'Wine is life, making it is art, talking about it is culture, and drinking it is pure joy'; the wise words swirled on the exceptional Dego menu. These Italians know what they’re talking about.

The Venue
Situated on the corner of Great Portland square, Dego is a stylish retreat just seconds away from hectic Oxford Circus. Split over two floors, the street level entrance displays an impressive wine bar with high bar stools and slender tables. Following the glass staircase down to the lower restaurant level, an amalgamation of bachelor pad red, black and brown colour the interior design. Exquisite leather, marble and detailed fabric mosaic tiles pattern sections of the walls. The spacious booth seating is smart and tasteful with chocolate and burgundy leather seating. Behind the lower bar the beech-shelved wine cellar is partially visible, boasting rows of vintage bottles snuggled in their wooden wardrobes.

The Atmosphere
Two plasma screens above the bar depict vineyard scenes of authentic countryside landscapes – a nice little touch of style to the already serene atmosphere. The staff are the epitome of Italian cool; trim, well-chiselled and well-versed in their expertise. Drinks and dishes are delivered with smooth elegance and charm. The clientele are equally sophisticated - a mix of suited bachelors and fashionable diners that represent a calming escape from the flustered shoppers racing along Oxford Street.

The Food
A selection of handmade, complimentary breads are served on slate platters, with the rosemary bun particular good when dipped in olive oil from Sardinia. The main menu is split into four sections; the antipasti, primi piatti, secondi piatti, and dolci. The duck salad (£11) is tangy, sweet and laced with balsamic vinegar almonds and sugar peas. The sliced grapes provide a refreshing twist. The grilled salmon (£12) is beautifully presented with the accompanying potato veloute rich, creamy and suitably velvety. The monkfish (£16) also looks like a delicious piece of art with peppers and buffalo mozzarella complementing the fish perfectly. The chocolate cake (£8), detailed with raspberries and swirling lines of icing sugar, is luxurious.

The Drink
With forty cocktails to choose from at an average price of £8, at least one fabulous combination must be sampled, with the Dego Rossini (£7) with fresh strawberries, Grand Marnier and Franciacorta Villa Brut being well worth a try. The wine list is vast with a selection of Champagnes, whites, reds, roses and sparkling wines ranging from £18 to £225 a bottle. The Metodo Classico Brut Rose (£40) is crisp and refreshing whilst the Lacrima Di Morro D’Al Ba (£25) from North West Italy - a syrupy sweet red wine - is, according to the barstaff 'so sweet it melts a woman’s heart'. Praise indeed.

The Last Word
The staff’s superb wine knowledge can be mistaken for a waft of pretension on entry, but this would be an entirely unfair label. A glamorous and exquisite haunt with affordable high-quality food, this is a must-see venue, even if just for a retail-therapy cocktail.

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