Union Street Cafe

Union Street Cafe Restaurant Review:

Located in increasingly trendy Southwark opposite St. Paul’s, Union Street Café fits into the area with its industrial-style décor. Expect concrete pillars, lots of wire and piping, wooden floors and no tablecloths, leather banquettes and convex mirrors, creating just the sort of atmosphere that nearby visitors to Tate Modern appreciate. Cooking is courtesy of Davide Degiovanni, who cut his teeth at L’Escargot and Locanda Locatelli. A daily changing Italian menu that ranges across the country is classically divided. Try an antipasto of sardines and olive oil focaccia, or white peach, carrots, radish, almond and lime; then perhaps gnocchi with veal sausage and tomatoes, or pork fillet, speck, apricots, girolles and pistachio. Desserts range from lemon thyme panna cotta with strawberries to homemade ice creams, but don’t ignore the cheeseboard with its good selection from Italian artisan makers. The downstairs bar is popular and has a small menu. There’s a good wine list, cheerful service, consistent cooking and a buzz, as well as small portions, which is the one downside.