First Glance: Florentina, Lido

Robynne Tindall, Contributing Editor | Apr 23, 2015 12:00 pm | Add a comment | 3052 reads

The latest addition to the Lido dining scene is Florentina, a smart Italian restaurant currently in soft opening. With seating for around 80 people, the room also includes a bar and and large windows onto a tidy kitchen. Decor is firmly on trend, with gilded geometric light fittings and plush jade chairs. There is also an expansive outside seating area, just in time for the summer months.

Since they are still in soft opening we were able to try a selection of dishes, although the final menu may change a little. Everything is homemade, from the pre-dinner breads to the pasta. We particularly enjoyed a huge calzone, stuffed with mozzarella, ham and egg, and in a surprising twist, topped with tomato sauce and more cheese. Delicious. We also sampled an unctuous osso bucco, made with veal from New Zealand and served with a side of roast bone marrow.

In the same complex and coming from the same owner is 27 Café, a bright and modern café selling French-style breads and pastries – the executive chef tells us he gets up at 5am every morning to make them, so eat with due reverence. We highly recommend the macarons (made to Pierre Hermé's recipe).