Great at lunch or dinner and fab take out salads in a box nice staff too
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If you're not looking for it, you could easily miss Carnevale. I came here with four of my best friends and the tiny restaurant only added to the intimacy of the occasion.
We were all starving and the five of us greedily dug into the wonderfully fresh bread before our starters arrived. The young waitress was very accommodating when we asked for olive oil and balsamic vinegar to go with it.
Being the artichoke fiend that I am, I ordered the Young artichokes stuffed with walnuts, lemon, parsley and bread crumbs on a bed of caramelised red onions. Unfortunately, it sounded better than it actually was. The portion was rather small, leaving me hungry for my next course. For this I had the Risotto with baked butternut squash, saffron, roasted garlic and parsley served with rocket salad. The portion size was a lot better here, but the risotto was nothing I couldn't whip up at home. I had severe food envy over my friend's order of the Chickpea, lentil and spinach curry, but I suppose I'll know for next time!
I didn't have dessert, but another friend (always unable to resist) seemed delighted with her Chocolate roulade.
I really liked the smallness of the restaurant: it made it feel like a secret. I would definitely come back, primarily for the service and the cheap house wine.
My short review is going to be a hymn for one dish served by this tiny vegan-friendy place on Whitecross street, and that is their vegan baked falafel, aubergine and red pepper casserole. I genuinely believe that all the other dishes in their Mediterranean-inspired menu are redundant, as nothing can beat this delicious and nutritious dish, which is as tasty, as it is harmless for such sensitive meat-, gluten- and dairy-averse superfoodies like myself.
The best news is that you can get it as a take-away for a fraction of price: £5.75! In other words, not only all other dishes in this cafe, but the cafe itself seems redundant, as I would rather pay half of price and eat 'en plein air' in a lovely little garden placed very conveniently just around the corner.
The resume is go there, don't stay there, and I am sure you'll come back for more!
Having been a regular when I worked round the corner in Bunhill Row for several years, a welcome return visit after a goodly while. Still a simple and good menu, succinct winelist and friendly service. Great that nothing has changed here in that time. Sometimes there's just no need to change.
Loved this place! Food is delicious! I felt like I was on vacation in Greece, having lunch in a cosy family owned restaurant. You stop thinkinkig about an average interior, when you make your first bite of freshly cooked dish.
Tasty food, great portion size (some restaurants seem to assume that if you're vegetarian/vegan you must not be hungry) and attentive, charming staff.
Service was discreet but also very friendly and they were happy to amend a dish for us. Small but well chosen drinks menu and I had a genuine problem choosing a main course as they were all so tempting. Decor was a bit plain. We enjoyed the ravioli and the chickpea curry and I would not hesitate to recommend Carnevale to meat eaters and veggies alike near Old St and the City.
Such a lovely little restaurant for a veggie meal. So much choice and it was absolutely delicious. Vegan options also available and, whilst I didn't have any myself, the desserts looked amazing. Service was friendly, the walnut bread and olive oil was yummy and it's not too expensive. A great choice!
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I went here while visiting some non-veggie friends, and all three of us absolutely LOVED this restaurant. As a vegetarian it's always a treat to go to a restaurant and not be limited to one or two items on the menu, and it took me ages to narrow my choices down and pick from all the amazing food on offer.
For my starter I had the pumpkin gnocchi in garlic sauce, which was delicious (I also tried my friend's balsamic vinegar and honey glazed halloumi, which was amazing). The gnocchi was crisp on the outside, soft in the middle, had a unique flavour and was beautifully complimented by the sauce.
For my main course I had the goats cheese and butternut squash ravioli. I felt I should order something more unusual, but it's a combination of flavours which I know and love. I was not disappointed, and the familiar taste was enhanced by the unusual addition of lentils to the dish.
As a dessert I chose the (vegan) chocolate roulade, which was absolutely lovely, and made very unusual by the earl grey truffle filling!
We enjoyed the elderflower cocktails (possibly too much!) and were so glad to be seated in the tiny patio at the back, as we could see the other diners but felt like we had our own private little room- perfect when catching up with friends. Overall it was a wonderful dining experience and I hope to visit again soon, and perhaps try to replicate the delicious gnocchi at home!
(It got very busy so I would recommend booking!)
Cosy little restaurant with a great selection of meals. The food reminded me of almost a home cooked style. Plenty of vegan options as well as gluten free. The meals were good sizes and served quite quickly. The desserts were the highlight of the evening. The staff were friendly and free bread is offered with olive oil and balsamic. The meals are reasonably priced.
Food was not bad and plentiful.
Service was barely adequate (particularly as we were the only ones there for most of it - it was market day and proprietor was serving his stall and us!)
Venue was best described as 'tired' and is very small and cosy.
Cost was high all things considered.
Generous 4 stars based on food alone.
Normally a carnivore I really wasn't expecting much when I took a veggie friend to this restaurant. I was very pleasantly surprised! One of the most delicious meals I have had in a long while and I never thought I would say that about a meal without meat! The place is quite small but cosy and friendly. I had the Goats Cheese and Butternut Squash Ravioli which was delicious. For dessert I had the Raspberry Creme Brulee which was perfectly made and absolutely divine!! One of the best desserts I've had anywhere! Highly recommend this little gem of a restaurant!
One of the best veggie meals I have had. Hearty, warm, Sunday roast sausage type of dish. Cosy setting. Lovely staff. Will be back.
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