There are plenty of Italian restaurants in London, but Amalfi Lounge in Covent Garden stands out for its focus on this gorgeous stretch of coastline, showcasing local produce and regional recipes in the heart of London.
Amalfi Lounge boasts an impressive history having served Londoners - including a few celebrities - since 2001 and gaining a cult, loyal following of regulars spanning over 20 years. Tucked away down Endell Street, it's a great location, close to the Seven Dials and moments from High Holborn, the buzz of Covent Garden and a few streets over from Soho.
Amalfi Lounge offers a generous menu with course after course, spanning antipasti and starters, salads and pizzas, and more. You might start with dough balls and garlic butter alongside marinated olives for the table, followed by small plates of Caprese salad with Fior di latte mozzarella and fresh tomato, Sicilian-inspired fried rice arancini balls, as well as classic bites like bruschetta. Or, if dining with a group, try a platter to share loaded up with Italian salami, parma ham, Bresaola, grilled vegetables, mozzarella, olives and bread.
As for larger dishes, there's a good mix of pizzas ticking off the Diavola with pepperoni and fresh chilli, the Pollo with chicken, mozzarella, sweet peppers and garlic oil, and the Padana with goat's cheese as well as mozzarella, tomato sauce, caramelized onion, spinach and red onion. Pasta fans will love the Gnocchi alla Sorrentina which sounds irresistable with a mix of potato gnocchi, melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, while the Pollo Pesto includes chicken, mushrooms, red onions, mozzarella, parmesan and bechamel sauce.
Any Italian cuisine fan knows not to skip dessert and here the choices are suitable indulgent across homemade tiramisu, chocolate fudge cake and a traditional Amalfi lemon sponge cake topped with frosting and lemon sauce, finished with a serving of fresh, zingy lemon sorbet.