Pane Cunzato is a charming Italian restaurant just moments from Holborn and Tottenham Court Road serving traditional Aeolian and Sicilian dishes. Taking cues from its name, the menu revolves heavily around cunzato bread, a Sicilian speciality of lightly toasted bread topped with various uncooked ingredients - not unlike bruschetta! This focus on simple cooking means that quality of ingredients is paramount, and the team takes great care to source the best produce it can. All its pizzas and breads, for example, are made with wholegrain stone-ground wheat flour, instead of refined flour, for a more flavourful and nutritious result.
Open for lunch and dinner, Wednesday to Sunday, Pane Cunzato serves an array of classic Italian starters, pizzas, pasta dishes and pane cunzato, which are perfect for a light lunch. You might like to start with the likes of stuffed courgette flowers with ricotta and provola cheese, a selection of antipasto, or parmigiana di melanzane.
Pizzas span a selection of classics and less traditional options – we like the sound of mozzarella, smoked scamorza, mortadella and pistachio. You’ll also find a couple of vegetarian and vegan choices on offer. And if you’re keen to try its traditional Sicilian-style breads, examples of toppings include mozzarella, smoked salmon, smashed avocado and lettuce, or grilled chicken with smashed avocado, sundried tomatoes and a pink sauce. Do try to leave room for dessert if you can. There are an array of indulgent options to choose from, including pistachio tiramisu, Sicilian cannolo, and a Nutella calzone.
A concise drinks menu features Italian beers, classic cocktails, a selection of wines and sparkling, plus Italian digestives if you enjoy a glass of limoncello or grappa to round off your meal. It also runs a killer happy hour deal which includes two cocktails with bruschetta for £15, available from 5-7pm.