Sarafina

When brothers Romin and Pezh Nekooie took over Sarafina, they transformed the old restaurant, changing everything apart from the name. They created something unique and exciting, and local residents embraced their vision. Chef Neil Frith compiles seasonal menus every three months and his talent and imagination make it a treat to dine here. Neil’s expertise won Sarafina the OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award for 2017 and 2018. March 2018 sees another exciting development, as Sarafina launches a new brunch menu.

Sarafina is very accessible and the staff are courteous. The low lighting, green leather seats and exposed brick walls make for a relaxing dining experience. My companion and I sampled the winter menu and found the arancini utterly delicious – with a new flavour of arancini every week there’s lots of variety. The lasagne was full of rich and complex flavours, and after being cooked slowly for 48 hours, the meat melted in the mouth. The funghi risotto was enjoyably innovative, served with a deep-fried poached egg on top. Up next was a trio of puddings – panna cotta, tiramisu and sticky toffee pudding finished with cocoa dust, chocolate chards and popping candy – with a glass of dessert wine to accompany each. Sarafina’s wine list is full of hand-picked regional Italian wine, and they also offer cocktails like the Fragola, a tasty concoction of strawberry, vermouth and basil.