Eat & Drink
Originally published on Friday, 23rd March 2012
COTIDIE
Everyday goes high-end
50 Marylebone High Street, W1U 5HN
Location
At the end of Marylebone High Street, Cotidie sits in the former site of Café Luc. Previous residents haven’t had much luck here so hopefully chef Bruno Barbieri’s Michelin credentials will give this place some staying power.
Vibe
It may be fine dining but the staff are so friendly (and gorgeously Italian) that it doesn’t feel stuffy or staid. This is Marylebone though so expect a crowd that doesn’t like to mingle with the hoi polloi.
Flavours
The name of the restaurant may mean “everyday” but the food is anything but. Forget you’re bog standard pizza and pasta, this is refined Italian cooking that stays authentic while occasionally departing from the norm. The sfoglina (Italian pasta specialist) makes paper-thin pasta filled with ingredients such as guinea fowl and sage, and vegetarians finally have a meaty (sorry!) section of the menu to choose from. If you don’t fancy dessert, you’ll still be spoiled with pretty petit fours that look too good to eat.
Décor
The space has been revamped but if you were a regular at Café Luc you’ll notice the similarities. Kitted out in slate tones, sleek tables and banquettes, the spacious dining room feels calm and collected. The 10-seater BARbieri is the perfect place to sit and sip Italian wine and indulge in a few upmarket bar snacks.
Upshot
The area was crying out for a good Italian so locals are sure to embrace their new neighbour. Good if you want Italian but don’t want to feel two stone heavier when you leave. Oh, and you can book!
