Caravaggio

Formally opened by Luciano Pavarotti in 1996, Caravaggio is one of the most serious Italian restaurants in the City and a firm favourite with the movers and shakers of the square mile, many of whom are regular customers. Occupying the imposing premises of what was formerly a bank, all that remains of the original interior is the ornate high ceiling, with its splendid Art Deco light fittings.

The designer, Tony Thomas opened up the space and extended an existing gallery that now runs around the room at mezzanine level, providing a second tier of tables. A long, marble topped bar by the entrance provides a convenient holding area for what is, at lunch times, a very busy dining room and is also popular with single diners, many of whom prefer to eat at the bar.

Created in homage to a key genius of the Italian Renaissance, Caravaggio is dedicated to gastronomic excellence, aiming to demonstrate the same dedication to quality and innovation in the field of food and drink as the great Italian masters brought to painting and sculpture. Head Chef Jonathan Lees, has designed a menu that brings together dishes from various regions of Italy and its islands.

The manager, Michele de Tomaso, who was formerly Assistant Manager at the London Hilton Windows on the World, supervises a young, agile and sharply-dressed front of house team who are more than capable of turning around business people in a hurry inside an hour, if push comes to shove.

It's rarely that hectic however, as the kind of clientele Caravaggio attracts tend to be those who can choose to take as long as they like over lunch, particularly when entertaining clients.

For full menus and wine list, why not visit their Website, which also has details about holding private functions there at the weekend.