Casual City Italian
I've been going to Osteria del Mercato for about 18 months. It is a great antidote to the usual city eateries of sharp lines, bling, and prices to match, or the spit and sawdust cardboard sandwich. Italians in the square mile are few and far between, and outside l'Anima it is hard to find one that you would recommend to a friend. The fact is, food in the Square Mile is still poor by West End/West London standards
Osteria del Mercado tries neither to be flash nor typical. A bright and airy room on the first floor above the Lamb Tavern, accessed by some very steep stairs, is a delight and takes you away from the noise and bustle of the Leadenhall Market below.
Friendly staff greet you and lead you to one of the two small rooms that constitute the entire restaurant. Food is simple home made Italian specialties from the usual antipasti with a couple of twists such as a very light salmon mousse with avocado to delicious pasta and risotti. The casarecci with broccoli and pancetta is superb, as is the papardelle with veal ragu. Mains of a more robust nature include a generous sized Veal Milanese with sauteed potatoes or various fish specials. Every day the specials change and are both thoughtful and different.
Worth a try and very good value, and I would happily recommend it to both friends from out of town, to colleagues and clients.