Date Place Review: The Spaghetti House, Haymarket London

If you can’t take your date to Venice, take them to The Spaghetti House for that romantic Italian evening.

The West End, London, is a pretty cool area for impressing a date, what with the theatres, fancy bars, abundance of cinemas, plus its many restaurants, much of which, let’s face it, bite sharply at the wallet. The Spaghetti House, Haymarket is a welcome relief, offering affordable fare in a stylish ‘ristorante’; and most importantly – it has great food to seduce your loved one.

Ironically placed a stone’s throw from Eros in Piccadilly Circus, the ambiance of this Italian restaurant is ‘casual chic’ with crisp linen, good tableware, elegant seating and subtle subdued lighting. On the front side, outside, is a small balcony of chairs and tables that overlooks the hustle and bustle of London’s theatre district, a romantic setting for a tête-à-tête.

This Spaghetti House, one of ten ‘family’ of restaurants across the Capital, each with its own unique charm, has an impressively long menu, ranging from simple pizzas to mouthwatering traditional dishes. Of course, there is a healthy choice of Italian wine to get you in good stead with your beau.

There are an array of antipasti and pasta choices, pizzas, specials and even an Italian Burger- all unpretentiously but temptingly described. The Tagliere Di Formaggi E Noci (£6.95) that consisted of truffle caciotta Toscana & gorgonzola, served with walnuts, Acacia honey and rustic bread, has the ingredients that both contrast and compliment each other, bringing out the best of the entwined flavours. The wonderfully succulent Funghetti Piccanti – sautéed mushrooms, garlic, chilies, tomatoes and parsley (£3.95) is simple but downright delicious. Each portion was generously served, as were the main dishes.

The Scaoppa Napoli – slow-fried escalope coated in seasoned pangratto and a healthy portion of spaghetti napoli is an unlikely (to us Brits!) but very well conceived combination. The beautifully flavourful assemblage is full of subtle contrasts and well priced at £15.95. The Spaghetti Puttanesca Alle Cozze – embroiled with mussels, tomatoes, garlic, black olives, anchovies and capers (£9.50) is equally seductive and gently flavoured, The side salad dish was subtlety seasoned and generous.

The dessert menu has eight mouth-watering options. And how very Italian, for the most part! The Tiramisu served with Savoirdi biscuits, espresso coffee, mascarpone & Disaronno liquor (£4.95) and the creamy Pannacotta (£9) are sure bets!

In short, the Spaghetti House, Haymarket, with its attentive staff, will leave you with a really good experience, and the menu is one of those where you want to try everything! So don’t forget the mouthwash for when you want to smooch your date goodnight! But best of all, for all mutual film fans, it’s a stone’s throw away from some of the best cinemas in London. Leicester Square’s array of cinemas are a short walk away and the Apollo cinema is just down the road – perfect for a dinner and movie date!

Closest Tube Station: Piccadilly
Address: 66 Haymarket SW1Y 4RF view map
Tel: 020 7839 3641
Email: [email protected]
Focal points: Close to Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square, theatres and cinemas, Pall Mall clubs
Opening times: Monday to Saturday 12.00noon – 11.00pm last order, Sunday 12.00noon – 10.30pm last order

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