Spuntino, Soho

Located in the heart of Soho, Spuntino is the sister venture of Polpo. Once you head down Rupert Street the restaurant is pretty hard to spot. Look out for a wooden exterior and a snaking queue (have a quick look inside to double check you're not queueing for an x rated show!)

You cannot make a reservation here, so expect a 15-20 minute wait. This is not a negative point, as you have the opportunity to experience the old style New York drinks list, including the Sealbach cocktail - a bourbon based drink. The drinks are a little on the pricey side (£6-9), but you don't get the opportunity to taste some of these early 1900 specialities every day. So splash out in this cosy dim lit joint, enjoy the laid back atmosphere, and enjoy friendly service from the staff.

The restaurant is more of a bar. Customers sit on bar stools around the metal-topped bar (seating for around 20 people) or tucked away in a candle lit corner (seating for around 8).

Once shown to our seats, we were given complimentary popcorn. A great snack while we perused the Italian / American small plate menu.


Truffled egg toast

Feeling adventurous we took our waiter's recommendations:

• Bone marrow beef burger
• Shredded pork burger
• Sausage with lentils
• Egg and asparagus salad
• Truffled egg toast

If you take my advice to dine at Spuntino you must not leave without trying the infamous dish! With the intense flavours of egg, cheese and truffle, I recommend you to share this rich delight.

After finishing off our small plates and being very impressed with the food, service and atmosphere, it would have been rude to leave without sampling a pudding. Unlike most cheesecakes you find on more fancy menus, the brown sugar cheesecake was uniquely delicious. Our waiter told us it will 'change our lives'.... head to Spuntino and find out for yourself!