ALFI Bar & Italian Restaurant is the fruit of the passion and years of experience of two friends - Ben Hodges and Alex Lewis, who together boast an impressive 21 years in the catering industry. Their dream was to create a place that combines the best of Italian osteria with a modern approach to natural wines. This is how ALFI was born - a venue that officially opened its doors on December 1, 2023, initially as a bar, to expand into a full-fledged restaurant in February 2024.

The venue has been located in Spitalfields Market - one of London's oldest and most distinctive markets, dating back as far as 1682 - for good reason. For centuries, this market has supplied the British capital's residents with fresh fruits and vegetables, and today it is a vibrant commercial and cultural center where tradition meets modernity. ALFI fits perfectly into this atmosphere, combining respect for culinary traditions with an innovative approach to gastronomy.

Upon entering ALFI, one's attention is immediately drawn to the unique decor inspired by Alpine mountain huts. The outdoor kitchen and bar were designed in this style, which gives the place a unique, cozy character. Inside the restaurant you can admire old wine barrels, which serve not only a decorative function, but also tell a story about the owners' passion for winemaking. The whole creates an atmosphere that is both elegant and casual, ideal for a business lunch as well as a romantic dinner or meeting with friends.

One of the most distinctive elements of ALFI's design is the bar with wine taps - a rare solution that allows wine to be served 'by the glass' directly from the barrel, preserving its freshness and aroma. It is this element that sets ALFI apart from other London venues, which typically rely on beer on tap and serve wine only from bottles.

Spitalfields Market, where ALFI is located, is a place with a fascinating history. In the 17th century, the area was inhabited by Huguenots - French Protestants who fled religious persecution in France and brought their crafts, including silk weaving, with them to London. In the 19th century, the market became the main center of London's fruit and vegetable trade, and the distinctive Victorian market halls, which can still be seen today, were built in 1887. After years of neglect, Spitalfields Market underwent a major renovation in the 1990s and today is one of London's most fashionable places to find not only fresh produce, but also unique handicrafts, vintage clothing and of course - delicious food.

ALFI makes excellent use of this historic location, drawing inspiration from Spitalfields' multicultural heritage. The restaurant's menu, while firmly rooted in Italian culinary tradition, does not shy away from experimentation and fusion of flavors, perfectly reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of contemporary London. The owners of ALFI emphasize that their goal was to create a place that would serve both the local community and tourists seeking an authentic culinary experience.

The venue's accessibility is another plus - ALFI is just a few minutes' walk from Liverpool Street station and Shoreditch High Street, making it an ideal spot for a city break or after-work meeting. Spitalfields Market, where the restaurant is located, is open seven days a week, meaning that ALFI is bustling both on weekdays and at weekends, when the market draws crowds of Londoners and tourists.

The heart of ALFI Bar & Italian Restaurant is undoubtedly its extensive wine list, which sets the establishment apart from other Italian restaurants in London. The owners have relied on natural wines sourced from various regions of Europe - from sunny Italy, Greece, Portugal and Spain to German vineyards. What makes ALFI truly unique is its system of 10 wine taps, which allows the beverage to be served directly from the barrel, preserving its freshness and full flavor.

When the bar opened in December 2023, ALFI's wine list included 40 carefully selected items. However, with the expansion of the business to include a restaurant in February 2024, this offering has been significantly expanded and now includes more than 100 different bottles. Each wine on the menu has been personally selected by the owners, who regularly visit European vineyards in search of unique flavors and aromas.

ALFI's most exciting offering is undoubtedly 'Wine Wednesdays' - a unique promotion that takes place every Wednesday between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. During this time, guests can enjoy an unlimited selection of wines for just £15 per hour. It's a great opportunity to sample a variety of wines and discover new flavors without worrying about straining your budget. This initiative attracts both experienced connoisseurs and newcomers to wine, creating a unique atmosphere for sharing experiences and celebrating wine culture together.

However, ALFI is not only about wine - it is also about delicious Italian cuisine under the direction of talented chef Lorenzo Brigandi. This experienced chef, who honed his skills at Michelin-starred restaurants such as The Waterside Inn and Restaurant Story, has created a menu that combines traditional Italian recipes with modern culinary techniques.

ALFI's culinary offerings range from small appetizers perfect with wine to more filling main courses. Particularly noteworthy among the appetizers are a selection of Italian cured meats, crispy Sardinian pane carasau (thin, crusty bread) and fresh antipasti. Main courses are a real feast for the palate - ravioli stuffed with seasonal ingredients, perfectly prepared risotto and grilled dishes.

