Today it’s time for some fabulous Italian dishes at Cin Cin. It’s in Fitzrovia just north of Oxford Street, among a lovely maze of streets lined with delightful bars, pubs and restaurants. There are already two award-winning branches of Cin Cin in Brighton and Hove – this is their first London venture. It opened in spring 2021 – a new post-lockdown addition to the Fitzrovia’s restaurantland. And what a great one.
As soon as I stepped inside I felt like I’d been swept off to some local haven in Italy. And the welcoming service and mellifluous Italian accents only reinforced this. Such happiness, I’ve missed travel so much…this authentic food transported me deep into the Tuscan countryside with every mouthful.
What’s on the menu
Even more happiness on discovering that one of my favourite dishes ever on the menu. Vitello tonnato. This rare, thinly sliced veal comes topped with a thick and rich kind of tuna mayo with the saltiness of capers and anchovies. Somehow this slightly weird-sounding combo works so beautifully with the most delicate of flavours merging to create a plate of Italian heaven. And I love its blushed pinkness.
Next up is the exotic sounding Lardo di Colonnata, pane carasau and roasted garlic.
Lardo is a unique cured pork product made in Italy from the thick layer of fat directly below the skin of the pig. A variety of herbs and spices are added to create this beautifully velvety and luscious ingredient. The most famous lardo is from the Tuscan hamlet of Colonnata where lardo has been made since Roman times. And this is where today’s lardo comes from. It’s served atop the beautifully light pane carasau which has the consistency of a light cracker. A truly magical and indulgent snack.
Truly exceptional pasta main courses
For mains we chose two pasta dishes. Good decision. The Ravioli doppio of peas and carrots is served with pickled Tropea onions and topped with summer truffle. My goodness! Never has a plate of pasta tasted so incredible, light and creamy all at the same time and without doubt the best fresh pasta I’ve ever eaten.
Bigoli is kind of a thick, more rustic looking spaghetti and it’s traditionally served with a meat sauce of sausage or duck ragu like it is here. I’ve never had bigoli before and will certainly order it again. The perfect match for this rich duck sauce
Cin Cin is such a great discovery. Such brilliant, authentic and different Italian dishes all perfectly executed. And in a wonderful location. There’s going to be a well-worn path to that Cin Cin door!
Today’s price point
Cin Cin is great value for money. Their August lunch menu offers two courses for £17 and £21 for three courses.
Cin Cin is at 21A Foley Street, London W1
