Mele e Pere

Simplemente excepcional. Sin duda, la vez que mejor he cenado en mis vacaciones en Londres.

Absolutely brilliant and a little gem in the middle of Soho. Food was exquisitely cooked. Started with the Mozarella and Radicchio plus Courgettes shavings – fresh delicious flavours. Lamb with Polenta for main was melt in the mouth goodness. Definitely will be heading back for a return visit.

We were guided in by a gaudy wall of glass baubles, a pretty addition to an unlovely street but sadly for them not a clear enough indication of what lies within. Tripping down the steps brought us to a large subterranean cavern, whitewashed and well spaced with a lost and found furniture aesthetic created from a Habitat filled junk store.

Starters come from a short rustic selection, expertly matched by the Italian focused wine list. An explosively fruity half bottle of Puglian Primativo worked well as a bridge between the two courses. The well described and accessible list gives a little more info than what is at times a blunt and monosyllabic menu. Spoilt by Polpo and Bocca Di Lupo I found the lamb and mint polpettes as solid and bland as a chubby public school boy and soft tasty rose veal spoilt by pointlessly raw artichoke.

Thankfully things looked up, and rapidly, with the pasta course. There are no half portions here as you'd find in Zucca so it's an either / or between pasta and mains. Tagliatelle with ox cheek ragu was silky, sensual and substantial, if a little salty. Tiny cheek chunks and fragrant tomatoes came sparingly curled round yolky firm carbohydrate curls. The spring vegetable ravioli were also exceptionally well made parcels, albeit with more ricotta than anything else inside.

Tiramisu arrived like an over-exuberant busty hug from Nigella Lawson. Creamy, boozy and oh so slightly wrong. After a heavy hunk of pasta it's almost a step too far. Enough, almost too much, to share.

By the time we left, just after 9pm, a restaurant that deserved to be much busier was almost entirely empty. We walked out into Soho feeling it should be past our bedtime, like seeing a film during the day. It's a shame and I genuinely hope it improves. It wasn't perfect, but at £30 a head for two courses and wine I felt we'd eaten well. An uncomplicated, inexpensive Italian in tourist ground zero deserves a wider audience.

Loved it. Quirky ground floor entrance leading to subterranean room. Reclaimed anglepoise lamps stud the sloping walls. Irregular furniture: some tables are copper-clad, others are ceramic – very nicely done. Menu mixes starters, pasta courses and mains; possibly a tiny bit limited but lots of lovely options. For nibbles we started with some breaded stuffed spicy olives which were fab. Food-wise I had vegetable raviolini with basil pesto, which was exquisite, followed by artichoke risotto, very well executed. Unusual cocktail list. Fair pricing on both food and wine. Charming service from the maitre d'.

Went for the first time last night and we had a really enjoyable evening. Will certainly be going back for more. Food is absolutely excellent (not surprising considering the chef is ex Wild Honey/Arbutus) and both food and drink very reasonably priced. Service friendly and personal. You even get side dishes included! Definitely a competitor among London's top Italian restaurants

We are happy to have found such a gem in the heart of Soho. We will surely be back. Good wine, exceptional food and really good value for money. If you fancy some true northern italian cuisine, this is the place for you.