Manicomio City

Housed within a clean, boxy Norman Foster design, Manicomio’s City offer is a popular double-decker: the combination of an easy-going café downstairs and more formal restaurant above works “very well”, with “super-friendly” service and a “low-key, buzzing atmosphere” throughout. Bar snacks such as carta di musica with lardo and honey signal the kitchen’s attention to detail, but it pays to explore the full menu. Pasta is a high point (perhaps Cornish red mullet tagliolini with squid ink, tomatoes, anchovy and chilli), bookended by seasonal antipasti and inventive mains such as hen pheasant bombetta with smoked mozzarella, Parma ham and chestnut. Pudding might be a deconstructed rum baba (“lovely”) or tiramisu parfait given a dark twist with liquorice meringue. There are bold flavours to be found and enjoyed – especially alongside the opportunity-rich selection of Italian wines.

The City outpost of sophisticated Italian restaurant Manicomio first opened its doors back in 2008 and has been wowing the crowds ever since with its authentic Italian cuisine and impressive wine list.

Located inside a striking glass fronted Norman Foster building, set back from Cheapside and just moments from St Paul’s, Manicomio City is a shrewd choice for business folk looking to enjoy a long lunch, but also welcoming enough to serve as the backdrop for catch ups with friends or even a romantic date night. The dining room is a simple and elegant space, which benefits from plenty of natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling glass windows, while tables dressed with white tablecloths and smartly turned out staff add to the air of sophistication.

Manicomio City’s menu is an all-day affair, kicking off with breakfast. Early risers can stop by to tuck into the likes of Tuscan sausage with a fried egg muffin, or go down a more virtuous route with the likes of organic porridge drizzled with honey and topped with blueberries. You can wash down your morning meal with tea and coffee, or a glass of fresh fruit juice.

Later in the day, Manicomio City’s menu expands to encompass the traditional Italian format of antipasti, pasta, meat and fish dishes, sides and desserts. Work your way around the menu by tucking into the likes of fried pork meatballs with smoked Mozzarella and nduja ketchup, followed by rigatoni with tiger prawns and a classic chicken milanese. You can pad out your meal with side orders of zucchini fritti and mixed greens with chilli and garlic, before rounding things off with a sweet treat such as tiramisu or two scoops of your preferred gelato.

As for the drinks, expect to be enthralled by Manicomio City’s wide-ranging 220 wine list - cin cin!