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This place dipped for a while since I wrote in 2009 below. Now with a familiar chef at the helm (whose food, for many years I adored at Aubergine in Marlow), we try to dine at Zafferano whenever we are within striking distance. A few weeks ago, I had halibut with a walnut pesto and capers – so simple but faultless and the sort of food you could eat again and again. The other day we popped in rather late in the afternoon thinking we may have missed service. We ordered a bowl of pasta before moving on for an appointment, but not before, my partner had ordered a second bowl of the same veal ravioli with gremolada, which just about says it all. Overall, I'd say my score should be 8.5.
Z was pretty busy before and after we left on Sunday evening which speaks volumes. Not enamoured by the menu at first glance and disappointed that lobster wasn’t available, I didn’t expect great things. Oh, did my mood lift as we went for 3 savoury courses plus a shared pud which had been prepped & cooked to perfection throughout. Not a revolutionary experience but just scrummy yummy. Impressed by Maitre d’hôtel’s recommendation for my main plus a Sicilian wine – the name I’m still trying to recall. Naturally an Italian leaning was expected but with astounding choice and some reasonably priced bottles exactly as SqM states et al. Venue was chosen on the basis of easy walk from hotel and my partner fancying Italian fare that evening – glad he did as we’d return without hesitation.