Cafe Murano

I've been meaning to go to the Covent Garden branch for ages - every time I go to the theatre I eat at some boring chain then remember on my way to the theatre that Cafe Murano is there!

I finally organised myself last weekend and was so pleased I did!! I didn't manage to get as far as pairing theatre and food but had been on a Walk London guided walk round the City which ended nearby. If you are interested in history at all I'd really recommend them - the next ones aren't until May unfortunately but they are totally free so its worth keeping an eye out.

We arrived at Cafe Murano to find a fairly busy restaurant but they quickly found a table for us, the staff were attentive and helpful although sometimes the gaps between dishes could have been a tiny bit longer. This is probably more related to the fact that I ate way too much as I know a lot of people like a speedy lunch. Once we'd ordered drinks they brought us some bread and some of the tastiest olive oil I've had in ages - so tasty we marched over to the shop straight after lunch and bought a bottle each.

We went for the set menu as it sounded delicious and was such amazing value at £16.50 for two courses or £21 for three. To make the most of that value we had a full three courses and carafe of wine! I must admit I was so busy stuffing my face I let myself down a bit on the photo front - initially by eating half the dish before I remembered to take a picture then eating the entire dessert without even a thought!

The starter was a beautiful risotto with chicory and toasty pine nuts. I cook risotto a lot myself as anyone who follows my Instagram will know but don't normally think to top with pine nuts - I definitely will be for future dishes. The consistency was perfect as you can see from the gap appearing in the dish above.

The main I went for was game meatballs with parmesan polenta. The polenta was so cheesy and comforting I immediately added some to my Ocado order - must learn how to cook this! The meatballs were flavoursome and comforting with their deep sauce and crisp cheesy topping. The only thing I would say is that after a starter of risotto it was a bit filling - I may have got overexcited in my ordering while my sensible mother went for minestrone soup followed by hake.

Having said that it meant she had a lot more room for dessert. We shared a poached pear with salted caramel ice-cream and a nutty crunchy topping followed by castelrosso and mustard fruits. Both were delicious although the pear could have done with a tiny bit more cooking as it was on the hard side. The mustard fruit and cheese combination was particularly good.

Overall we had a fantastic meal and I will definitely be heading back as soon as possible! www.cafemurano.co.uk