This well established restaurant can rightly call itself a traditional - and very good - Italian.

The Venue
St Cristopher's place is a hot spot for Italian restaurants, with both chains and independent venues populating its traffic-free streets. Ristorante Sirena has been in business for over 25 years and has outlived many italians mock-ups. The restaurant is tiny, with a very simple decor, but if the weather permits then sitting outside is particularly pleasant.

The Atmosphere
Sirena is a very popular choice for local workers at lunchtime, though it gets packed in the evening too thanks to being just a few moments' stroll away from Oxford Street. The waiting staff will take very good care of you; they're friendly and welcoming and the atmosphere is buzzing and relaxed. When the place isn’t crowded there is a little intimacy, but don't go expecting a quiet restaurant for a romantic date.

The Food
The menu comprises classic Italian dishes cooked on the spot. The presentation is simple - as it is in most Italian restaurants - but the basics are respected and ingredients are fresh. Starters range from £6 to £8; the caciocavallo fritto is a hearty starter made up of deep fried cheese with a creamy homemade dip. The beef carpaccio (thinly sliced raw beef dressed with lemon and olive oil) is a lighter option where the quality of ingredients speaks for themselves. The risotto con pesto (£12) is a traditional recipe with a modern twist: the intriguing combination of pesto and asparagus is flavoursome with a velvety texture. The cotoletta alla Milanese (£15) is a generous portion of two pan-fried veal escalopes in breadcrumbs and is also well worth a try.

The Drink
Ristorante Sirena has a sensibly priced wine list, even if it is a little unexciting. The cheaper options (Merlot, Valpolicella, all well below £20) will leave you arguably unimpressed, though they do have some good bottles among the more expensive options, such as Barolos and Amarones that come in at around the £30 mark.

The Last Word
Ristorante Sirena stands out in the crowd of mid-range restaurants in St Cristopher's place thanks to tasty, inexpensive dishes that are created with care and more than just a nod to the homeland.

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