This new Italian restaurant opened its doors for the first time on 30^th June, 2011 and is a much needed addition to this area.

Assaggetti, which means ‘tastes’ is located in a former bank hall with seating upstairs overlooking bustling Haymarket, the Theatre Royal Haymarket and Her Majesty’s Theatres, as well as a large area downstairs, which can be hired out for parties.

We enjoyed a wonderful and relaxed lunch sitting at a table by the window so we could people watch and were looked after superbly by Juan and his delightful team.  The service is truly excellent, which says a lot for such a new restaurant.

The menu is straightforward (it’s your place mat) and very good value, offering delicious small plates freshly prepared in the kitchen mostly for under £10.

We started with a glass of their signature Assaggini Spritz with Aperol and Prosecco, which is really refreshing and not too alcoholic!

As the dishes are meant to be shared we decided we wanted to try as wide a range as possible, so we chose the Beef carpaccio soaked in truffle oil with flakes of parmesan, which was unbelievably delicious.  We also had some Tuscan ham, stuffed artichokes and peppers, a small and tasty spinach and ricotta pizzettine and creamy burrata and tomato.  We then followed with a larger wild mushroom risotto, one of my favourites.  They also have some great fish dishes as well as Tuscan sausage and signature pan fried calf’s liver. All the small plates range from £2.50 to £4 whilst the main plates start at just under £4 for the small and £7.50 for the large portions, the most expensive being only £9.  All the food is freshly prepared on the premises with the exception of their excellent bread (try the raisin bread).  Of course we had to try their desserts (all £2.50) and went for the Wild berry panna cota and Gelato ubiaco (chocolate ice cream with red wine poured over)!  I called it a day with an excellent Espresso whilst my dining partner opted for the Espresso Martini.

They have a nice range of Proseccos and Aperitivi as well as an all Italian wine list starting at just under £3 for a glass, £8.50 for a Carafe or £16 for a bottle.  I like the fact that all the wines they offer are available by the glass, Carafe or bottle.  They also have two rosés.

This is a great place to meet friends for a fun evening drink or simply rest those weary legs after a hard days shopping in the West End and share some tasting plates or have a more substantial lunch or dinner.  Our Man On The Ground highly recommends you stop by.

Assaggetti is open for lunch and dinner from 12noon to 11:30pm Monday to Saturday and from 12noon to 10:00pm on Sunday.