Ponti's -Italian Kitchen

5-7 John Princes Street, London. Home to 'Ponti's' - an Italian Kitchen. 

I like the idea they have called it a 'Kitchen' because that is what it feels like. To really give you a sense of what type of eatery this is, here are a few lines from whoever wrote the 'About' section on the Ponti's website:

''Our open, theatre style kitchen with its wood stove oven, creates a sense of theatre with dramatic displays of Salami, Coppa, Pancetta and Prosciutto Crudo suspended from meat hooks, surrounded by platters of large creamy balls of Mozzarella di Buffala, fresh green Italian olives on ice, punnets of juicy vine ripened cherry tomatoes, fresh Focaccia, Altamura and crisp bread from Italy''. 

Really, that is the best way to describe it. I would like to credit the person who wrote it, but they left no name. So all I can say is good job to the unknown author from Ponti's website! Check the link for more information about Ponti's:

http://www.pontis.co.uk/jsp/pontis.jsp

Most of the staff were really friendly, except one, who looked like she was waiting for her shift to end. But that was our experience on the day we happened to go. She's probably feeling festive and a lot better than when we dined there. On a separate note, I dunno about you guys, but the way a restaurant leaves a lasting impression on me is not just the service, food or staff but also how the Restroom/Toilets are maintained and the overall appearance of it. Here is a pic of what seemed to be a waiting area just outside of the actual toilets.

A place to wait if the toilets aren't vacant? Not sure what the purpose of this area is but it looks funky.
Loving the mirror and random dry plant too.

The Menu

http://www.pontis.co.uk/menus/PIK_main_menu_latest.pdf

To begin, I had a Focaccia with Sea Salt & Rosemary and for the Main, a Caprino Pizza. I do love Goat's cheese. Thank You Goat, I love the cheese you make. Well, the milk that you make for the cheese. Thanks man.  This cheese was melting in the mouth and had a tart taste to it which I like. But the sunblush tomatoes were too tangy for me. The Focaccia was crusty in texture and it was a challenge to eat it, even with my rabbit teeth. To wash all that down, I went for the Cranberry & Mint Cooler juice. The lime slice left a mildly citrusy aftertaste on my tongue. Thumbs up. Noorie went for Hot Chocolate as a drink and the Thick Cut Chips as a side. Can't go wrong with chips and hot chocolate if you're on a budget! We shared the pizza. We share a birthday, so sharing a pizza made sense too. 






Of course we saved room for dessert, people! 

The Dessert Menu

http://www.pontis.co.uk/menus/PIK_dessert_menu_latest.pdf

I went for the dessert with a wicked name: Bomboloni di Ricotta. This is a stodgy dessert, but I actually enjoyed eating this. The warm dough ball themselves were not sweet, rather it was the Acacia Honey which was drizzled over them which gave it a light sweet taste. It wasn't too overpowering in terms of it's sweetness. The vanilla ice-cream was cold, but it's milky consistency made a good accompaniment.

Noorie went for the Italian Lemon Cup Cake. She chose this desssert because she needed something light and 'zesty' after munching on a pizza and chips. Sadly, the cupcake wasn't 'zesty' enough for her. 




If you are heading down to Oxford Street and looking for great food and a place to unwind after your Christmas shopping, then give Ponti's a go. The Kitchen is warmly decorated in time for the Festive season and it is an ideal place if you are looking to eat somewhere a bit 'Christmassy' looking. 

Don't just be Inspired. Be Twinspired

Sukhman aka Soni