A Critical Examination of the Menu
Located amidst the bustling streets of Liverpool Street, London, Canto Corvino beckons to foodies seeking an authentic Italian experience. With its charming ambiance and promises of culinary delights, I was eager to discover the gems on its menu.
Yet, much to my disappointment, the experience didn’t quite live up to the authentic Italian flavors I had anticipated. Instead, the dishes leaned more towards a British interpretation, leaving me yearning for the true taste of Italy.
Ambiance:
The elegant decor, bathed in soft lighting and adorned with tasteful furnishings, transported me to the heart of “British” Italian culinary tradition, igniting my excitement for the culinary delights that awaited.
Service:
The staff at Canto Corvino greeted me with a warm Italian welcome from the moment I stepped through the door.
However, when I asked about the pasta portion size, the staff told me a much smaller size than the actual one. All the staff should be aware of this basic information.
Drinks:
The wine selection was alright, but I really hope no one ever has to go through the disappointment of being served a glass with a spit of wine.
Price: £££
The vibe isn’t exactly fancy, and for what I paid, I hope the food would be a bit more on point.
When I am craving some authentic Italian grub, I am not just looking for a meal –I want to feel like I have been transported to the rolling hills of Tuscany or the lively markets of Sicily. It’s all about that true culinary experience.
What I Ordered:
Seared Beef Capaccio, Horseradish Aioli, Shallots, Pecorino
Mio Dio! When they brought out the dish, it looked more like a midnight dead snack from the leftover from dinner than something straight out of kitchen.
I took a bite, hoping for that burst of freshness, but nope – it was like eating something that had been sitting out for way too long as I thought.
When I asked what was up, the manager came over and dropped this bombshell about the food being “touched.” Seriously? Since when does a little handling ruin the essence of Italian cuisine? Come on, freshness is key in Italian cooking, and there’s no excuse for skimping on that!
*Burrata Pugliese, Roasted Romano Peppers, Cantabrian Anchovies
I talk about a match made in culinary heaven! The creaminess of the burrata paired perfectly with the bold flavors of the peppers, creating this flavor explosion that I just couldn’t get enough of. It’s moments like these that remind you why Italian cuisine is the real deal!
Josper Grilled Colne Valley Lamb Ribs Sesame
So, the meat was juicy and had this smoky vibe going on that was pretty tasty. But, it was missing that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness you expect from a top-notch dish.
And then, the flavors. It was like I was tasting something from Asia, with these sesame seeds. Don’t get me wrong, it was good, but it just didn’t scream Italian to me. I was left feeling kind of lost, wishing I was back in the comforting arms of Italian cuisine.
Red Mullet Tagliatelle alla Versiliana, Curry, Chilli
Mamma Mia. I was digging into my dish, all excited for some classic Italian flavors, when suddenly, I caught a whiff of curry. Yeah, curry! Not exactly what I signed up for.
The menu did mention curry, bu it just didn’t hit the mark. The flavors were all over the place, definitely not what you’d expect from an Italian restaurant.
And there was barely any tomato or red mullet in there – just drowning in a sea of pasta. Where’s the elegance? I was left craving that simple, authentic Italian vibe.
40 Day Aged Beef Rump, Al Forno Potatoes, Watercress & Red Wine Jus
This beef was cooked to absolute perfection – juicy, tender, and just bursting with flavor. Paired it up with some watercress, and it was like a match made in foodie heaven.
And that red wine jus was like the cherry on top of an already amazing dish. It tied everything together in this symphony of flavors.
Such a shame, the pasta portion was so huge, and it practically took over my appetite. It overshadowed the amazingness of the beef.
Zucchini Fritti
The zucchini was hydrated. Too thin and too soaked in oil. A bit of a disappointment for the palate.
Josper Burnt Cheesecake
It was a bit too soft for my liking. When they said it was ‘burnt,’ I was expecting more of that crispy, charred vibe. But it was missing that extra crunch.
And then there’s the rhubarb topping – it was too bitter and took away from the whole dessert experience, if you ask me.
Chocolate Tart
This dessert was more like a taste of Italy. The nutty chocolate flavor was off the charts, transporting my taste buds straight to Italy.
That tart crust was thin and crispy, just the way you want it. Paired up with the creamy mousse inside.
Conclusion:
I hate to say it, but Canto Corvino just didn’t quite hit the mark for me when it comes to Italian dining in London. With so many other Italian restaurants around, I can’t help but wonder if they’ll be able to keep up the hype.
After my visit, I’m really craving a spot that really brings Italy to life with every bite. But if you’re just looking for a spot to book for a private event in the area, it’s not too shabby. The vibe is cool and the service is decent, so it could be worth considering if that’s what you’re after.
You can see the menu and process the booking from their website.
