Those who know me will tell you I’m something of an Italophile. When I was 19 I went to live in Florence.
It was my first flirtation with the city, and indeed the country as an adult, and my time spent there has since formed the basis of a love affair with the whole of the peninsula that hasn’t ceased to grow.
Fittingly, it was with this moment in time in my head that I headed to Diciannove – Italian for 19 – last week. ‘Instinctively Italian’ this restaurant forms part of the culinary offerings at the Crowne Plaza, London City hotel, just a short stroll over from newly-revamped Blackfriars station.
Youthful and contemporary in feel and design, Diciannove offers a window onto Italian cuisine perhaps synonymous with the attitude of a 19 year old – eager, interested, curious and wanting to be grown up; perhaps it already is?
On a Thursday evening the bright and airy space, lined with literature at one end with which to feed your mind if the food doesn’t sate you enough, is filled with large groups of friends getting together in a convivial atmosphere – such is the Italian way.
It is also equally home to one or two couples, those here for a quick aperol spritz, and some lone diners here on business.
If you don’t have enough to talk about already at the table then the antipasti at Diciannove will add a kick to your conversation – watch as plates full of mortadella di bologna, prosciutto toscano, the ubiquitous Italian carciofi (artichokes), burrata mozzarella with a texture from the gods and deliciously salty parmeggiano reggiano arrive.
The salads come drenched with more sunshine than the London skies outside, prompting evenings that will radiate just as much brightness from inside out.
The pasta here is the star of the show at Diciannove – moreish parcels of meat-filled ravioli or home-made gnocchi come soaked in rich sauces whilst the risottos also sound tantalising.
Mains offer the classics. The monkfish comes well recommended, chosen over and above the pork belly and roast veal – another Italian staple, and something my 19 year-old self dined on for the first time back then in David’s city.
The wine list too offers Italy on a journey through the regions: dolcetto d’alba, arneis, cortese and nebbiolo from northern piedmont, Pinot Bianco from the Alto Adige, through to Greciano and Nero d’Avola from Sicily.
This is a happy, colourful place for a mid-week meal if you happen to be in the area and need an easy Italian fill.
If you liked this review of Diciannove, read one of our other recent restaurant reviews including Rivea London, Alain Ducasse’s new London restaurant at The Bulgari Hotel?
You might also enjoy our guide to the best Italian restaurants in London.
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