Murano has received rave reviews since opening… Angela Hartnett’s irresistible Italian style dishes are so very delicious and the design and ambience of the restaurants encourage diners to relax and indulge. To cater for a younger crowd, in November 2013, Angela opened Café Murano in St James’ – it is a delectable and sophisticated little eatery serving up less complex dishes but similar in style to the original Murano.

Hartnett says of her newest venture: “I wanted to create a restaurant that you could drop in and eat in every day. The menu takes a simpler approach to Northern Italian cooking and we print it every day.” No two days have the same menu, although I guarantee you’ll want to return and eat the same meal you tried on your first visit.

Don’t be deceived by the word café in the title, this restaurant is gorgeous and stylish with glossy wooden tables and romantic flickering candles. The bar buzzes with quiet excitement, as guests scoff truffle arancini whilst slouching elegantly against the pale marble surface. Parched from the walk down Piccadilly, we swiftly ordered a carafe of refreshing house white. Everything we tried was exquisite, but the pasta particularly impressed. I can still recall the indulgent rabbit risotto, and the delightfully springtime Farfalle with ham and peas, a colourful bowl of joy.  Side dishes are equally appetising, a range of seasonal fresh greenery and rich treats. For dessert we opted for a boule of ice-cream which is always available in an assortment of imaginative flavours like sour green apple sorbet.

If you have never been the type to lick your plate clean, you will be now… the creamy sauces, tasty marinades and addictive seasoning are irresistible. I can’t think of a restaurant in London where I have tasted such scrumptious Italian cooking.

More information and book here: www.cafemurano.co.uk