If you visit Hyatt Place in Whitechapel, on the lower floor you’ll find recently opened Sotto Cucina & Bar, a Sicilian bar and restaurant serving contemporary Sicilian fare with British ingredients. The restaurant opened in May this year and is the creation of executive chef Alfio Laundani, inspired by the flavours of Catania in Sicily where he grew up. Sotto Cucina & Bar is a Sicilian bar and restaurant serving contemporary Sicilian fare with British ingredients.
. (Image: Emily Davison) The restaurant has three different dining spaces, including a modern and colourful dining space with artwork, a private dining space for events, and an orangery with an outdoor feel whilst still being inside away from the unpredictable British weather. They also have a good selection of wines , with a lot of Sicilian wines to choose from, including some of the best red wines I’ve ever tried.
They have a lot of Sicilian wines to choose from, including some of the best red wines I’ve ever tried. (Image: Emily Davison) We first started off with a selection of small plates, or Antipastis, that consisted of olives, anchovies, and focaccia bread served with a lemon-infused olive oil. We started with a selection of Antipastis, consisting of olives, anchovies, and focaccia bread served with a lemon-infused olive oil.
(Image: Emily Davison) I was also intrigued to try the vegan Arancinetti, a Saffron Arancini with tomato jam and superstraccia, which was delicious and flavourful with a lovely mix.