Our punter says...
It was the perfect evening for a riverside stroll to Tavolino. The terrace has stunning views of Tower Bridge but we escaped the heat and sat inside, where the low-ceilinged, pink and teal interior of banquettes and pillars became even more charming post-sunset in the cosy lamplight.
Service throughout our visit was friendly and unobtrusive, with thoughtful recommendations, such as the sparkly Prugna Frizzante, a juicy Akashi-Tai plum sake enlivened by white grape and apricot soda, and prosecco.
We found the focaccia a little dry but loved the parmesan and lardo bombolini, deepfried spheres whose satisfying crunch gave way to a pillowy, unctuous cheese filling. We had seconds.
A burrata antipasto could have been creamier but was cleverly balanced by basil oil spiked with mint; panelle wrapped in smoked duck breast came with a wonderfully light, umami-packed anchovy whip, though the delicate savouriness of the duck was lost in the crispy but flavourless fritters.
A main of lamb saddle was bursting with flavour, if a touch overcooked, with salty, crispy skin and an inspired side of peperonata (stewed red peppers), singing with summer sweetness. The showstopper was silky pasta handkerchiefs served with a golden egg yolk, studded with earthy walnuts and zingy hits of pecorino: simplicity at its most sumptuous.
We ended with a skillet polenta cake and were extremely glad we did – a crumbly, butter-rich cake served with a sweetshopsherbet cherry sauce.