Stuzzico

Stuzzico fights its corner manfully in restaurant-heavy Connaught Village, thanks largely to the charisma & boundless enthusiasm of owner Pino Guido. In its former life, this neighbourhood Italian was a builders’ caff & the tradition of breakfast continues – albeit in the form of eggs Florentine & croissants. Lunch is mainly sandwiches, salads & pasta, but at dinner time a generous trattoria spirit takes over, with plates of asparagus wrapped in Parma ham or chilli & garlic prawn skewers flying out of the kitchen ahead of moreish cannelloni stuffed with salsiccia & spinach, veal T-bone with crushed new potatoes, & light, fruity desserts (zuppa di melone, say). Guided by Guido, staff manage to be warm & helpful towards everyone. Wine dinners are a special attraction, especially when the truffle season comes around.