Dinner at Four to Eight

Another week and  a new restaurant in London. This time I was invited to review Four to Eight, a modern Italian eatery in Catherine Street, next to theatreland in London. A stone’s throw from other established  bars, pubs, cafes and eating places. However, the story behind this place caught my attention. It used to be a sandwich bar called Gino and Leo, owned by brothers Gino and Leo Zambito, frequented by celebrated British actors such as Sir Michael Gambon and Felicity Kendall. The two brothers were born to Sicilian immigrants who came to England in the early sixties. Their dream came to fruition when the shop next door became vacant. They got a backer and converted the building inside and renovated the outside to it’s former glory, with floor to ceiling glass where you can enjoy the views of the surround streets.

 

The Aperol Spritz was delightful!

The 100 cover establishment is spread over two floors with the bar as the focal point of the restaurant together with a tall glass wine cellar. Downstairs, the mood changes with darker and more seductive feel with views over the open kitchen where you can see all the action.  The kitchen is head by  Chris Denney. The team of mostly Italian chefs from different parts of Italy, which gives the non-regional menu a variety of accents and flavours. The team works closely with suppliers to secure always the freshest ingredients.

On arrival, the reception by the staff is warm and welcoming. The ambiance is cool in a trend way, but friendly. The natural materials of the deco, the fluidity and simplicity of the place gives a sense of clean and modern feel.
The menu is comprehensive, and caters for all tastes, it’s  divided into Antipasti prices ranging rom £3.00 (Giant olives) to £12.50 (salumi and Formaggi selections/each)
Small plates to share from £6.00 (minestrone)  to £10 (soft crab shell)
Grill and Mains – meat feast (£60), vegetarian dish £12) and catch of the day
Side dishes – salads, fries, vegetables  £4/each
Pasta – from £15 to £17 with a choice of added truffle at cost.
Desserts – praline cake, homemade ice creams, rum baba, truffled rice pudding Prices £6 – £7/each

 

arancini and red pepper sauce

salumi selection at Four To Eight

Salumi Selection served with opera bread, Arancini filled with Parmesan custard, hazelnuts served with piqillo pepper sauce, Sarrono pickled green chillis.

Main: Rose Veal Escalope Saltimbocca topped with parma ham, sage & tagliata salad – very generous portion but a bit grease for my taste and Semolina Gnocchi in pumpkin puree, crispy sage & Gorgonzola – amazing!

Desserts:  both were delectable and good portions too!  I particularly loved the ricotta ice cream!  (0ff the picture!) . Opera Cake & Ricotta Ice Cream: layered coffee cream, chocolate & almond sponge with homemade ricotta ice cream, it was light and not too sweet – perfect!, The white truffled Rice Pudding served with ice cream was very tasty, I usually don’t eat rice puddings, I found them a little too baby-food, but I quite enjoyed this one for grown-ups!

Overall, I quite enjoyed the meal at Four to Eight, is simple, honest fare with a friendly service. The ingredients were top notch at reasonable prices comparing with their neighbour restaurants.  Friendly service  and the wine list is impressive.
They have a pre-theatre menu with jaw dropping low prices.

Christmas menu : Mouth-watering dishes include Beef Shin Ragu Arancini, Carnaroli Risotto, Smoked Salmon Tartare, Duck Breast, Rum Baba and Tiramisu Opera Cake 3 courses at £55/per person.  To accompany their scrumptious menus, they also offer a wide range of aperitifs, spirits, wines, champagne and dessert wines at very good prices. call on 020 7240 0664 or e-mail:reservations@fourtoeight.com

Four to Eight
1 – 5 Catherine Street
Covent Garden
London WC2B 5JZ
Tel: 020 7240 0664