Cin Cin London

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Fitzrovia is Cin Cin, the London branch of one of Brighton's most popular Italian restaurants. Featuring a seasonal menu, a small interior, and a cosy terrace, the Fitzrovia location maintains the fresh and comfortable environment that made its sister location so famous. 

Though the interior of the restaurant is a modern space, with black and white walls softened by soft yellow circular hanging lights and colorful wall art, the inside is snug so we elected to sit on the terrace. Visitors can take comfort in the fact that there are heaters, so sitting outside isn’t unbearable when it’s chillier - plus the bright flowers and wicker furniture make the weather seem warmer than it is. 

Drinks took the form of a classic Negroni and the Reverse Manhattan, which tasted vaguely like cherry cough syrup and gin yet somehow was still delicious and warming. Diners looking to pair something with their meal should also check out their wine menu for a fun list of Italian bottles. 

The starters were by far the best part of the meal. The rabbit croquette was perfectly crisp on the outside, but broke to reveal tender rabbit in a creamy sauce, freshened by a pesto emulsion. The seasonal special of stuffed zucchini flowers were filled with soft cheese and black pepper, creating little flavour bombs that were enhanced with a spicy tomato sauce. Mains offered an equally fresh take on some Italian classics, such as the rump of lamb served with melty beans, crispy hispi, and an anchovy vinaigrette which added depth via its strong savoury notes. 

For dessert there are some fun options available, like the incredible rhubarb souffle. The special, the crème caramel, was slightly bland, but the otherwise strong menu makes us hopeful that this is a temporary blip. Though the dishes were on the pricier side - the lobster fettucine will set you back £30 - the fresh quality of the ingredients combined with the cosy environment of the restaurant makes the experience worth its pricetag. 

Cin Cin, a popular casual Italian restaurant in Brighton, has birthed a sibling site in London’s Fitzrovia, a hub of dining out that is home to famous restaurants such as Monica Galetti’s Mere and Argentine steakhouse Gaucho.

Cin Cin London is the brand’s first site in the capital and describes itself as “an intimate neighbourhood Italian, with outside seating perfect for apertivi and alfresco dining”. The restaurant is found on the former site of Bonnie Gull Seafood Shack, with the intimate dining room having enough space for 20 guests, while a further 20 patrons can dine on the alfresco terrace when the warmer weather allows.

Curiously, you won’t find Cin Cin’s menu listed on its website, but the London location features a short a la carte and a five-course set Italian dinner. The offering changes with the seasons, but on your visit, you can expect to find classic Italian dishes that champion top-quality produce, alongside a few more modern propositions. To begin, tuck into the likes of burrata with grilled baby leeks, toasted almond and preserved lemon, or perhaps crab arancini with a warm basil emulsion. Next up, move on to main courses such as involtini of brill with spring cabbage and brown butter, while dessert options include a rhubarb zuppa inglese (an Italian dessert that’s similar to a British trifle, layering custard and slices of sponge cake).

As for the drinks menu, you can expect to find all of the expected Italian tipples, including Aperol Spritz and fruity lemonades.

The original Cin Cin is Brighton is a popular haunt and has even caught the attention of the famed Michelin guide, having been awarded one of its Bib Gourmands. There is also a second Cin Cin site in Hove, making the London location the third site for the Italian restaurant.