A trip to Cannizaro is always a treat. There is something about walking up the driveway into the swish lobby that makes you feel rather special. Lucky for me I have been treated at Cannizaro on several occasions, each one a perfect example of how excellent service, stunning surroundings and first-class food can make you feel a million dollars. The good news is you don’t need to spend anywhere near that amount to experience it for yourself. Their new ‘simply’ menu offers a two course lunch for £16, or three courses for £20, so you can pop in for a ‘ladies who lunch’ session or family gathering, enjoy such delights as celeriac and goats cheese terrine or Cornish cod with confit tomatoes, and leave with enough change for the journey home (if your chauffer is otherwise engaged).
Menus change regularly, and on our visit, roasted breast of mallard was the dish du jour. Served with creamed savoy cabbage and roasted beetroot, the meat was tender and flavoursome and accompaniments well thought. We all found the portions generous which, considering the reasonable price, makes lunch at Cannizaro a very good deal.
For those who are keen to splash out, the main menu remains a true foodie’s delight. A mixture of seasonal, well-sourced ingredients are transformed into dishes that surprise – my confit pork belly came with a succulent razor clam, which set off the rich and salty meat wonderfully – and satisfy (full marks for the creamy mashed potato). Desserts are equally delightful – a trio of raspberry puds were adorned with sugar strands and fresh berries, almost too pretty to eat, and Valrhona chocolate Marquise with cherry sorbet and compote was just as decadent as it sounds.
Whether you are visiting to sample lunchtime delights or indulging in some seriously swish a la carte dining, a trip to Cannizaro turns a meal out into a bit of an occasion and I, for one, shall be returning for more of the same.
‘Simply’ menu (Monday-Friday lunchtimes only) £16 for two courses, £20 for three.
Lunch for two from a la carte (excluding wine) £60
Cannizaro House, Westside, Wimbledon Common SW19 (020 8879 1464;