Jamie's Italian Threadneedle Street

Italian Restaurant in The City
Jamie's Italian Threadneedle Street image
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No longer at this address

Our records show that Jamie's Italian Threadneedle Street is closed.

Address
Ground Floor
38 Threadneedle Street
The City
London
EC2A 3QT
Map
Cuisine
Italian
Region
The City
Nearest Station
Shoreditch High Street
0.26 miles

Jamie’s Italian Threadneedle Street is right in the heart of the City of London, and the restaurant reflects the grandeur of the financial district’s heyday. Situated in an old bank with interiors that are designed to match the incredible architecture – from custom-made chairs to solid oak tables and the most impressive chandeliers – the menu is geared up to match the decadent setting. The restaurant is also perfectly tuned in to the needs of corporate guests as well as customers looking to host a private event. There are several beautiful and versatile spaces that are available for hire – including the stunning mezzanine level – where they can cater for between 25 to 65 guests.

Jamie's Italian Threadneedle Street Picture Gallery

Jamie's Italian Threadneedle Street Picture

All In London Review

You get to choose formal English or informal Italian

Review Image
I'd avoided going to other Jamie's establishments - partly because some have a no-reservation system and I really don't think I'm going to queue up for the privilege and partly because those that I had peeked into at major shopping centres appeared to be full of rather noisy kids (I have nothing against kids in restaurants - as long as their parents keep them under control so that their tantrums are not inflicted on innocent nearby diners). So I was intrigued to try out the one in the City – where you can book.

On entering, it looks and feels pretty much like other City establishments which are set in former banking halls - rather grand with high ceilings and lots of dark wood, shiny bars and bar stools. It screams 'expensive City lunch' rather than Mediterranean charm. There is an impressive charcuterie along the wall. But what is interesting is that in the rear area there is a far less formal (and less stuffy) area which looks and feels somewhat more Italian.

There are wooden glass cabinets displaying a range of cooking ingredients. Wooden tables with bright red chairs. Lime washed cabinets and cupboards around the edges. At least this had a bit of character and felt vaguely Italian. And so this is where I settled with my colleague for an informal weekday working lunch. The other diners - and it was probably only two thirds full - appeared to be colleagues at lunch rather than those entertaining clients on expense accounts.

The young English waiter was very well spoken and incredibly polite. It was quite a shock - a pleasant one - as I was expecting Italian waiting staff. He told us the specials of the day and retreated while we examined the menu.

There were nibbles - including bruschetta and bread (£4.25 to£ 6.45). Antipasto featured planks of cold meats (ranging from £6.85 a head) to plates (£4.50 to £5.45). However, we didn't really have the time nor the appetite for several courses and went straight for the mains.

I only just resisted the linguine vongole (£14.95) which is one of my favourites. I was perplexed at meatball carbonara (£13.50) - I thought the original egg and bacon version was created by Amercian-Italian GIs from breakfast rations. There were various other pasta dishes including lobster ravioli (£22.50).

Main courses included veal (£22.50), burgers (£11.25) and osso bucco (£18.45). Sides of salad and vegetables ranged from £3.25.

While we were tempted to try a glass of the organic house white wine (£5.10) we decided that if we were only to have one glass then we wanted it to be good so chose Verdicchio (£8) which was light and crisp but with enough body to taste.

We both opted for risotto. I had the wickedly black squid ink and crab version - which was well cooked with two mounds of crab in the centre (£15.95). But my colleague’s seaside risotto was a sight to behold - it looked like the golden sand on a beach with shells washed up entwined with sea sage (£17.95). It really was rather pretty and I don’t think I've seen anything quite like it - my colleague assured me that it tasted good too.

The bill - for two risottos, two small glasses of wine and two coffees came to £54.90 - excluding service which I think - considering the City location, rather beautiful interior (in two parts so you can choose formal English or informal Italian), celebrity chef factor and quality of food – reasonable value.

Reviewed by KimT
Published on May 29, 2012


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