Review on Calici
Calici restaurant is an elegant bastion of Italian cooking, located in upmarket and fashionable Belsize Park in the premises that formerly occupied Will Ricker's pan-Asian XO. Inside it's light and airy with a smart contemporary décor in a neutral palette and a feature exposed brick wall. Cream banquettes are set against simply laid tables on a modern wood floor, and there's also counter seating at the bar.
Taking helm in the kitchen is Enzo Buscema, who has worked his way through a number of respected Italian restaurants including Jamie's Italian and more recently Paesan in Exmouth Market. The menu showcases authentic classic and regional Italian cuisine that emphasises ultra-fresh seasonal produce from carefully sourced suppliers. Diners can choose the traditional route with courses or there's also the option of going the sharing route with small plates or platters. You might begin with charcoal grilled Tyrrhenian tuna with orange zest and an orange and lime reduction before a main course of braised rare Yorkshire pork fillet with cured lardo, fennel and mustard. When it comes to desserts, their award-winning gelato is a popular choice or you could opt for the mini doughnuts filled with pistacchio cream from Bronte, Sicily.
The extensive wine list highlights vintners with a responsible and sustainable ethos to viticulture and winemaking, and there's an excellent selection available by the glass.
Cuisine
Italian
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 through until
Dinner: 10.00pm
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express