Tucked beneath the towering ME hotel, Cucina Asellina is a hotel restaurant with its own personality and character. The main open plan dining room radiates light and colour, it is a modern, fresh venue. Teetering on the edge of Covent Garden, the location is ideal for a pre or post theatre meal or as a sustenance break in between shopping stints.
The menu has recently been updated, dishes are now offered in small tapas style plates, so guests can mix and match or share a range of delights. We sat close to the kitchen, and sipped Bellinis while soaking up the buzzy atmosphere. Groups of friends and office outings are equally comfortable in this versatile restaurant.
Signature dishes use vibrant Italian ingredients cooked and presented in a rustic fashion. We tried a range of different dishes. Finely chopped zucchini coated in a light batter are a joy to pick at while enjoying an aperitif, I recommend ordering them as soon as you sit down, to ensure they arrive prior to the meal.
Veal meatballs are a favourite at Cucina Asselina, I enjoyed the dish though felt the veal could have been slightly better seasoned. The meat was served in a roast tomato sauce and topped with fresh basil and a sprinkling of parmesan, typical and delicious flavours of Italy that you would expect in a Mediterranean eatery. If you want to try a pizzette I would recommend the prosciutto San Daniele, black truffle, fontina and rocket. A light and crispy base topped with rich, indulgent flavours and scattered with fresh rocket. The sweet ham and peppery salad work well together, though the generous slices of black truffle and scented oil was a little overpowering for me.
Burrata with rosemary focaccia and grilled vegetables is a fresh vegetarian choice, ideal for cheese fanatics like me. If you fancy a heartier dish, opt for the honey-glazed rack of lamb with rosemary potatoes; although the lamb was slightly chewy the flavour was good and nicely paired with herby roast potatoes. The wine list in long with reasonably priced favourites from all over Italy. We chose a simple Pinot Grigio to go with our food.
The service had been swift and efficient throughout our meal until dessert, when a lack of communication led to a total absence of pudding and then the delivery of the wrong dish. We mourned the lack of chocolate tortini while nibbling the rather bland apple tart. It was a disappointing end to an otherwise enjoyable meal.
More information and book a table here.
