Refettorio, set in the City’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, gets everything right. Excellent service from an all-Italian staff, a nice ambience and, most importantly, some of the best food you’ll have ever tasted.

The Venue
The Crowne Plaza Hotel is located right outside exit 8 of Blackfriars tube station, which makes finding it a breeze. Upon entering, you’ll discover a modern hotel with a great use of space and, in the winter, a warm and welcoming fireplace with comfortable lounging seats. Through the reception and down some stairs is their bar - Nineteen Below, which is great for a pre-dinner drink, and up the stairs you’ll find Refettorio.

Upon entering, you are immediately greeted by the front desk, where a helpful member of staff will take your coat and lead you into the restaurant’s main dining area. As you walk in you won’t be able to avoid noticing the huge array of cold meats and cheeses displayed in large glass cabinets - one of the signatures of Refettorio. In the main area, there’s a mix of intimate tables for two and large tables for four, complete with low-hanging, square lampshades. The tables don’t have white tablecloths, instead the dark wood gleams and the rustic Italian eaterie meets exclusive restaurant decor is complete.

The Atmosphere
By far, the majority of people who eat here are people who make a point to visit the restaurant, as opposed to the hotel guests, so you can expect an eclectic mix of clientele - many of whom are celebrating a special occasion. It can be quite quiet at the weekends, with the week days always being the biggest draw thanks to the location of the hotel, surrounded as it is by banks and large businesses and offices. However, even if you do visit on a quieter night, you’ll in no way find the atmosphere flat.

The staff, who are all Italian and really know their stuff, are friendly, chatty and efficient. You’ll find that all your needs are met and they really try to make sure you have an enjoyable night - as far as adding a candle to your dessert if you happen to be celebrating a birthday. Ask them anything about the menu and you’ll be met with a knowledgeable answer in a friendly, non-patronising way, and you can tell they all have a real love of Italian food. They’re also happy to offer up recommendations, which will always be spot on.

The Food
You are in for a big treat when you eat at Refettorio - the food is easily a match for any of London’s top restaurants, with everything well cooked with authentic Italian ingredients by an all-Italian kitchen.

If you enjoy cold starters, then the Buffalo mozzarella with warm aubergines and anchovies is a must. The mozzarella is as good as any you may have tried in Italy - moist and soft with a creamy consistency that melts in the mouth. The aubergines works perfectly with it, adding that slight tang to avoid the cheese being too rich, although you’ll be hard-pushed to taste the anchovies, which could do with being a little more obvious. For hot dishes, try their homemade pasta - especially the linguine with crab served with fresh chilli, white wine and a hint of garlic. Never has a pasta not in a sauce had more flavour, the crab infusing itself into the linguine and mixing with the garlic to produce a truly marvellous dish.

The mains are where this restaurant really excels. Highly recommended is the pan fried veal fillet with potato pure, girolles mushrooms and veal jus with shallots, which blows any other main course out of the water. The veal is tender and flavoursome, with a delicious meaty texture. Found atop a creamy mash with soft mushrooms, the flavours combine together to make for a party in your mouth. The chargrilled beef steak with roasted potatoes, black olives and green sauce is also worth a mention - although if you’re expecting a choice hunk of steak to appear on you’re plate you may be surprised to find sliced cuts of meat instead. However, don’t be put off by your expectations and give it a try as the pink middle is perfectly displayed and each slice is lightly salted and will give a real Italian flavour to your usual choice of steak. The salt mixes with the juicy slices of meat and your mouth will water with every bite.

After so many perfectly cooked courses, you’ll be forgiven for having high expectations for the desserts - but you won’t be disappointed. The tiramisu is delicious, creamy, fluffy and with a coffee bite that cuts through each mouthful. Served with a scoop of ice cream, it makes for the perfect end to your meal. Other desserts include three scoops ice cream, Ameretto, hazelnut and Gianduja, served with chantilly cream and caramel sauce - think of your favourite ice cream sundae, add a touch of class and you’ll be spot on. Overall, the chefs really know what they’re doing and the Italian dishes have a sense of the rustic. The prices are reflective of this, but below what you’ll pay at many better-known restaurants - perfect for a special occasion.

The Drink
There are a nice choice of Champagne cocktails on offer, mostly centered around their excellent choice of bottles - with the bellini being top of the list. Although try a glass of Champagne to get your meal off to a good start.

The wine list is all Italian, and very well priced considering the level of the restaurant - you can get a really decent bottle for around £30. Especially recommended is the Lacrima Christi del Vesuvio from Campania, a crisp white wine with a clear taste that works with many of the Italian dishes on the menu.

The Last Word
Refettorio offer up an authentic taste of Italy. With a friendly, efficient Italian staff and dish after dish of divine offerings, you can’t help but leave with a big smile on your face.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (1) image gallery (4) special offers book a table venue hire