Incognico

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 8 reviews

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117 Shaftesbury Avenue,
London,
WC2H 8AD

0872 148 4059
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.

The ViewLondon Review

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Review byJuliana Coleman25/11/2009
Located in the heart of the theatre district, Incognico is the perfect spot for a fabulous pre- or post-show dinner. This ultra stylish and elegant restaurant delivers five star service, creative cocktails and an innovative fusion of French and Italian cuisine.

The Venue
The decor is warm, inviting and modern. Tables are kept simple with white tablecloths and small square glass vases holding bright flowers. Chairs and cushions along wall are made of soft, burgundy leather. Cream colour painted walls are teamed with rich mahogany wood and decorated with large mirrors and fashionable artwork. The ceiling is painted a muted silver for an industrial look which blends nicely with the dark wood tones. Large, round, clouded glass light fixtures hang from the ceiling along with dim recessed halogen lighting whilst decorative copper coloured light fixtures give off a glow of light.

The huge, almost floor to ceiling windows let in plenty of light through curtains made of chain mail. The immaculate bar is made of black marble and displays large, beautiful fresh flower arrangements. You can sip expertly made drinks whilst snacking on olives as you sit on one of the high, comfy bar stools. If you need to hold a meeting, party or any other function, there is a private dining room fitted with a large plasma screen television which can accommodate 22 people.

The Atmosphere
You are greeted by friendly staff at the door who are there to make your night magical. Soft Italian and easy listening music is playing in the background. Staff are polished, professional, well trained, and a pleasure to deal with. The bartender seems more like an artist as he skilfully mixes drinks that are masterpieces. The clientele is a classy mixture of young professionals, theatre patrons and couples. The bright lights and buzz from the surrounding neighbourhood are the perfect backdrop for your dining experience.

The Food
Even though the menu items are upscale, Incognico still offers pre- and post-theatre meals and lunch deals as well party menus and specials. You can choose from starters, mains, side orders and desserts. Bread baskets on the tables are full of fresh baked, crusty, warm, whole wheat and white breads. For a starter option there is a fresh crab salad with fennel and lime basil oil (£12.50). The crab meat is fresh and light. Fennel adds a crunchy texture and slightly sweet, liquorice flavour. Diced tomatoes and tiny greens decorate the dish. Lime basil oil ties all the flavours together with a hint of sourness. This interesting combination of ingredients goes surprisingly well together. Buffalo mozzarella with lambs lettuce and caramelised red onions (£9.50) is another starter that is delicious. The mozzarella cheese is freshly home made, milky, creamy and just melts in your mouth. The thickly sliced cheese is paired with sweet and crunchy caramelised red onions and tender lambs lettuce, and dressed with olive oil, salt and pepper.

A main course option is sliced grilled tuna steak with balsamic beetroot and watercress salad (£18.50). Tuna steak is grilled to your liking and cubed. Fresh rare tuna pieces are incorporated in the dish as well for an added pop of pink colour. The balsamic vinegar adds some zing to the tender tuna and leafy watercress salad. This simple dish is healthy, satisfying and perfect if you love tuna. Pumpkin risotto with gorgonzola (£12.50) will warm your taste buds and your stomach. This thick, rich, creamy risotto is an interesting combination of slight sweetness from the cubed pumpkin pieces and the sharp flavour of the gorgonzola cheese. There are hints of butter and parmesan cheese as well adding to the richness of the dish. The rice is cooked perfectly and overall it’s a generous portion. This is truly a comfort food for those cold and dreary winter days. If you’re looking for a side dish to complement your meal try the zucchini fritti (£4.50) which are thin cut zucchini (courgette) sticks lightly battered, fried and seasoned with salt. This side is light, though it is fried, crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

All desserts are £6.50 and one looks more tempting than the next. Pear and almond tart with creme anglaise is a thick, moist tart with a buttery crust which is served warm and sprinkled with powdered sugar. The nutty almond flavour and juicy pear chunks make a lovely combination. The creme anglaise is a wonderful finishing touch. Lemon and lime cheesecake is basically heaven on a plate. A creamy, soft, cheesecake round rests on top a buttery, biscuit crust. The sour and zesty flavours of lemon and lime awaken your taste buds and your senses. Thinly sliced strawberries are arranged in a circular pattern on top of the cake. One piece might not be enough of this decadent and utterly memorable dessert.

The Drink
There is an endless array of drink choices including wines, cocktails, Champagnes, after dinner drinks, liquors and non alcoholic drinks. You can even have a drink from the musical cocktails list such as the Hair Spray, the Wicked, or the Priscilla all for £9.50. The house red wine a Pieno Sud from Sicily 1850 is bold, warming and easily drinkable. Bottles range all the way up to £1,950.00 for a 1937 Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes Bordeaux. Soft drinks and mineral waters are available as well.

The Last Word
Incognico combines the best of two countries well known for their passion for food, fashion and way of life, France and Italy. So if you share that passion and are looking for an extravagant meal, than this is the place for you. Tres bien and bellissimo!
Incognico has been reviewed by 8 users

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