Zounds - Zilli does it again

This review was published in December 2001

The tireless Aldo Zilli has added another territory to his burgeoning empire with the launch of the Zilli Cafe next door to Zilli Fish in Soho.

It's a kind of diffusion line to his restaurants, selling everything from snacks and sandwiches to full meals: home-made pastas, soups and daily specials. But there are also many delicious goodies to take away (truffles, cheeses, olive oils, vintage balsamic vinegars, cakes and wild mushrooms to namecheck but a few).

Zilli's enthusiasm for the food of his home region of Abruzzo is reflected in the selection of fresh breads, affetati and salumi, herbs and fresh produce. Temptingly, he's also recruited two Italian ice-cream specialists to create a gelateria with home-made ice cream. Anyone who serves authentic Italian ices could almost be forgiven for their relentless celeb schmoozing.

Zilli Cafe
42-44 Brewer Street, W1