Quirinale gets consistently good reviews, but isn’t as well known as some of its London rivals. This is a shame. However, I went in the evening, so perhaps missed the lobbying crowd I expect fill the place at lunch in search of fine Italian food, bold red wines, truffles, and government contracts.
The food is off a high standard. They have an excellent wine list and do a really good cheese course, that you select from the menu.
I'm always complaining about the lack of foodie options in Westminster, where I work the 9-5. But still I'd never come across Quirinale, a tiny little Italian restaurant tucked away on a side street behind Westminster abbey.
And that's why I love London - there are hidden delights everywhere, the room is airy and light, a bower of flowers, linen tablecloths and muted hums of contented diners.
I start off with grilled sardines on a side salad - the sardines beautifully cooked, rich and flakey. The grilled cod portion is enough for 2 at least but it is rich and coated with a crumbly nutty coating that lends an interesting texture to the beautifully cooked fish. We're too full for desserts and I'm glad we've declined this because they've brought over a round of petit fours - profiteroles and mini chocolate brownies!
Check this place out - well worth it.
Quirinale although in a basement is light and quite lovely. I am sure it turns up on a lot of MPs expense claims, as it is very much a politico hangout.
The food is off a high standard. They have an excellent wine list and do a really good cheese course, that you select from the menu. It is served with a selection of biscuits, fruit and preserves.
Best Italian restaurant in London, incredible service and food is outstanding. We started with smoked tuna, never had it before, it's as good as the best ham but with a delicate flavour. Sausage pasta was as good it gets!! The veal Milanese is the best we have had outside of Italy and the ox cheek was sublime. Can't wait to go back again soon.
Very good food and service. Lots of people come here after work during weekdays. Not expensive for Westminster (starter about £10, main about £15 to 20, dessert £7) The poached pear dessert and the fish main courses are lovely. I am not sure if the extra money that was spent on truffle is really worth it (The taste is very mild compared with what I normally have)
Amazing Italian food served with a smile. The dishes we had felt very authentic, and were all full of flavor. The fresh pasta really stood out, being made earlier that day. For the quality of food, I was expecting a much higher bill.
Found this place before heading to Westminster Abbey. Really nice staff and good size menu, especially for lunch. There was a lunch special but decided to go for the pasta with white truffle. The salad was very fresh with a simple olive oil drizzle. The pasta was very flavorful and I only wish I had more room to eat the cheese shell. The pasta comes with a cream base and it’s extra for the truffle (goes by weight). What I have on it is two grams which was enough for me.
The dessert was excellent with a selection of homemade ice creams.
Very nice, clean and beautiful restaurant. Waiters very welcoming. Food and desserts excellent!!
Amazing restaurant, with an excellent food and excellent service!
A gem of a place with basement seating offering incredible natural lighting. The menu is fresh and contemporary Italian. Their cottage cheese pear salad was refreshing and their carrot gnocchi dish was an innovative little treat. The service staff were charming and friendly and the atmosphere was relaxed and fun. Id definitely go back again!!
We shared a fantastic caprese, the freshest ingredients. Our main courses were superb: risotto and sea bass, both delicious and perfectly cooked. Washed down by a delightful white wine. The clientele are interesting, well dressed, well versed gentlemen made up 80% of the covers - we tried not to listen to the conversations
The best restaurant in Westminster and among the best Italian places in London. Chic, discreet, and extremely accommodating, Quirinale offers consistent and elevating dishes made with appreciably high quality and fresh produce. Chef Stefano Savio has built a great menu, wine list, and service team that I look forward to revisiting regularly. My only critical observation relates to the (small) size and (relatively few) soft furnishings of the restaurant; as a result the ambience is either slightly too quiet or slightly too noisy.
Incredible food, exquisitely presented! Quiet and lovely. A hidden gem in a listed building just a stone's throw from Parliament Square. Everything from the starters to dessert was amazing. Even the sides which were very generous in portion and barely a cost were out of the world.
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