Seasonal Seafood at Pescatori Fitzrovia

The best of seafood gets an Italian flavour at the Pescatori fish and seafood restaurant in London’s suave Fitzrovia neighbourhood, just off Goodge Street. Always busy and buzzing with lunchtime meetings and couples seeking a well deserved meal, here modern meets traditional in Pescatori’s comfortable, unpretentious dining room, with a romantic rustic vibe.

The whole place gives off the impression that while it is certainly authentically Italian, it is also fresh, classy, modern and distinctly urban. This was reflected in the approach of the Pescatori staff who were all incredibly charming, knowledgeable and attentive.

Fanatical about fish, Pescatori carefully selects the produce it serves, determined to offer flavour while supporting small scale businesses and promoting ethical seafood. For example, crab and sea bass are sourced directly from a family run business in Cornwall, and you’ll enjoy a seasonally changing menu as well as super fresh Catch of the Day off the specials menu.

With the choice of the set menu or à la carte, a wide scope of dishes are on offer. The seared scallops wrapped in salty pancetta commended the sweetness of the smooth caramelised cauliflower puree – a well executed starter, as was the silky buffalo mozzarella, nestled on a bed of grilled vegetables and tangy aged balsamic.

The Wild Sea Bass Fillet was pan-fried with venere rice and braised fennel. The crispy-skinned fish worked wonders with the purplish-black creamy risotto, with meltingly soft fennel flavours. The side of Parmesan courgette frites were disappointingly over-salted, but only to come back the same when rectified by the helpful staff. The second course, Braised Icelandic Cod Filet in N’duja with Caponata Siciliana offered hints of spicy tomato with an aubergine medley. Simple, well thought out dishes, bringing the taste of the fresh fish to the forefront.

To finish off, the range of desserts had a mostly Italian spin: Cream of Tiramisu, Barolo Poached Pears, Chocolate Torte or the traditional Russet Apple & Blackberry Sbrisolata,topped with pistachios and hazelnuts. The tiramisu could not be faulted, with creative presentation in an edible wafer basket, coffee crème and sponge all tucked inside. The pears were a large portion, beautifully soft although slightly overpowered by spices. The limoncello followed towards the end of the meal – a pungently strong acquired taste that would have anyone walking sideways back to work.

Overall, a place for a special occasion or business meeting to impress clients, Pescatori has a slightly overpriced menu, but suits its location in Fitzrovia.

Food: 14/20
Drinks: 15/20
Service: 18/20
Pescatori  47/60

Selina Periampillai

To book a table at Pescatori, 57 Charlotte St, London W1T 4PD, visit their website here.