We love it when our friends become successful
Time for another guest post from Josh. He’s been savouring the delights from the new(ish) location of London vegetarian Italian restaurant Amico Bio.
Take it away Josh…
Amico Bio had been on my list of restaurants to try for ages but the original location near the Barbican wasn’t very convenient for me so I never made it there. Imagine my delight when I glanced out of the bus on my way to work and spotted a new location just a five minute walk from my office! It didn’t take me long to find an excuse to go to the new Amico Bio in Holborn. And not just once – I went twice in the space of a week it was that good. It’s a vegetarian restaurant but they have a very impressive range of vegan dishes and the staff are happy to talk to you about the items on the menu. They are one of the few London restaurants to use seitan and they are also using one of my favourite vegan cheeses – MozzaRisella.
Amico Bio in Holborn
Anyway, on to the important bit… the food…
The first time I went was a quick lunch so I didn’t choose a main – I had the Bruschetta al pomodoro (Tomato bruschetta) which were delightful. Yes, it’s not the most exciting of dishes, but it’s an old favourite and the tomatoes were exquisite. Next up I had the Frittelle di cavolflori con instalata di stagione (Cauliflower fritters with seasonal salad) which again was perfect. The soft, subtle cauliflower was coated in a crispy batter and fried to perfection – crisp and golden but not a hint of oiliness. The accompanying salad was a lovely, fresh mix of leaves, fennel and carrot.
Bruschetta
Cauliflower fritters
My second trip to Amico Bio in Holborn was with omni work colleagues and they ended up liking the place as much as I did. On this visit I started with a simple side order of Polenta which was delightfully cooked. I think you either love or hate polenta… I love it! 1 For my main course I had the Gnocchi de patate, melanzane e mozzarisella (Potato gnocchiwith aubergine and rice-mozzarella). The gnocchi were dense and chewy while the aubergine was soft and mixed through a tasty tomato sauce. The dish was topped off with three slices of MozzaRisella and a basil leaf… splendid.
Polenta chips
Homemade gnocchi with MozzaRisella
On exploring the menu further, I see that almost all of Amico Bio’s pizzas can be made vegan and they are also starting a vegetarian brunch on Sundays. I asked whether there would be vegan options and was assured there would be many. I can’t wait!!
Visit Amico Bio online
Follow Amico Bio on Twitter
Visit MozzaRisella online
Oh my goodness! It’s right around the corner from Uni! I know what I’m having for lunch today! Thanks for letting me know 🙂
I love Amico Bio and like yourself the Barbican one wasn’t always convenient to get to. I am so pleased about the Holborn branch as I am often in that area. Looking forward to checking it out.
I’ve been to the one near Smithfield Market and was disappointed and wouldn’t go back. I’ll give the Holborn one a go though after reading your review.
I love Amico Bio, the food is fantastic. I’m yet to try the pizza’s, they are next on my list! I’ve seen them come out for other people they are huge 🙂 I had a side of courgette fries last time- super delicious. I want to try the polenta chips now!! The ingredients are so fresh and organic making the food just wonderful. The staff are all lovely too, I’ll be going back soon!
I’ve been recently to the new Holborn one for the first time. Possibly the most tasteless veggie food I’ve ever had in London. People, you can’t be serious here saying this place is good.