Alto by San Carlo - Oxford Street

What did I have (taken directly from the menu):

Spiedino di Pollo, chicken skewer wrapped in pancetta and rosemary, barbecued on our Robata grill

Bruschetta, with Sicilian Pachino tomatoes, garlic & basil

Lamb Cutlets, with seared artichoke & mint sauce

Fillet of Sea Bass with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest & broccoli di rapa

Margherita, the classic pizza of Naples with tomato, buffalo mozzarella & basil

Rocket & Parmesan Salad, with balsamic dressing

Grillo Bianco (Sicily)

A wine with charm and finesse rarely found in the area. Full bodied, but delicate, rose aromas: the palate has fruit acidity and structure. This is the future “Pinot Grigio”.

I can happily and without a doubt say that this is hands down my favourite tapas restaurant. Its location, quality of food and service add up to make it probably the best restaurant I have visited, all these things considered. Having visited Alto on more than one occasion, every time feels like the first time, being gracefully welcomed and surrounded by smiles, and the beautiful walkway from the elevator to the restaurant front desk to the astonishing panoramic view beyond Marylebone (image below). The restaurant seats more than it may appear too and additionally features private dining booths outside, more secluded 2 steps away from the balcony that enables one to see over the area, and on a winter evening views the big wheel at the famous Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. The bar which can be experienced separate to the restaurant makes for a relaxing setting, with the option to sit outside looking out.

The restaurant is easily a 10/10 is certainly 'me.' The food was as lovely as the first time just lacking the little bit of spice, I would have hoped for in at least one of the dishes giving it a 9/10.was served on a harder, crunchier bread however the change in texture was much appreciated as combined with the soft, seasoned tomato separated the two allowing are to enjoy the two apart at the same time. With the Spiedino di Pollo the chicken was succulent and perfectly contrasted to the grilled pancetta wrapped around it creating a new and unique flavour to my tastebuds. What was probably my favourite dish of the evening was the lamb cutlets, cooked to medium well (I DO NOT like seeing pink in my meat) the meat was tender and the simply seasoned, but the mint sauce added more flavour even though the lamb tasted delicious without it. Thinking about it now, I am wishing that I ordered more. The pizza was as stringy as you see in the television advertisements for your local takeaway but where your local takeaway lacks is where this pizza thrives. Opting for a plain Margherita (I believe cheese is one of the best things about pizza) is always a wise idea but I knew that this is what I wanted before entering the restaurant, so good we got more afterwards. The pizza tasted how pizza both chewy and crisp, like it was cooked in an authentic wood fired oven. Based on past experiences I have been wary of having sea bass in restaurants but the sea bass at Alto had no bones and was perfectly cooked to a soft taste and with a sharp, zesty flavour. The salad was a good choice, that I picked on between dishes, the texture of the rocket as well as the dressing made up for the rough feeling of the Parmesan (always preferred it grated). I do not know much on judging wines but the Grillo Bianco must have been good considering I ordered it again.

The restaurant is easily a 10/10 is certainly 'me.' The food was as lovely as the first time just lacking the little bit of spice I would have hoped for in at least one of the dishes giving it a 9/10.

Top: Lamb Cutlets, with seared artichoke & mint sauce. Bottom: Spiedino di Pollo, chicken skewer wrapped in pancetta and rosemary, barbecued on our Robata grill

View from the bar seating