Canto Corvino

This low-key Italian eatery is found just a few metres away from bustling Spitalifields Market. Canto Corvino is a restaurant full of well-heeled City types, but it’s also an inviting spot for more casual diners who seek a reasonably priced cocktail in a chic Shoreditch setting. The compact menu incorporates classic Italian dishes such as bread, olive oil, mozzarella and arancini but also includes some luxury takes, such as the lobster paccheri and truffled pig’s head linguine.

Notable main courses include generously portioned steaks, available with truffle jus or bone marrow, while the lighter choice of wild sea bass served on a bed of charred broccoli is a palatable and well balanced dish. To finish in style with something sweet, opt for the salted chocolate bomba, which is served in a glass tumbler covered with a layer of thin chocolate.

Don’t miss the sleek and centrally positioned bar upon entering either, which boasts an extensive cocktail list, with a whole section dedicated to brunch drinks alone. There’s also a nightly extended happy hour, which you can enjoy from 5-10pm.

Found in Spitalfields, Canto Corvino is the third London site from the Manicomio Restaurant Group, known for its all-day menu of traditional and contemporary Italian favourites.

One of the biggest draws of Canto Corvino is its easily accessible location - found just a stone’s throw away from Liverpool Street Station and Spitalfields Market, Canto Corvino is handily nestled between the City and Shoreditch, meaning it is equally as suited to business lunches as it is to casual catch ups with friends.

The sleek dining room, created by the acclaimed B3 Designers, is a welcoming modern space which features exposed brick, artworks lining the walls and a large open kitchen which allows for guests to see the chefs at work. The a la carte is divided up into the traditional Italian format, beginning with snacks such as rosemary focaccia or deep-fried pork and olive meatballs. Next up, you can move on to starters proper with the likes of tiger prawn arancini or London Burrata with grilled asparagus and a yuzu dressing, before trying out main courses such as lobster ravioli or buttermilk chicken milanese, paired with grilled lettuces, beans and a Caesar dressing.

If you are hungry for more, side orders include a tomato, cucumber, red onion and bread salad or rosemary and truffle potato wedges, while puddings are delightfully Italian - think a classic tiramisu or homemade ice creams and sorbets.

At the weekend, Canto Corvino opens its doors for a popular weekend brunch, with a distinctly Italian twist. Tuck into brunch plates such as Canto’s truffle carbonara topped with a soft hen’s egg, or a Tuscan sausage bun slicked with a miso glaze and served with a fried egg and nduja ketchup. You can wash it all down with fun cocktails such as the Sweet But Psycho: vodka, lemon liqueur, basil and pineapple.