Situated at the end of a mysterious, hidden alley off bustling Upper Street, you might need a compass to find this spot since there is only a tiny sign to direct you there. Antonios Ristorante may not be easy to locate but when you get there you realise the extra effort was worth it.

The Venue
The decor is a stylish and simple mixture of rustic and industrial. Understated wood furniture, soft drapery and natural brick give warmth to innovative wine displays made from exposed pipes lining some of the walls. The lighting throughout is dim, intimate yet quite striking. In the main dining room, the ceiling is covered with a haphazard web of intertwining metal wires. Each wire is then capped off with a single small light bulb which gives diners the illusion and comfort of eating under a large branchy tree while staring up into a starry night.

The Atmosphere
A welcoming and cosy ambiance greets you at the door. Flickering candles and soft Italian music set an intimate mood. An open kitchen is inviting and creates an aroma to awaken your taste buds. There is ample seating both downstairs and upstairs which is perfect for a private party. Staff are extremely hospitable and attentive, like the extended Italian family you never knew you had.

The Food
The menu consists of zuppa (soup), antipasti (appetisers), farinacei e risotto, (starchy food such as pasta and rice), pesce (fish), carne (meat), pizza, insalate (salad), sides, and desserts. Around twenty specials are displayed on a chalk board which is placed on a small stand alongside tables for an up close inspection.

Bruschetta Classica (£5.50) is aesthetically pleasing but not easy to eat: grilled ciabatta bread is topped with halved cherry tomatoes still on the vine and drizzled with olive oil. The rosemary infused bread accompanied with balsamic vinegar and olive oil for dipping is a flavoursome snack, but a bit pricey at £3.

Main dishes are impressive, such as Tagliatelle al Granchio Piccante (£11.50) which is fresh tagliatelle pasta in a savoury sauce consisting of tomatoes, crab, chilli, and lime. The standout flavours of crab meat, spicy chilli and zesty lime aren’t an obvious combination but all come together to form a truly memorable dish. Parmigiana di Melanzane con Pomodoro (£10.50) is layers of baked aubergine, juicy sliced tomatoes, and melt in your mouth fresh, smoked mozzarella set a top a bed of rocket. The dish is dressed with a generous sprinkling of shaved parmesan cheese and pesto sauce. Bursting with various flavours and textures, it’s a delicious and hearty choice for an entree. One of the many tempting desserts is the ever popular tiramisu which is light as air, creamy, and has just the right amount of liquor and cocoa. Served in a generous portion this treat is enough for two people to share. All desserts are priced at £5.50.

The Drink
As one would expect with most Italian restaurants, Antonio’s supplies dinners with an extensive and impressive wine list. Some selections are from South Africa, Argentina, and the United States. You can choose from red, white, rose, sparkling, and Champagne. Wines are sold by the bottle (about £14 to £40), small glass or large glass (about £4). For the true wine connoisseur, there is even an Oenologist’s Selection with some pricier wines from £90 to £159 per bottle. The bar menu includes martinis and other luscious cocktails all priced at £6.50.

The Last Word
Want a taste of la dolce vita? Then book a table at Antonios Ristorante where the Italian passion for food flows from the kitchen to your plate and finally to your stomach.

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