L’ANIMA – London

L’ANIMA , a modern contemporary and very elegant restaurant and bar situated in the centre hub of the city. A sleek and modern restaurant with a huge sense of sophistication, showcasing superior food, style and vision from the talented and passionate Francesco Mazzei. Francesco’s passion is paramount and shines through in every dish created and served at L’ANIMA. Inspiration and vision incorporating love from Francesco’s region of Calabria in Southern Italy to Puglia (where I am from) bella Sicilia and Sardinia. All regions in Italy have their own take on dishes and at L’ANIMA, Francesco has used his creativity and sense of individuality to create mouthwatering  dishes for us all to experience and enjoy.

From a recent visit and over indulgent evening meal, I have included a few photos, just showing the pure brilliance that is L’ANIMA.

Crudo di tonno con la sua bottarga

This tuna was simply incredible. I had never experienced raw tuna before, however I prefer tuna now in its raw state, so fresh. Just amazing.

Burrata d’Andria con pappa al pomodoro

Heaven on a plate in my opinion as I just adore the milkiness that is burrata. So fresh and creamy and the tomato pappa on the base was a delight.

Risotto primavera

Risotto showcases the simple ingredients in life. This risotto primavera sang with freshness and fragrance. I do enjoy risotto regardless, this one was beautiful, delicate and perfect.

Risotto primavera

Pastachina – Francesco’s mothers southern Italian Lasagna

Now it’s a standing joke with my children that wherever I go, I have lasagna. So it had to be at L’ANIMA too. I am 100% Italian so it’s a given for me to say that Italian food is the BEST, for flavour, cost and simplicity of the finest ingredients there is. This lasagna showcases that exactly. Cucina povera cooking but at another level completely. Layered with meatballs, eggs, aubergine and more this is it. I walked away a happy lady after devouring this clearly brilliant ‘Pastachina’, Grazie Francesco e la tua mama.

Gelato di mandorla

To finish the most amazing almond ice cream with coffee. There was a perfect cannoli here too with pistachio which I ate in haste and desperation!! The perfect meal at a leading and award winning  Italian restaurant.