Signor Zilli

I really wanted to go to Malaysia Kopi Tian on Dean Street... unfortunately 42 Dean Street is no longer a Malaysian Restaurant but some Korean/Japanese place which didn't inspire. Wondering round in circles, Carina pressured me into choosing somewhere to eat before we went to Kevin and Frida's going away party in Holborn. Being next door, it seemed to be the best of the bunch...

Signor Zilli, 40 - 41 Dean Street, London, W1

Last visited: Never

Victim: The girlfriend

The Damage: £60

The Background: The long of the short. We opted for the pre theatre set menu. Carina - Clam and Mussels to start with, and Mushroom Risotto for mains. Fresh seafood, not overpowering on the white wine sauce, just right al dente rice and wonderful mushrooms. Me - Chargrilled Squid on bed of salad, and baked Salmon with new potatoes. Both winners. Accompanied by Pinot Grigio del Collio, Blanchis, probably more than slightly overpriced at £24 per bottle, this is still the perfect crisp and dry pinot to accompany this meal. What else? Why does no one mention the decor? The decor is awful. Some kind of pastel, roman-esque disaster. Despite that, the waiters were attentive, not unsurprising considering at it's busiest whilst we were there were only three other tables. Apparently it won Best Italian Restaurant... in 1996...

Verdict: I liked the food in general but in a city saturated with Italian restaurants, I have certainly had better (Passione, River Cafe) and worse (San Lorenzo), and I don't think we'll be going here again.