Lina Stores City

With over 75 years of history - not to mention the mixed reviews of the King’s Cross edition - Lina Stores’ third restaurant had a lot to live up to.

But, as we stepped in from the somewhat cold and corporate Bloomberg Arcade, our doubts started to dissolve. The interiors are enticing, the central bar’s curve following the spiral staircase that leads up to the more intimate mezzanine. Downstairs, on the other hand, is a more lively setting, from which diners can view the rowdy kitchen.

After a slightly slow start from the staff, we were soon sipping on the Mora e Salvia Sour - a pleasingly tangy blackberry and sage affair - and the Limoncello Spritz, which felt a little plain due to the use of soda as well as Prosecco. The anchovy bruschetta and gnocco fritto with ricotta and prosciutto were both deliciously salty, although the bruschetta felt a little overpriced at £11 for three.

Paired with a smooth glass of red by the well-versed staff, the beef shin ragu hit all the spots, resting on silky pappardelle and topped with garlicky breadcrumbs. While ragu is a good acid test for any pasta restaurant - which Lina passed comfortably - we made sure to try something new. This turned out to be an extremely good move. The duck and porcini ravioli with marsala sauce and toasted chestnuts was an absolute showstopper, not to mention extremely good value at £9.50.

Still reeling from the excellent pasta, we spotted our incoming secondi: ten grilled king prawns, covered in soft Datterini tomatoes and garlic. Once again accompanied by a perfect pairing - this time a coastal white - the fat juicy prawns were reduced to shells as crunching replaced any dialogue. After bookending the meal with a perfect affogato - all we could manage - we left reassured of Lina’s prowess and will be returning for more duck ravioli.

Lina Stores, City Restaurant is located in the Bloomberg Arcade, a short walk from Cannon Street underground stop. Part of the Lina Stores group of restaurants and delicatessen stores, the City Restaurant uses fresh authentic Italian ingredients from trusted suppliers to create their unique seasonal menu.

The interior of Lina Stores City Restaurant is quirky and stylish with a large bar area. The restaurant is split between two levels, with a lounge area and a mezzanine floor which can be used for private dining. Lina Stores, The City, is open from Monday to Saturday from 11.30am until late serving lunch, dinner and drinks from their authentic Italian menu.

If you’re visiting Lina Stores, The City for dinner perhaps you will kick things off with some drinks accompanied by the sea salt and rosemary focaccia served with Lina Stores olive oil or the Salame d’Agnello served with salsa verde. Main dishes include plenty of delicious sounding pastas such as ravioli with duck and porcini mushroom and tagliolini served with black truffle, butter and parmesan. Other main courses may include grilled prawns for two served with garlic and lemon, and a shoulder of lamb for four people served with salsa verde, salad and grilled focaccia.

Italian desserts include a classic tiramisu and a pistachio and ricotta filled canolo served with chocolate. Look out for plenty of seasonal dishes and specials on the menu, such as the New Years eve sharing menu filled with festive favourites, and the rich winter carbonara made with fresh pasta, Guanciale and Pecorino. You will also find plenty of indulgent treats in the Lina Stores deli, including their range of Christmas hampers, Panettone and Italian confectionery