, tempura batter, fry until golden and sprinkle some sea salt over them. Gorgeous; light, simple, tasty. Here they had been stuffed with mozzarella (a nice touch, lots of stringy cheese to play with), but then dipped in the sort of heavy batter that gives fish and chips a good name. Yes it was crispy, but it overpowered the flowers and was dripping in oil. Instead of some nice absorbent paper to soak the excess up, it was on greaseproof paper. This repels not absorbs. So the oil sat their, glistening up at me; I am sure that it was daring me to say something, but I couldn’t hear it over the cocktail table.

The ham was perfectly pleasant, if the slices were a little on the thick side, accompanied by a few slices of tomato bread. Nice, but not up there with a good Jamon Iberica and pan con tomate.

The mains were better: it was perhaps my fault for going for a second fatty dish, but the pork belly, whilst as nice a piece of the meat as you will get, had rendered less of its fat during its slow roast than I’d have liked and the smears that accompanied it were unidentifiable. Crab linguine was the star mind: the pasta perfectly cooked, the crab given piquancy by the right amount of chilli. This shows what the kitchen can produce and, at these prices, there is no excuse for thinking that we ordered badly: everything should be fantastic.

The sommelier was very helpful, coming up with a lovely Tuscan to complement the meat and fish. Unless you are in a wine bar, however, the wine shouldn’t be the star. The food should.

So we left, a little deflated, a little disappointed. As we passed the cocktail table, I pretty sure I heard one ask: when shall we three meet again in thunder, lightning, or in rain? Well, I don’t know when I will be back. It certainly will not be my birthday next year.

Although it does not live up to its name, (I found it a somewhat soul-less place in terms of the room, the service, ambience and atmosphere), the food is nigh on fautless. I started with the intriguing charcoal scallops with n'djuia whch despite being a more than ample serving, I could have easily eaten over and over again. As this was a lunchtime with work beckoning into the afternoon, I opted for a pasta main course of fidelini with fresh crab – although this did not exactly live up to its “spicy” warning on the menu, it was a beautifully cooked, fresh and tasty dish. For dessert, we both had the pannacotta with coffee spumane and our giggles when two dishes of what can only be described as boob-shaped blancmange arrived, were clearly lost on the waitress. Clearly too young to remember Benny Hill or any of the Carry On's! The dish itself was a wonderful concoction of flavours and soft textures, once the initial hit of espresso wore off.

I would definitely recommend and return to l'Anima but it would be a much better experience if only the staff were just a little bit more friendly rather than perfunctory. We had to ask for everything and although we were not in a particular hurry, it would have been nice to have had a little more attention paid to us, especially given the prices charged.

Surprised and disappointed with this restaurant. The ambience is non-existent and food is not nearly good enough to make up for this inadequacy. I ordered the marsarla and duck risotto and left half on the plate, as it was both lacking in flavour with a very unappealing stodgy texture. Never one not to give a second chance and because the location of this restaurant is so ideal from my business, I tried to arrange a meal for my colleagues. A party of 8 went to a ‘group booking level’ that meant we needed to pre-order our meal and choose from set menus only. Was slightly miffed about this but persevered only to be told that my colleagues barring one or 2 changes had to select the same set menu! I promptly cancelled my order and managed to get a reservation with the Coq D'Argent, which I will add was a very positive dining experience. The reviews for this restaurant are spectacular but I sense that was days gone by…

Excellent, well-executed and innovative food and friendly professional service in a smart environment. I would normally say : what can you want more? Well, I now have a baby and L'Anima scores off the scale for baby-friendliness: when we visited today with my 10-month old, nothing was too much trouble. The well-spaced tables offered ample space for the buggy, a pristine Stokke high chair turned up within 30 seconds of asking for one and the friendly waiters not only coped brilliantly with the cutlery dropping, but also picked up toys, offered menus to be played with and came to smile and wave at the baby various times during the meal. We were even asked whether the kitchen could come up with something baby would like. In short, much, much better than any of the so-called family -friendly chains, in a smart environment with excellent food at a very busy lunchtime. Alleluja! It was time somebody realised people do not lose their taste for good food and smart restaurants on becoming a parent. We shall definitely be going back.

I’m glad they have finally reopened it! I was missing Mazzei’s cooking a lot. I’ve been there several times since their initial opening back in 2008 and always had a great experience. With the new extension, the restaurant itself looks fabulous as it does its bar area.

