Sfizio Restaurant

This newly opened (2007) restaurant in Holborn is capturing the young city slickers in great numbers, as well as a fair smattering of visitors to London, who find the atmosphere relaxed, perhaps assisted by free finger food (stuzichini) with their drinks between 5 and 7pm every day, and free wireless internet whenever you need it.

In addition to the vast range of antipasti which tend to stand in for tapas, there is the customary generous interpretation of pasta and pizza dishes. Those looking for something extra special should resort to the board where starters of a warm bacon and prawn salad served with croutons and Italian dressing, or fresh pasta served with pesto sauce ensure a good foundation for what is to follow.

This could take the form of a grilled sirloin steak served with celery and Stilton sauce, a grilled swordfish steak served on a bed of garlic, spinach with melted mozzarella cheese and white wine sauce, or a very gutsy risotto served with fresh mussels, clams, squids, prawns, chives, garlic, white wine and olive oil.

The British love affair with fish is not infrequently remarked upon, and one portion of the menu offers grilled sea bream, pan fried fillet of sole or grilled salmon supreme as main course dishes, all suitably dressed and accompanied.

They also have a catering service which will be delighted to assist with your corporate events and weddings. Given the universal leaning towards Italian food in Britain I would have thought that was a very sensible investment of resources.