Francesco Mazzei is known for creating some of the finest Italian food in the UK, making his name at restaurants such as L’Anima before moving on to become chef-patron at the acclaimed Sartoria in Mayfair. Radici is something slightly different to his previous establishments, offering a more casual setting to enjoy his cuisine.

Radici (Italian for ‘roots’) is focused on the flavours, ingredients and dishes of southern Italy, particularly Calabria. Rustic, homely dishes make up the majority of the menu, with favourites such as lasagne, tiramisu and Francesco’s famous aubergine and chocolate cake on offer. There are around five pizzas to choose from, as well as a wide range of antipasti, while primi and secondi dishes cover everything from pasta to seafood.

The interior is stripped back and relaxed – especially compared to the much more formal setting of Sartoria – with bare wooden tables, mismatched chairs and brick walls reminiscent of a traditional trattoria. The open kitchen means the smells and aromas of the various dishes fill the room, and there are plenty of larger tables for groups of people after a celebratory meal.

Simple, rustic food is what southern Italian cooking is all about, and Francesco works closely with his head chef and right-hand man Antonio Mazzone to ensure the dishes are both authentic but beautifully presented. It’s clear that the chef felt he needed to reconnect with his traditional Calabrian roots, and Radici allows him to express his love for the food of his childhood.