Camerino

Camerino is an elegant, contemporary restaurant in Percy Street that explores the regional cuisines of Italy through a classic yet thoroughly modern Italian menu of impeccably prepared dishes.

Veneto born head chef, Valerio Daros, has a wealth of culinary experience, including four years as sous chef for Giorgio Locatelli at Zafferano, during which time the team won a Michelin star.

Culinary simplicity and the use of only the finest and freshest ingredients characterise Valerio's dishes, which take into consideration seasonality of produce to constantly evolve the menu. Daros comments: 'Italian food is all about flavour, which can only be achieved by using the best ingredients. All dishes are home made on the premises - from the breads and the pasta through to the ice creams and petit fours".

All ingredients are meticulously sourced from small, artisan Italian suppliers and Daros has drawn on his roots to create a menu that reflects the varied culinary traditions of regional Italy, presented in a contemporary context. The result is a diverse and modern menu featuring starters such a deep-fried and marinated fillet of sardine with red sauerkraut and raspberry sauce; venison bresaola with rocket salad, celeriac and mayonnaise; and thinly sliced veal with tuna sauce, apple, raisins and capers.

Pasta courses include ravioli filled with beetroot and buffalo ricotta, butter and poppy seeds; organic chestnut tagliatelle with shrimps and mixed mushrooms; fettucine with chicken livers and sage, whilst meat and fish main courses feature baked monkfish with sweet potatoes in spiced honey and walnut sauce; and pan-fried veal sweetbread with spinaci, diced vegetables and saffron sauce. Daily changing special dishes depend on the availability of fresh produce or the arrival of special ingredients from their Italian producers.

Mouth-watering puddings include cold orange zabaglione with fresh strawberries; cornets filled with chocolate mousse, orange sauce and mint ice cream; and amaretto and mascarpone parfait with coffee sauce. cheeses are listed according to region and include parmigiano reggiano from Emilia, ewe's milk pecorino sardo from Sardinia and taleggio from Lombardy.

The lunch menu is excellently priced at £17.50, £21.50 and £25.50 for two, three and four courses respectively whilst dinner is available at £25.50 and £29.50 for two and three courses.

The feel of a gracious neighbourhood restaurant is created by the warm welcome extended by General Manager Sergio Noci (formerly of Isola, Floriana and Auberge du Lac) and his attentive yet discreet team. The exclusively Italian wine list, features many classics around the £30 mark, as well as wines for the connoisseur, such as an Antinori Solaia 1999 at £190.00.

A bright, light interior with hand-painted flower motifs decorating the walls make for a interesting yet stylish and comfortable eating environment whilst scarlet drapes provide a touch of theatre.

Further information - including menus, wine list, location and pictures - is available on their Website.