Manicomio

Manicomio’s popularity is not just about its huge all-weather alfresco terrace in the distinguished surrounds of Duke of York Square: this is a great all-rounder. One half of the operation is a bustling cafe/deli serving salads & bruschetta, while next door is a restaurant that blends industrial touches (metal air vents on the ceiling & blocks of blasted-brick wall) with lipstick red banquettes & properly laid tables. The food is good, a little bit different & fairly priced, moving from saffron risotto with bone marrow to rabbit & sausage ravioli & baked crab with fennel, cannellini beans, chilli & garlic. Staff are effortlessly charming & cope easily with the peak-time rushes. A conservatory-style private dining room completes the favourable picture.