My friends and I started the evening at the bar with an authentic Italian spritzer. Then we were escorted to the main restaurant where the food experience began. From the beginning to the end everything was very delicious and well presented.
The menu has plenty of choice for everybody. I personally went for the Stracci Pasta with Veal and Pistachio Ragout (which flavor reminded me of what my grandmother used to cook for me when I was a child), followed by the Beef Tagliata with Marrow Bone Mash (which is their signature dish).
Coming from south Italy I couldn’t say no to my waiter’s suggestion for the dessert: Calabrian iced truffle. A unique mix of cocoa powder, dark chocolate gelato, and hazelnut. (which was created back in 1943 when Prince Umberto of Savoia came to Pizzo to conduct a military inspection).
The sommelier suggestion for the dishes was perfect: a nice bottle of Gravello (red wine from Calabria). The service was attentive but not intrusive.

One of the greatest experiences ever! Can’t wait to go back to L'Anima for another enjoyable evening with my friends.

At last! After a distinct lack of decent Italian restaurants, L'Anima (The Italian word for Soul) arrived like a breath of fresh air and Chef Francesco Mazzei wowed City folk with his trademark rustic, home-style cooking.
The restaurant itself is one big space, minimalistic with decor largely consisting of white walls and glass and an open kitchen where geeks like me can watch the Chefs as they toil over hot stoves creating food for your pleasure.

If you are looking for fancy food, then L'Anima is not for you. The cooking here is simple, vibrant and bursting with Italian flavours. Starters are particularly good with octopus, cannellini beans and ricotta, one of Mazzei's signature dishes as well as scallops with spicy N'duja sausage and of course wonderful burrata cheese with it rich creamy consistency. But it is the Sicilian rabbit stew, which is not to be missed and the Pork belly with N'Cantarata sauce is also a favourite. Mazzei once made me a special pasta dish of tagliolini with toasted hazlenuts, butter, parmesan and oodles of shaved white truffle which was so ridiculously good that I was rendered speechless. The man is a legend and along with his natural Italian charm, he is also very easy on the eyes which doesn't hurt one bit. But fear not Gentlemen, the food is really the main draw here, it is pretty unbeatable and though some say it can be a tad expensive, when you use the quality of ingredients that is used here, every single penny is absolutely justified.

Can't wait to go back after they re-open!

This is a very nice restaurant. It might look a little bit too business but the food is great and well balanced. Ingredients are fresh and well selected and you will definitively find something in the menu that will fully satisfy you.

Exceptional food whatever you choose there is no bad choice! The homemade sorbets are a treat, the risotto meltingly good. Knowledegeable , approachable sommelier, beautiful setting and impeccable service. When things are this good the price is fair, more than can be said for many other places.

I love this restaurant! After working in the City for over 20 years I can finally eat well , in nice surroundings with attentive service and not have to flee to the West end to do so . The food is consistently good whether it be the fish , pasta or souffles. The prices are not cheap but neither are they astronomical .The service is attentive but in a discrete way. If I had to gripe about it, it would be that the waitresses are too model like thus causing me to choose healtier options than I normally might as what woman could ever order pasta when size 8 hips and razor cheekbones are taking the order ? Seriously though the food is lovely and the service excellent. In fact my coat was waiting for me on my way out and I was greeted by name on the way in even though I have not been there for months. It is always very busy at lunch so much so one could be excused for forgetting there was a credit crunch. In between visits , I crave the fried zuccini,souffles and the organic salmon. Frankly , I think the food and ambiance here is far better than Zafferano and Locanda Locatelli.

Whoops almost forgot to mention that the restrooms have Jo Malone scented candles and products -maybe this luxury is their make up concession to the women patrons for having to suffer the model , sorry I mean waitress staff's beauty .

A true gem of a restaurant and what a refreshing change to the many mediocre restaurants about in the Square mile. Exceptional service and all round superior quality of food, staff (armani clad with well trained eyes) and surroundings (especially love the ample italian marble and glass finish) ensures a perfect night and I'm surprised some reviewers have found it not so. From the polite meet and greet at the door through to drinks and being seated at the table, every care is taken to make sure you are not wanting for anything. To add, complimentary bruschetta's at the bar and gorgeously made drinks (for those driving like me try the thirst quenching eden, perfect for a summer's evening) start's off the evening well with the main dining experience rounding the night off superbly.

Scanning the menu there's plenty of choice and even the vegetarian range is ample. I opted for the wood fired aubergine and burrata for starters whilst my mother tried the crab and avocado – both arrived in good time and upon tasting, you could see a great deal of technical cooking had gone into both. For mains our very helpful waiter recommended a take on the monkfish dish by replacing it with turbot, a choice that paid off well and was divine. Mother enjoyed the Seabass acqua pazza which was to die for and came with a sizzling broth of spring vegetables, whilst a nice pino bianco recommended by the sommelier washed it all down nicely. As servings were perfectly sized, looking at the dessert menu was not impossible and here I would urge any soon-to-be diners to go for the mind altering chocolate and galliano souffle, it was without doubt- belissimo!

I shall certainly be returning to try all the other dishes I couldn't physically fit in my stomach or on the table, and at £154 for a three course meal x2, drinks at the bar plus a glass of Port, it really does serve both pocket and stomach well. Well done L'anima and keep it up.

Lot of talk about how expensive this place was, but we had 3 courses and a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses of dessert wine and were only £153. For a restaurant in this class I though fairly reasonable. My scallop starters were cooked to perfection and the belly pork main, not too fatty, well cooked again and great crispy skin (although struggling on the Italian-ness of that one ).
My only gripe would be the service was a little lacking, not offered aperitifs when we arrived, having to flag waiters down to get attention, desert wines not arriving with desert.
On the whole though a good experience.

This is a very welcome spot of fine dining and high design in the underserved City. Whilst initially surprised by the hefty pricing of £20-30 mains, we were completely convinced once the food arrived.

I had a perfectly cooked duck with seasonal vegetables which was the best I had had in over a year. The side dishes, whilst also expensive at around £5 each were excellent too. We realised that is a truly fine dining restaurant and worthy of the cost.

The atmosphere is excellent too with the slick white and grey stone effect echoing the Armani stores that the designer has also worked for. The kitchen is visible in a discreet way through lots of small windows which do not invade the dining room but give you as much of a view as you want. A unique and welcome approach.
Service was spot on throughout, especially from the manager Gal, who offered a tour of the kitchens and their private cellar dining room (up to 6 people at no extra cost) and the main private dining (14).

Tables are well spaced giving the required privacy for deal discssions. If in more relaxed form, there is also an excellent wine bar space which is much more sophisticated than all the other City hell-holes. Thank God I don’t work in the City any more, but if I did I would be here a lot, especially on expenses.

I had a lovely lunch at L'Anima last Monday and it was a great way to start the week. I'm a big fan of Francesco Mazzei and certainly was not let down. The interior is a clean and sharp contemporary design, the atmosphere was very city-boy orientated but being in the heart of the city you would expect this. Friends and clients have informed me however that the evenings are more relaxed and has a good buzz to it. I started with a delicious, Black Angus beef carpaccio with pickled wild mushrooms and parmigiano – the taste of the mushrooms contrasted nicely with the melt in the mouth beef, one of the best carpaccios I've had. I moved onto the slow roast black pork belly which was divine – tender enough to fall apart when probed and a lovely golden crackling. As I wasn't in a rush my dining partner and I went through a couple of desserts, the pistachio and chocolate iced truffle being a particular favourite – the type of dessert that gives a big smile on your face and an even bigger one in your tummy – for rich chocolate lovers this is a must. I'm planning on returning as soon as possible for dinner.

I visited L'Anima recently for dinner. I came away unimpressed and will not return. The bar is full of braying, city-folk swilling cocktails as though the world were about to end (and probably has, for some of them), has the most uncomfortable barstools ever, and you have to fight to be offered a drinks menu.

As to the restaurant itself, the food was, at times, inspired – the crab/avocado starter and later cheese dish, in particular. However, the pasta was chewy (although the salami sauce was wonderful), the lamb undercooked (I had ordered medium) and the accompanying chicory as tough as nails. Potatoes were, however, excellent.

Service was fawning and patchy – a drink arrived that I had not ordered and the wine I had ordered, did not. At £110 pounds for one, I expect more.

A superb newcomer. Everything was spot on from the greeting at the door as we walked in to the last mouthful of a fluffy blueberry souffle. The spit-roast leg of lamb was full of flavour and came from a kitchen that clearly cares about its ingredients. Lovely Italian wine (we had a great bottle of Barolo). It’s not cheap, but it’s great value for money – polished on every front. Loved the chic decor too. Very handy for work lunches and dinners.