Ossobuco, Fitzrovia

Ossobuco, a traditional Lombard dish of veal shanks often served with saffron risotto, is one of the enduring staples of Italian cuisine and close to the hearts of many. It takes confidence, then, to name a restaurant after it; yet this recently opened Charlotte Street establishment has done just that. In keeping with the classic associations of its name, the restaurant has 'a strong focus on rustic Italian dishes inspired by traditional family recipes', albeit serving them in a stylish modern setting complete with cocktail bar.

Menu highlights include pappardelle with wild boar ragu and tagliolini with Dorset crab, cooked with pasta made freshly every day; it also includes vegetarian options, and a 2 or 3-course set menu is offered between 12pm - 3pm and 5pm - 6:30pm. For those intent solely on fortifying, life-affirming ossobuco itself, the meat is served with either saffron risotto or gremolata, and as the nights get colder and longer its popularity may yet increase.