Obikà: Italian Mozzarella Bar

As an early birthday celebration, my sister took to me to one of the restaurants in the ever-growing restaurant chain Obikà. Having first opened its doors in Rome, this expanding brand has 19 global locations including Italy, the UK and the US. We visited the Italian mozzarella bar located in South Kensington.

The creation of the mozzarella bar was inspired by the well-known sushi dining experience. Obikà combines the relaxed and social atmosphere of sushi bars, with traditional Italian ingredients. The brand prides itself on:

- The freshness and quality of ingredients
- Capable, friendly and efficient customer service
- Tasteful and stylish presentation of dishes

Staying typically Italian, and of course in celebration of my birthday, a bottle of prosecco was immediately ordered.

With a new manager, who happened to be a friend of my sisters, we were served a complementary mixed starter of mozzarella, grilled artichoke, prosciutto ham, parmesan shavings and a chilli paste on bread. Deelish!

Having consumed our starter, we didn't have room to sample anything from the mozzarella bar, but I will definitely be returning to do so. You can choose from three different type's of mozzarella's: Bufala Classica (delicate), Bufala Affumicata (naturally smoked) and Burrata (deliciously creamy). Accompanied with your chosen mozzarella ball, you can select another Italian ingredient such as prosciutto, homemade pesto, cured beef as well as from a variety of vegetarian options.

It's an Italian restaurant, so it would be rude not to sample Obikà's homemade pizzas. I devoured the the Prosciutto Crudo: Prosciutto Crudo di Parma DOP, Mozzarella di Bufala, Organic Tomato and Rocket. Again, it was superb!

My sister opted for the Speck Affumicato del Trentino Alto Adige: Smoked Speck from Trentino Alto Adige, Organic Tomato and Smoked Mozarella di Bufala. My sister felt almost 'smoked' out with this one, but I'm sure it's a matter of opinion.

To view the main menu click here.

We had just enough room to share a desert and opted for the Pannacotta alla Vaniglia con Frutti de Bosco aka a vanilla pannacotta with berry coulis. The creamy dessert was definitely a winner. However, there were plenty more I wish I had room for especially the twist on profiteroles - Profiteroles con Crema di Limone e Ciocolato: lemon custard profiteroles with melted chocolate. My birthday treat was finished off with a delicious espresso.

To view the desert menu click here.

The prices are reasonable - average £12 for a pizza - and the food was delicious and fresh, a 'must have' in any decent Italian restaurant. I will definitely be recommending this place to my friends and I hope I get to return soon.