A bit on the pricey side and located out of the way, but well worth a visit for some contemporary yet authentic Italian cuisine.

The Venue
A quiet side street off Tooley Street between Tower Bridge and Bermondsey leads to the glass fronted Tentazioni, where you’ll find the entrance at the end of small alley way. Inside you are greeted with decor unexpected for an Italian restaurant, with red and purple painted walls adorned with abstract modern art in earthy colours, and a brushed steel staircase and glass brick wall leading to a further seating area upstairs. It’s not as hectic on the eye as it might sound though – spotlights and contemporary-shaped chandeliers create a mellow mood, and chic white leather chairs surrounding the starched white table cloths give it a stylish feel.

The Atmosphere
While the decor feels quite intimate and relaxed, the hushed ambience during weekday evenings and exceptionally attentive staff can make you feel a teensy bit on edge. However, the service is friendly and unfaultable so it probably feels more chilled out on busier nights.

The Food
The contemporary theme continues into the menu, which offers an interesting mix of modern Italian fare, with the unusual and welcome addition of a separate vegetarian menu. On seating, you are served marinated olives and a choice of focaccia or Sardinian paper bread, to dip in aromatic olive oil splashed with balsamic vinegar.

To start, you can’t go far wrong with king scallops wrapped with Parma ham and black cannelloni stuffed with peas and sweet garlic sauce (£10.50). Beautifully served with exquisite flavouring, this unusual partnering of ingredients works really well. Of the vegetarian offerings, avocado served with pink grapefruit and soya cheese verrine (£6.95) in a glass tumbler is a tangy and refreshing choice.

For mains there’s a balanced and interesting selection of meat dishes to choose from, such as veal fillet, rack of lamb, beef fillet and boneless quail. There are also a number of fish dishes, including salmon steak, halibut, yellow fin tuna steak and roasted sea bass fillet (£18.50), which is served with breaded sea bass and thyme mousse, broad beans and sun-dried tomatoes - perfectly cooked although a little bit bland.

Vegetarians have the choice between baked aubergines ‘Parmigiana-style’ served with smoked buffalo mozzarella; parmesan and asparagus gratin served with ratatuille and truffle croutons, and taleggio cheese risotto (£13) with cos lettuce and balsamic vinegar, which is velvety smooth but far to rich to finish.

If you still have room after all that, there is an interesting selection of indulgent desserts to complete your meal. The tiramisu creme brulee (£6.50) served in a martini glass with strawberries is divinely creamy and moreish, and the Italian cheese board (£9.50) served with honey and fruit mustard, and crisp char-grilled bread, is varied and plenty for two to share. If you fancy a bit of everything Tentazioni offers a tasting menu, which is £40.00 per person, or £62.00 with a glass of wine per course.

The Drink
The extensive wine list includes a huge variety of sparkling wines and champagne; white, red and rose, with many available by the glass. Prices range from £15 to £160 so there’s something to suit every budget. The 2006 Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi Classico Consono is highly recommended if you go for seafood, as the almond and citrus flavours match it perfectly.

The Last Word
Exceptional service in unusual surroundings, Tentazioni offers something a little different while delivering top quality Italian food.

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