Review: Il Tempo
As I’ve said many times before, what I love about London town is its culinary diversity. Here at our offices on Bedford Street, I am a stone’s throw away from any type of cuisine: from the frankfurters in Covent Garden market to the curious seafood in China Town, I’ve relished it all.
What has been missing, though, is a spot for a bit of good old Italian apertivo. I sense a shift in the gastronomic zeitgeist though and predict that that is all going to change. And it’s beginning with Il Tempo.
A charming café-cum-bar cum place for the ultimate chilling out, it is – happily for me – mere minutes from The Lady. The idea behind aperitivo is that customers buy delicious drinks, perhaps paying a tad more than usual, and are treated to a range of delectable bites free of charge. Myself and a friend both ordered Aperol Spritz (whipped up with real flair by the authentically Italian Riccardo) and filled our plates from the sumptuous spread.
The food is laid out on the bar, ready for taking as and when you please, and my friend and I actively had to restrain ourselves so as not too look too gluttonous. Quite simply, the food is sensational. Along with salty cuts of cured meats, plump olives and crunchy breadsticks , there were pillowy bits of focaccia laden with a range of toppings, gnocchi which was practically melt in the mouth, and slices of scrumptiously breaded roasted vegetables. Prepared by Michelin-star restaurant experienced chef Alessandro Ciarpello, he and his team source many of their ingredients from Italy to ensure genuine flavours. This also means that the dishes change on a regular basis, giving you a great excuse for many a return visit.
Aperitivo hours generally run between 6pm and 8.30pm and outside those times (or during, if you’re really hungry) you can order additional meals from the menu. Il Tempo opens to serve the best coffee in town in the morning (as a self-confessed coffee snob, I can vouch for its excellence), and keeps its doors open until well into the night. Fresh pasta dishes can be made to order at lunchtime, and one of their generously-filled sandwiches are perfect for a takeaway snack.
Wonderful drinks and nibbles aside, what is especially enjoyable is its unique atmosphere. You may be immersed in the hustle and bustle of central London, but once you step inside it’s like you’re transported into a languorous Italian città. There were many couples and groups relaxing over a bottle of wine, topping up their plates at a leisurely place, relaxing into the sleek furniture.
I’m told Il Tempo is often full to the brim on Friday and Saturday nights, and when (not if) aperitivo takes off in London, I predict you won’t be able to get to the door. Head there now and marvel at your luck at knowing such a hidden gem – I’ll be in front of the food spread.
For more information visit www.iltempo.co.uk
What has been missing, though, is a spot for a bit of good old Italian apertivo. I sense a shift in the gastronomic zeitgeist though and predict that that is all going to change. And it’s beginning with Il Tempo.
A charming café-cum-bar cum place for the ultimate chilling out, it is – happily for me – mere minutes from The Lady. The idea behind aperitivo is that customers buy delicious drinks, perhaps paying a tad more than usual, and are treated to a range of delectable bites free of charge. Myself and a friend both ordered Aperol Spritz (whipped up with real flair by the authentically Italian Riccardo) and filled our plates from the sumptuous spread.
The food is laid out on the bar, ready for taking as and when you please, and my friend and I actively had to restrain ourselves so as not too look too gluttonous. Quite simply, the food is sensational. Along with salty cuts of cured meats, plump olives and crunchy breadsticks , there were pillowy bits of focaccia laden with a range of toppings, gnocchi which was practically melt in the mouth, and slices of scrumptiously breaded roasted vegetables. Prepared by Michelin-star restaurant experienced chef Alessandro Ciarpello, he and his team source many of their ingredients from Italy to ensure genuine flavours. This also means that the dishes change on a regular basis, giving you a great excuse for many a return visit.
Aperitivo hours generally run between 6pm and 8.30pm and outside those times (or during, if you’re really hungry) you can order additional meals from the menu. Il Tempo opens to serve the best coffee in town in the morning (as a self-confessed coffee snob, I can vouch for its excellence), and keeps its doors open until well into the night. Fresh pasta dishes can be made to order at lunchtime, and one of their generously-filled sandwiches are perfect for a takeaway snack.
Wonderful drinks and nibbles aside, what is especially enjoyable is its unique atmosphere. You may be immersed in the hustle and bustle of central London, but once you step inside it’s like you’re transported into a languorous Italian città. There were many couples and groups relaxing over a bottle of wine, topping up their plates at a leisurely place, relaxing into the sleek furniture.
I’m told Il Tempo is often full to the brim on Friday and Saturday nights, and when (not if) aperitivo takes off in London, I predict you won’t be able to get to the door. Head there now and marvel at your luck at knowing such a hidden gem – I’ll be in front of the food spread.
For more information visit www.iltempo.co.uk