Within a web of some of the city London’s oldest streets and situated on what used to be a Roman fort, Roma is a contemporary Italian restaurant inspired by ancient times. Here you won’t find the expected pizzas but instead hearty dishes that focus on high quality ingredients with a menu that is sustainable without the loss of any flavour or taste.
A mix of bar and restaurant, the dynamic first floor space features plush canary yellow curved booths with deep armchairs and small wooden tables. Roma’s interior might cater to its sleek city goer audience but service is undoubtedly more traditionally Italian with friendly and exuberant floor and kitchen staff.
Seated by a glass façade in the far corner of the space and with a view of camera happy tourists snapping away at an ancient church along the street beneath us, we are seated at a small square table with grand armchairs. A rather more sophisticated Italian menu than you’ll often find across the capital; Roma’s a la carte menu is divided into starters, salads, grill, pasta, specials and sides. We begin with large spread of ‘Insalata di gameri e avocado’ – a generous king prawn and avocado salad and the indulgent ‘Parmingiana e burrata’ a hot and cold combination which is a winner for any cheese lover. Showcasing Roma’s meat dishes, we share the ‘Polletto’ half roasted chicken with red wine jus with the ‘Porchetta’ crispy cut of pork belly served with a polite apple and fennel salad.
Roma’s side dishes are arguably more exciting than the main courses. Triple cooked chips with truffle and parmesan were spotted. These arrived impressively stacked on a wooden board with no fuss pots of mayonnaise and ketchup which were perfect for dipping. Adding some greens, these luxury chips were paired with delicious al dente French beans with roasted almonds. Dessert is taken out of our hands and into the decision of head chef John Paul Tanti. Washing down refreshing glasses of crisp white wine, we are presented with crispy cannoli with zingy orange cream – a request to make whether you’re a dessert fan or not!
Stating that his secret ingredient is cooking dishes with heart and passion, head chef John Paul Tanti, honed his culinary skills from an early age with an influence from his mother’s career as a top pastry chef in Malta. Only cooking dishes that he loves and enjoys, his new menu includes the finest cuts of pasture beef from the Dedham Vale Estate with dishes such as ‘Bresaola’ – air dried beef with rocket and Parmesan, ‘Scottata di salmone’ – pan seared salmon, asparagus & lemongrass aioli as well ‘Risotteo ai funghi porchini’ – risotto with wild mushrooms and truffle oil and ‘Raviolo al cariofi’ – artichoke ravioli with butter and sage.
With a convenient location, Roma also serves as a dynamic event space. The restaurant’s sales and events team will provide tailored packages to suit any event or budget from unique canape selections to larger group dinners.
Roma: 4 New London Street, London, EC3R 7NA, 020 7488 2807, www.roma.london
