Ciao Baby Cucina

The place was almost empty at lunchtime which should have rang alarm bells straight away. I ate at this place when it opened and was really unimpressed with the food which I had to return and the service was pretty poor then. On my return, things haven't changed for the better. In fact the food and service were worse.

They seem to have hired all African staff who spend more time checking their text messages and talking to one another. The chef was an African guy also which seemed really strange for an Italian restaurant. And tasting the food it's clear that he hasn't got a clue how to cook.

I was supposed to have pesto on my dish but it didn't taste anything like pesto. No taste of basil, cheese, garlic or any trace of pine nuts. It was just a bland green mush on the plate which looked and tasted like the leftover stalks of the broccoli on the plate had been blended into a mushy paste.

Disgusting and at £12 very expensive for something which tasted like baby food. Plus £3.50 for a juice with 12.5% service charge added to your bill automatically for poor service and food. A complete rip off. I will not be giving this place a third chance. Lesson learnt.

After a long day’s shopping in Westfield, I walked in to Ciao Baby Cucina and the first thing I noticed is that the decor is modern but unobtrusive, designed for comfort with strategic contrasts of classic Italian charm. When I looked at their menu I saw that it comprises a fabulous choice to suit every taste bud from as little as £6.50. I could choose from a variety of antipasti such as the antipasto misto - a fabulous spread of salami, ham, wood-roasted tomatoes and peppers - followed by freshly cooked pasta and pizza, meat and fish dishes including vitello alla campagnola (crumbed veal layered with chopped spinach and mozzarella, topped with pomodoro and baked in the stone oven), or a classic bistecca alla Florentina - a 1.2kg T-bone char grilled beef steak drizzled with fresh lemon, rosemary and sea salt.

The service is efficient, friendly and knowledgeable, the atmosphere relaxed and informal. Ciao Baby is an experience everyone should encounter when visiting the Westfield London Shopping Centre in white City. I was told by the manager that this is the second restaurant that entrepreneur Theo Holiasmenos has opened in the UK. Both follow the same simple concept, offering freshly prepared authentic Italian cuisine in a contemporary, relaxed setting. Ciao Baby Cucina combines deft culinary skills from its experienced chefs together with the freshest ingredients, all hand-cooked in the cucina (kitchen), to make the most delectable savoury and sweet dishes, including Italian breads, pasta, cheeses, gorgeous pastries, cakes and ice creams.

To enjoy at home, I bought a little taste of the Ciao Baby Cucina Italian experience. From the irresistible delicatessen table I purchased my own piece of rustic charm from a selection that includes home-baked focaccia breads filled with caramelised onions, sun-fried tomatoes, garlic and herbs, and home-pickled Italian olives in rosemary and garlic flavorings. Stylish Italian dining mixed with a fabulous relaxed atmosphere