I recently had a lovely lunch at Cecconi’s Italian Restaurant in The Ned hotel. It’s one of those places where you get impeccable service and top-notch food in a charming setting. Famed for their modern-day classic Italian food, you can enjoy handmade pasta, seafood or pizza and plenty of wine to go with it. If you’re looking for the best Italian restaurant in the City of London or somewhere to take clients for lunch near Bank station, you’ll enjoy Cecconi’s at The Ned.
“This former bank (now a hotel) is a glorious building to savour the perfect Italian meal with your clients or your favourite people to celebrate a special occasion,” Homegirl London
Cecconi’s Italian Menu
Start your meal with something from the Cicchetti list (small snacks). I chose the Zucchini Fritti, which I always enjoy, and these were rather Moorish. It was more than a small snack; the plate had a pile of perfectly fried strips of courgettes that, at one point, I felt as though I would never reach the end.
Peter, my dining companion, treated himself to the Calamari with lemon aioli; he finished before me, but then again, I was talking quite a lot, so that may have been why! Other snacks and starters included Roasted Pumpkin Soup, Aubergine Parmigiana, Burrata with Datterini Tomatoes and Cornish Crab with Avocado and Lemon. Beef Carpaccio and Tartare options were also available (Beef, Tuna, Salmon).
The pizza is excellent with a choice of Marinara with Olives and Anchovies, Buffalo Mozzarella with Tomatoes and Basil and Wild Mushroom with Taleggio. Meaty pizzas include Spicy Salami and Italian Sausage.
I settled on the Wild Mushroom Risotto because I can never be bothered to cook it at home. Peter opted for the Tagliatelle Beef Bolognese. Other pasta options are Crab Ravioli with Tomato and Basil and Spaghetti Lobster with Tomato and Chilli. There is an option to add freshly shaved black truffle to your dish. If you’re not in the mood for pizza or pasta, you can order Chicken Paillard, Lamb Cutlets, Rib Eye, Veal Milanese or Dover Sole.
Save space for a dessert. I went for the Cecconi’s Classic Tiramisu, which was amazing and super creamy with plenty of dark chocolate dusting. I could eat it all over again right now! The other famous house dessert is Profiteroles with Amarena Ice Cream and Warm Chocolate Sauce, which I will try on my next visit. Peter decided on the Gelato, which he was raving about. Other sweet treats include Rum Baba with Cream and Citrus Fruit, and Vanilla Pannacotta.
To give you an idea about prices, the starters are £6-22, pizza is £12-16, pasta and risotto £19-35, main dishes £18-40 and desserts £7-12. If you fancy a tipple or two, the wine list and cocktails are worth investigating.
Cecconi’s The Ned Information
To find out more, visit Cecconi’s Website. The address is 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ. Bank, Cannon Street and Monument are the closest stations. Current opening times are Monday to Saturday from midday until midnight and 6 pm until 11 pm on Sunday. During the week, the restaurant is likely to be filled with city people and hotel guests. It’s essential to make a reservation to ensure you get a table. The interiors are stunning, grand and opulent, so it’s also the perfect restaurant for a special occasion.
Read my Ten Things To Do In The City of London if you want to explore the area. If you want to see pictures of the area, go to my Love City of London Pinterest Board.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about restaurants where I had a good experience. I recommend that you undertake further research as restaurant standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please check if the restaurant is still in business and the opening times before you go. If you discover that this restaurant has closed, contact me to remove it from my blog.
