The top line: Restaurateur Ninai Zarach’s third site in the City and her fourth overall in the capital, Campanelle takes cues from its owner’s vast travels across Italy. Zarach herself, whose restaurant portfolio already includes Manicomio, which has sites in The City and Chelsea, and Canto Corvino, also in The City, began her culinary career importing artisan Italian food to London and here, as with her other sites, there is a particular emphasis on showcasing high-quality produce and ingredients.
Ninai Zarach began her culinary career importing artisan Italian food to London (©Steven Joyce)
On the menu: Fans of both Manicomio and Canto Corvino will notice that certain dishes have been repurposed for the Campanelle menu, notably the tiger prawns, scallops and squid spiedino; and the native lobster linguine. The main à la carte offering here is split between snacks and starters including antipasti and fritti before moving on to pastas and larger meat and fish options, the latter of which are all cooked on the open fire grill over natural lump wood. Prices across the board are pitched approachably given the City location, with smaller plates ranging from £15 to £20 and larger ones hovering primarily between the £25 and £45 mark. Other dishes to feature on the launch menu include langoustine arancini; a very good veal cotoletta alla Milanese with prosciutto and parmesan; and Amedei chocolate torta for dessert. Also like its sibling restaurants, Campanelle serves a dedicated breakfast offering with dishes including eggs benedict with prosciutto Di Parma; and egg yolk omelette with mushrooms and spinach.
A selection of dishes at Campanelle restaurant (©Steven Joyce)
The vibe: Campanelle is certainly a striking space. Set in the recently renovated 40 Leadenhall, a Grade II listed building that was originally home to The London Shipping Exchange in the 1800s, the room’s décor is rich and decadent, featuring an original 18th Century oak staircase with a bespoke marble bar tucked within and comfy banquette seating. To the left of the entrance is the restaurant’s wine room, displaying an expansive collection of bottles sourced from wine regions around the world. Set over two levels, the restaurant holds north of 100 covers and features a 44 seat ‘all-weather’ dining terrace.
And another thing: The name, which translates as ‘little bells’ in Italian, is a nod to the restaurant’s location on Billiter Street and its historical association with ‘bellezeters’, or bell-makers. It’s also a reference to the bell flower-shaped pasta, which appears on the menu.
19-21 Billiter Street, London EC3M 2RY // www.campanelle.co.uk
Dining and Cooking