This Christmas Osteria, the Italian restaurant set within the iconic Barbican Centre, will be celebrating the festive season Italian-style; with the ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes’. Designed by Anthony Demetre and Osteria’s Head Chef Patrick Leano, the feast of a whole Baked Salt Crusted Wild Sea Bream will make the ultimate centrepiece for the table. Alongside Osteria’s signature menu of seasonal, Italian fare, the Feast will be available throughout November and December for when nights draw in and the first frost settles.
Osteria’s Classic festive menu will this year include handmade Tortellini of Pumpkin, Sage and Grilled Broccoli, and Ricotta with ‘Nduja. Taking centre stage will be a Roast Suckling Pig with Sage Potatoes or Whole Roasted Lemon Sole with Raisins, Capers and Pine nuts. To finish, there will be wintery Christmas puddings including the classic Italian Vanilla Panna Cotta accompanied with Clementines and a warm pear and almond tart served with spiced gelato.
‘Not many people know that most Italians traditionally only eat fish on Christmas Eve, so I wanted to re-create that sense of a family feast, with a nod to the decadence of the festive period. This dish is perfect for sharing on a winter’s night, it’s warming and simple – the best of what good Italian cooking should be’ says Anthony Demetre.
With views over London, Osteria is located on the second floor of the Barbican Centre. A modern yet warm and inviting space, the restaurant will take inspiration from its surroundings such as the brass bannisters of the Barbican Centre which are reflected in the restaurant’s brass light fixtures and door handles. Elsewhere, leather upholstery with splashes of luxurious fabrics are used for comfy seating booths, while a feature wine display made of lacquered mild steel, breaks up the space. The bar is separated from the restaurant by a herringbone parquet floor and the use of gold and metallic grey fabrics, where you can sit and sip on White Chocolate Espresso Martinis and other festive cocktails like Bad Santa and the Nifty Elf.