For sumptuous and truly authentic Italian food in an esteemed location, Banca Ristorante Italiano in Mayfair serves up the best cuisine this side of the med.
From the restaurant extraordinaires behind Zuma, Roka and Aurelia, a hip new Italian is born.
Think crispy calamari, sea bass carpaccio with avocado, lime and sun blush tomatoes and Rosé veal carpaccio with black truffle mayonnaise- and that’s just for starters.
From the folk that brought you Zuma and Roka comes Banca, an upmarket Italian in the heart of Mayfair
It is advisable to bear in mind that portions are on the larger end of the spectrum here- great for the big eaters but the more weight conscious might want to skip starters, especially if you can’t resist a great bread basket that lands on the table on arrival.
For mains, the menu- which includes pretty much every Italian dish you could think of- offers hearty classic Italian dishes like Risotto with chargrilled foie gras, blueberries and vincotto, pappardelle with lamb ragout, pine nuts and pecorino cheese, pan fried cod fillet with Sardinian fregola, mussels and razor clams or roast guinea fowl breast stuffed with chestnuts and lardo, served with black cabbage.
Dishes include all sorts of hearty Italian classics from lamb ragout to a knock-out lasagna
The manager is a jolly Italian man who is so passionate about his food he will encourage you to try everything to the point of food coma (but it’s very much worth it) and you can view everything being conjured up in the open kitchen.
The name Banca is a playful nod to the building’s former heritage as a Natwest bank and there are original features throughout. Look out for old clientele's safes as well as the heavy vault door in the basement private dining room- all characteristic added touches.
The atmosphere is buzzing and slightly hectic but embodies Milan’s sophisticated dining culture with a pretentious and immaculately dressed crowd to match it.
Prices are steep (average starter £9 and main dish £25), and while Banca’s portions are great in quantity and don’t compromise on quality- unless you’re a Mayfair regular, it’s probably best to save a visit here for a special occasion.