Large, tasty portions of Italian food, just like Mama used to make.

The Venue
Amici was previously located just down the road at Kennington Road and was a favourite amongst locals for its homely but crowded atmosphere and authentic home-cooking. Having changed location, the expanded venue has now acquired a bar up front, including a couple of tables and chairs, and the restaurant itself is a lot more spacious – before you were practically sitting on top of your next-door neighbour.

Now the decor is modern and the seating consists of curved booths at one end of the restaurant, with a large red wooden communal table as the room’s centerpiece and smaller tables dotted around it. There is an outside area at the back that’s perfect in warm weather. The added space is a definite plus, however the style of furniture gives the place a somewhat hotel-style vibe.

The Atmosphere
The hotel feel vanishes throughout the evening though as Amici’s endearing and relaxing Italian charm seeps in. Thankfully the people running Amici are still the same, and they remain as helpful as ever. Service is reliable and there is no problem adding something to a dish if you wish. The clientele is a mixture of couples young and old, families and groups of friends.

The Food
One of Amici’s endearing attributes is its menu which is sure to make you smile. Enthusiastically written, it is full of quirks such as ‘My Favourite’ emblazed across certain dishes and statements such as ‘I love seafood, and for good reason… this dish is tres chic.’ The food itself is classic Italian fare, such as thin, crusty pizza with a variety of toppings (between £7 and £11), filling pasta dishes (around £12 for a main portion), salads (from £9.50 for a main portion), meat dishes (around £17) such as steak, braised lamb shank or veal saltimbocca (veal fillet covered in Prosciutto, making it extra succulent), salmon steak and different types of risotto, including the seafood special risotto (£18). It’s a rich and creamy delight, filled to the brim with clams, mussels, and tiger prawns –highly recommended.

The antipasti includes various types of bruschetta (from £4.95), grilled tiger prawns in garlic butter, squid, and rocket leaves topped with cured Italian meats. Desserts start at £4.50 and incorporate Italian classics such as tiramisu, amaretti and panna cotta. The portions at Amici are large and there is the option to order a starter portion as a main course. If you do opt for the main portion and find you can’t finish it, the staff are happy to provide you with a doggy bag.

The Drink
Amici is fully licensed and you can indulge in classic or Champagne cocktails for about £6. Bottles of wine start at around £12.95 and beer is available either in draft or bottles. There are also soft drinks, tea and coffee available. If you fancy a liquor coffee to round off your meal, don’t worry if you can’t find them on the menu – ask the bartender, who’ll be happy to whip some up anyway. It is little touches like this that makes Amici such a joy to visit.

The Last Word
Amici offers wonderful food and friendly service. A great place to waste away the hours.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (2) image gallery (1)