Osso – Italian Restaurant, Highbury & Islington
In the last couple of months I’ve been here 5 times, I can’t remember going back to a restaurant as frequently. In the first month, the food was generally excellent (although I did have one bad experience - part of the growing pains of a restaurant). In any event, new restaurants can have their off days and the quality of the food is simply superb. The quality of the pasta easily matches any Italian food I’ve had in London (including michelin starred restaurants), but the real selling point is the atmosphere. The owner, Paolo has created a restaurant with atmosphere. There is an air of friendliness that makes going with friends a true pleasure. Added to the superb food, is a great albeit small selection of wine at amazing prices. On one occasion we got some beautiful Barolo for £20 a bottle – which in a restaurant is simply unheard of. They’ve setup a nice jazz club downstairs and I’m hoping to pop along there too.
A must try.