Named after the region just outside Sicily, the newly-opened Arenella brings refined Italian flavours to a cosy roof terrace at Islington’s Chapel Bar.
The bottomless lunch boasts unlimited Prosecco, Aperol spritz, vino blanco or elderflower spritz all served up by a friendly group of waiters who are always on hand for a speedy top up.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A main course of nduja tortellini and red pesto followed the mussels. The nduja was delicious if a little less spicy than expected, and was offset well by the tomato and basil pesto. The lemon and ricotta ravioli was also excellent and came with a deliciously buttery sauce and a dusting of parmesan.
No gluttonous lunch would be complete without an unnecessary dessert following a superbly filling two courses. The white chocolate and Campari cannoli was perfect - and about the right size after the filling starter and main course. Meanwhile, the mini chocolate hazelnut donuts, accompanied by a healthy scoop of ice cream, is possibly a little too large - though it was also delightful and disappeared from the bowl post haste.
After three excellent courses, all that is left is to bask in the sunshine over one last refreshing drink, before departing to peruse the nearby Chapel Market. Arenella says that at its heart is a “philosophy of simple southern Italian cooking” and on this count, it certainly delivers.
£35 all in for the starter, main and bottomless drinks. Desserts cost £6 each on top; thechapelbar.co.uk
-
Critics’ choice: Watering holes for gourmandsFeature An endless selection of Mexican spirits, a Dublin-inspired bar, and an upscale Baltimore pub
-
Argentinian beef is at the center of American farmers’ woesThe Explainer ‘It feels like a slap in the face to rural America,’ said one farmer
-
‘Businesses that lose money and are uncompetitive won’t survive’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Critics’ choice: Watering holes for gourmands
Feature An endless selection of Mexican spirits, a Dublin-inspired bar, and an upscale Baltimore pub
-
The best adventure holidays for adrenaline junkiesThe Week Recommends Five destinations perfect for outdoor thrill-seekers
-
The Peninsula: London’s first billion-pound hotelThe Week Recommends As the capital’s super-luxury hotel scene continues to expand, the respected brand is still setting the standard
-
London’s best breakfasts and brunchesThe Week Recommends However you like your eggs in the morning, these memorable restaurants have you covered
-
Critics’ choice: Seafood in the spotlightFeature An experimental chef, a newspaper-worthy newcomer, and a dining titan’s fresh spin-off
-
The Mini-Mayfair package at Mandarin OrientalThe Week Recommends Keep the kids entertained with a family-friendly stay at one of London’s swankiest hotels
-
Southern barbecue: This year’s top threeFeature A weekend-only restaurant, a 90-year-old pitmaster, and more
-
Critics’ choice: Celebrating rare Asian cuisinesFeature The 2025 Restaurant of the Year, a Hmong culinary tribute, and an Uyghur feast
