Santini Ristorante

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The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2011) edition.

It is easy to miss this restaurant, which is part of the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa hidden at the back of Conference Square. But it's worth wandering through the maze of conference-centre concrete to find, as the modern take on Italian food is outstanding. Knowledgeable staff create a convivial atmosphere in the smart, contemporary but uninspiring space. However it’s the food not the interior design that diners remember. A starter of rigatoni is coated in fennel seed and cream sauce, nuggets of walnuts and salty herb sausage cut through the buttery richness to achieve a perfectly balanced dish. A commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients is evident. Veal scallops wrapped in some stunning parma ham, topped with pecorino cheese and a Marsala sauce, are full of gutsy flavours. A delicate, steamed wild seabass is complemented by a tomato and basil ragu, with textural interest provided by a disc of fried saffron risotto. The sweets are just as good, particularly the light chocolate and orange fondant.

• High point: Consistently good cooking
• Low point: Unromantic location surrounded by conference centres

The LIST Card C44

Santini Ristorante

The following information has been provided by the restaurant.

Feel the passion!

Bold and beautiful, Santini is an altogether contemporary take on the best Italian cooking. Authentic flavours burst with vitality on a menu that takes inspiration from across the regions. From stunningly simple pasta to the freshest pesce e carne, Santini has a passion for food, for life.

The chefs at Santini have travelled extensively around Italy and Scotland to source the very best produce and ingredients. With a commitment to sustainable and traceable produce, our team works closely with suppliers to specially select ingredients of the highest quality and in prime seasonal condition.

The finest Italian cheeses, mozzarella, ricotta and parmesan; speciality meats such as Parma ham and salami; as well as the freshest Mediterranean vegetables are sourced direct from Milan. Fresh pasta is made on the premises using traditional recipes; whereas fish and meat is sourced from across Scotland.

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