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L’ Incontro is well known for its understated atmosphere |
Encounter a great Italian
I HAVE resisted writing about this restaurant because it
is a bit out of the area I should be covering but I can wait
no longer. (The 137 bus stops 100 yards from their front door).
The food is simply delicious.
L’incontro – ‘the encounter’ and indeed
it is an ideal meeting place for business or pleasure. Simple
in décor but elegant. Several black and white pictures
of encounters involving famous people adorn one of the walls.
Two beautiful flower arrangements can be seen from wherever
you are seated: a very large one at the entrance and another
on the bar counter.
Against one of the walls, comfortable banquettes – and
I do not normally like banquettes – but these have ample
space between tables. In the middle: round tables and next to
the wall with the pictures small tables of two and a couple
of round ones for four. Plenty of room to see and be seen but
allowing a good degree of privacy. And there is a lot to see
as L’incontro have their own set of regulars ranging from
foreign royalty to local residents who appreciate the understated
atmosphere, excellent service and the quality of the food.
Their set menu of two courses at £ 16.50 or three courses
at £ 19.50 is highly recommended.
We had the Zuppa di Piselli (Pea Soup), Home made Gnocchi con
rucola e gorgonzola and the Stufato di Calamari (Stew calamari
with tomato, chilli and Swiss chard). For the main course we
chose The Coscia D’Agnello con peperoncino (Grilled leg
of lamb with chilli, mashed potatoes and mint), Salmone in Padella
con salsa de limone (Seared salmon with lemon sauce served with
potatoes and olives) and Tagliatelle all’Aglio Selvatico
(Home made Tagliatelle with wild garlic and sun blush tomatoes).
For dessert: The Tiramisu.
Departing from the menu we ordered a portion of Formaggi (£7.50).
An excellent selection served with bread, fruit and a red wine
sauce reduced with pistachio nuts. The Espresso (£2.50)
was accompanied by Pane Carazao – small squares of light
sugared coated pastry.
A cover charge of £1.50 was imposed something I totally
disagree with regardless of how small the charge is. However,
when asked for ‘tap water’ a chilled glass arrived
without any adverse reaction from the waiter. A 12.5 per cent
service charge is included and the credit card was closed by
the restaurant.
My favourite Pinot Grigio S. Margherita (£21) was part
of the extensive list of Italian wines and so we ordered it
instead of the usual house wine (theirs: Grecanico or Sangiovese
£15.75/£4).
It is worth mentioning some of their specialities: Baccala mantecato
(fish mousse served with grilled polenta £l0.50), Bigolini
in salsa (thick spaghetti with anchovy and onion sauce £11.75),
Grigliata di pesce del giorno (mixed fried or grilled fish of
the day £22.50), and Beef escalopes with a hint of truffle
(£21.50).
L’Incontro
87 Pimlico Road, SW1
020 7730 6327/3663 |
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