Carnevale

The colourful food stalls of Whitecross Street market (open Thursdays & Fridays) make a fitting backdrop for this tiny vegetarian restaurant. Po-faced asceticism is off the menu at Carnevale, where the simple but wholesome Mediterranean food demonstrates that pleasures of the flesh don’t have to include meat. The good-value set lunch (£13.50 for three courses) generally includes a risotto main course (baked plum tomato with wild garlic leaves, herbs & Parmesan, perhaps). Otherwise, choose from the ample crop of salads & sandwiches, or opt for something more substantial such as breaded aubergine stuffed with smoked mozzarella & ricotta, romesco sauce & green beans. Don’t miss the little shop counter by the door, with its assortment of temptingly packaged comestibles to take home.