Fino

Address:	33 Charlotte Street (entrance on Rathbone Street) W1T 1RR
Tel	020 7813 8010
Email:	info@finorestaurant.com
Website:	Visit Fino website
Price: £43.00	Wine: £16.00	Champagne: £40.00
Opening Hours:	Mon-Sat 12N-2.30pm 6-10.30pm B:12N-11pm

Square Meal review of Fino:

Brothers Sam & Eddie Hart managed to transform a pig’s ear of a basement into a silk purse of a restaurant when they launched Fino in 2003. Admirably, they turned the lack of daylight to their advantage, creating an intimate space that encourages whispered tete-a-tetes & confidential business discussions alike, although volume levels climb on busy evenings. The cosy atmosphere is helped by the well-trained staff who greet customers with enthusiasm & courtesy. The food, though pricey, reveals a keen awareness of quality: a bowl of clams cooked with sherry & ham offers tangy, vibrant flavours, while the garlicky sauce covering the shell of a giant tiger prawn defies you not to lick your fingers after you’ve peeled the creature. But it’s not just about seafood – chickpeas, chorizo & spinach is a dish full of robust flavours, while moreish croquetas show a delicate touch with texture.

Wine List: Bar a few Champagnes & some Portuguese bins, this is an all-Spanish list. The Hart brothers have long championed sherry & now have probably the UK’s finest selection, with 16 by the glass. The rest of the list is equally impressive; set out regionally, it encompasses classic areas like Rioja, while also highlighting the up-&-coming. Margins are reasonable, so there’s masses of choice under £30. Best Buy White 2005 Etim Garnacha Blanca, Montsant, Spain, £22. Best Buy Red 2003 Casa de la Ermita, Jumilla, Spain, £27.

Fino Location: