If you’re looking for somewhere to tuck into authentic Italian fare in a relaxed and informal setting, then head to Vauxhall to sample the rustic plates at Vine Bar. The intimate space is boldly painted in red and green, furnished with wine barrels and art, and adorned with fairy lights that wrap around the room to provide some ambience. Whilst it runs primarily as a restaurant, it also has a small deli selection to one side where you can head home with some pantry staples to feed yourself at a later date - think dried pasta, vintage Primitivo and jarred sauces.
The menu offers a variety of traditional Italian dishes, where ingredients have been sourced from British and Italian farmers. For smaller plates you can expect seafood dishes like prawn carpaccio with orange and thyme buds, anchovies with sun-dried tomatoes and bread, and king prawns with garlic and chilli, as well vegetarian options such as porcini risotto with truffle oil and parmesan.
The mains are split into categories, with the pasta bringing classics like carbonara, spaghetti vongole and lasagne, gnocchi served alongside flavour combos such as mushrooms and gorgonzola, and egg ravioli with mushroom and truffle, or spinach and ricotta. But for slightly less carb dense mains, there are a number of options including chicken with lemon, white wine and spinach, or tuna steak with tomatoes, olives and anchovies.
Desserts continue the classic theme, with tiramisu, affogato and pistachio gelato being just a few of the dishes on offer.
The extensive wine list showcases a number of wines from various regions in Italy, available by both the glass and bottle. If you’re heading south of the river and looking to indulge, Vine Bar is a no-brainer (especially if the weather permits for a laissez-faire lunch on the terrace).