Traveling and Dining: Banca Ristorante Italiano, London

Opened in July 2012, this restaurant quickly establish a good reputation and it is not difficult to know why. Located in buzzing North Audley Street in a venue that was once a bank with the original features still attached it was not difficult to spot this restaurant.

We arrived few minutes before the restaurant open for service, we saw the staff were given a briefing around the back corner, but the reception staff were ready to welcome us. Spacious, bright, perfect temperature, fresh smell and immaculately laid tables impressed us immediately, that's a good start. There are plenty seatings to choose from too. At the bar, booths, by the window and the terrace. All seats are comfortable and inviting. We settled for a nice table by the window.

Satisfied with our table, we order our favourite palate cleanser, Campari and soda while going through the menu. We noticed a few standard dishes but presented differently. Fascinating. We chose rather unusual Gamberi Crudi - Raw Red Mediterranean Prawn served with Ligurian extra virgin olive oil and Fiori di Zucca - Stuffed Courgette Flowers. Red prawn were fresh, sweet and melting in the mouth. Ideal starter that will not spoil your appetite if you fancy both middle and main course and of course a dessert. The stuffed courgette flowers may sound predictable but it was not an ordinary one. What we had was courgette flowers stuffed with chopped prawn. The batter was light and crispy, very tasty indeed. Nice to dip it into tomato sauce though having it on it's own is just as delicious.

The middle course. We chose Spaghetti Chitarra - Spaghetti with crab in tomato sauce and Pennoni Vongole - Large Penne with clams and broccoli. Flavour wise they were absolutely define. Though we found the pasta was a little bit thick and slightly undercooked. But apparently, the pasta came from a particular area in Italy and that is how to it supposed to be served. We wish we could recall the name of the area, we will get back to you after our next visit.

The main course. Despite the fact there are plenty selections of main courses, meat and seafood, we settled for Triglia Livornese - Seared Red Mullet served with baby fennel and olive tapenade. In addition to the fish we ordered roast potato on the side. Another dish well executed.

We enjoyed all the dishes with 2010 Vermentino Vigna 'Ngera Capichera from Sardegna served chilled. A random choice of wine made by us that was excellent. So good that we had to have another bottle. For the dessert, we shared a Caprese Limone - Lemon cake served with limoncello spuma. Creamy, cakey yet refreshing ending to our dining experience.

At the end of our lunch, the restaurant manager approached us to ensure we were satisfied with the food also the service. And he offered to take us on a tour to the kitchen. How could we turn that down?! We followed him down stairs to the heart of the establishment.

We were in awe. What a magnificent kitchen they have. So well organized, clean and obviously well equipped. Then we were shown the Chef's Table that still have the original safe deposit boxes attached to the wall. At the end of the tour we were introduced to the master of the kitchen, Chef Gabrielle Milani, a very talented young chef who has been in the business for fourteen years. No wonder the food that he has produced were so good.

Would we recommend this restaurant to our readers? But of course!! Fantastic restaurant, with great food and service, reasonable price to ensure the guests keep coming back. We certainly will...

Banca Ristorante Italiano
30 North Audley Street, W1K 6HP, London - United Kingdom
Phone: + 44 (0) 20 7647 2525

More photos of our most recent visit to Banca Ristorante Italiano: