Latium

I first heard about Latium from my good friend and PR, Louisa. She invited me to go to their 10th year birthday party back last Summer. It was a beautiful gathering of clients, staff and suppliers. I noticed on that evening  the clients seemed to know each other and the staff really well. One of the guests made a very complimentary and quite emotional speech.  They served ‘to die for’  ravioli canapes and I thought with me I have to come back and have a proper dinner here. 

Fast forward, after quite a few months later, not my fault, I was busy with life etc. I decided to start the year with a beautiful meal with my favourite neighbour.  We went on the first Monday of the year, earlier on we had a nice cocktail over the road, at The Sanderson.  We arrived at Latium quite early, in fact we were the first ones to arrive. 
The deco is just okay, inoffensive, it’s not going to win any interiors awards anytime soon. The table setting and the crockery were pristine and proper, the way I like it and the service was friendly and pleasant. Mauricio Morelli, the chef patron came to meet and greet us at our table,  I’ve met him previously at their birthday party.  
Mauricio suggested the menu and we were happy with his suggestions. The menu is quite extensive and everything sounded delicious.
We started with a glass of prosecco, olives, ricotta, a small dipping dish filled with the delightful Latium olive oil, and selection of Italian breads including carasau, which I love! 

 I always like to go the kitchen and this time wasn’t different. When I came back to our table I noticed more people had arrived.  Nice, we were not the only ones.

 Chef patron : Maurizio Morelli platting up in the kitchen

 The dressing in this dish was a revelation, amazingly tasty, I wanted more! by the time we finish this dish. The restaurant was half full.

 The most beautiful flower decorated plate of pasta :  ravioli filled with tallegio, swiss chard and walnuts (right) Ravioli is a specially of this restaurant, all pasta are freshly made in the premises.They also have a dessert ravioli menu!

This dish was okay, I like the mozzarella sauce and the fish was fresh. Not my favourite dish on the menu, I am sure some people might like it more than me.

 

I never dreamed of sweet ravioli. It was delicious, some were filled with ice cream/semi freddo. By now the restaurant was 2/3 full,  amazing for a Monday early evening. 

delicious petit four, Italian biscotti and digestive to finish.

This Italian experience was everything I expected and more with fresh and exceptional ingredients. Maurizio’s  menu is unfussy, tantalising, innovative without the foams and smears on the plates, which is refreshing. It is a quiet and under-recognised restaurant that you want go over and over again, bring your parents, friends and everyone is happy. There’s something for everyone. Great wine list bottles from £16 for house white/red. The cost is reasonable and accessible. Set menus from £16.50 (2 plates) at lunch time and £29.50 (2 plates) dinner.  see menu here. Highly recommended.  
Disclosure: I was guest of Latium, all views are my own. I have not received any further compensation to write this post.