restaurant: spuntino

Deary me people, have you been to Spuntino? This recently opened gem of a restaurant is definitely worth checking out. It's run by Russell Norman, whose other restaurants Polpo and Polpetto are equally exciting...but I've dined at both and it is this one that's something special. Maybe it's their nod to the deep South, maybe it's their ridiculously indulgent food, but this place just screams late night lounging on a hot summer's night.

It is a no phone and no reservations kind of place, which means you rock up and queue along a slim back bar. We ordered a perfectly quaffable flask of wine and munched on some tasty nuts while we waited. Once sat at their U shaped bar (there are no tables) we were promptly served a mug of popcorn from their very knowledgeable bar staff.

And the food! We started off with deep fried, breaded olives with a little anchovy stuffed inside that had melted into the olive leaving behind it's deep flavour. Instead of main courses we ordered a three side dishes. Soft shell crab was to die for, the mac & cheese some of the best I've ever tasted! A side salad of beets with ricotta and pistachio's helped cut through the richness of the other dishes. We were way too stuffed for dessert but the guys next to us ordered a peanut butter & jelly sandwich.Seriously, it doesn't get much better than that.

Spuntino, 61 Rupert Street, W1d 7PW

photos via Gourmet Chick