It is the grill that is another distinguishing feature of ALFI - the restaurant has a special robata grill made of lava stone, which allows food to be prepared using the live-fire cooking method. This Japanese grilling technique gives dishes a unique aroma and flavor that cannot be achieved with traditional cooking methods. One of the showpiece dishes prepared on this grill is burnt polenta with girolle mushrooms and mornay sauce - a combination that impresses with its depth of flavor and variety of textures.

Chef Lorenzo Brigandi places great emphasis on seasonality and freshness of ingredients. ALFI's menu changes regularly to reflect the availability of seasonal produce, ensuring that each visit to the restaurant can bring new culinary discoveries. Brigandi works with local suppliers to ensure the highest quality ingredients, and many products, such as olive oil and certain cheeses, are imported directly from Italy.

Interestingly, ALFI breaks the stereotype of a typical Italian restaurant by offering dishes that are rarely found in other London establishments specializing in Italian cuisine. Instead of focusing solely on pizza and pasta, the chef experiments with lesser-known regional specialties, such as fregola sarda (a type of pasta from Sardinia that resembles couscous) or cacio e pepe prepared in an unusual way.

ALFI attracts a diverse clientele - from hipsters from nearby Shoreditch, to businessmen from the City of London, to tourists looking for an authentic culinary experience. This diversity makes the restaurant's atmosphere uniquely lively and cosmopolitan, perfectly reflecting the character of contemporary London. The restaurant offers both seats at the bar, ideal for a quick lunch or drink, and more intimate tables, perfect for a romantic dinner or business meeting.

Prices at ALFI can be described as average by London standards. You'll have to pay between £6 and £12 for appetizers, while main courses cost between £14 and £25. Considering the quality of the food served and the unique atmosphere of the place, these prices seem reasonable and competitive compared to other restaurants of similar standards in central London.

When planning a visit to London, it is worth including in your schedule a visit to ALFI Bar & Italian Restaurant. This place offers much more than just a meal - it's a true culinary experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of contemporary, cosmopolitan London while enjoying authentic Italian flavors and an exceptional wine selection.

One of the main reasons to visit ALFI is its location in historic Spitalfields Market. This market, which dates back to the 17th century, is a tourist attraction in its own right, offering a fascinating insight into London's history and culture. Spitalfields Market has witnessed many transformations - from the arrival of French Huguenots in the 17th century, to the trade boom of the Victorian era, to the modern revitalization that has transformed it into a fashionable gathering place for Londoners. A visit to ALFI can be the perfect culmination of a day spent exploring this fascinating area.

Spitalfields Market itself is where history meets modernity. The distinctive Victorian market halls have been painstakingly restored and today house boutiques, art galleries, craft stalls and of course - restaurants. Spitalfields Market is also known for its regular vintage markets, where you can find unique clothing, accessories and collectibles. After a day of shopping and sightseeing, ALFI offers the perfect place to relax and recuperate with a glass of wine and a delicious meal.

Another reason why ALFI deserves a place on your London itinerary is its exceptional wine offering. For lovers of the beverage, the opportunity to taste natural wines from different regions of Europe, served straight from the tap, is a real treat. The wine tap system, which is rare even in London, allows the liquor to be served at the optimum temperature and maintain its freshness. And if you're planning a visit on a Wednesday, the 'Wine Wednesdays' promotion offers a unique opportunity to sample a variety of wines at an affordable price.

For those interested in the culinary arts, ALFI offers the opportunity to watch chef Lorenzo Brigandi and his team at work at the robata grill. This Japanese grilling technique, which uses a lava stone, gives dishes a unique aroma and flavor. Watching experienced chefs prepare dishes over an open fire is a fascinating experience that adds an extra dimension to a visit to the restaurant.

ALFI also stands out for its approach to customer service. Owners Ben Hodges and Alex Lewis, with a combined experience of 21 years in the restaurant business, place great emphasis on creating a friendly, casual atmosphere where every guest feels welcome. The restaurant's staff is always ready to advise on the choice of wine or dish, as well as to share their knowledge about the origin of particular products or food preparation techniques.

For tourists from Poland, ALFI can be a particularly interesting place because of the opportunity to compare Italian cuisine served in London with the one they know from Poland. Italian cuisine is hugely popular in our country, but the interpretation of Italian classics at ALFI, under the guidance of a chef with experience in Michelin-starred restaurants, offers a new perspective on familiar and well-liked dishes.

Also worth mentioning is ALFI's atmosphere, which perfectly reflects the spirit of modern London - cosmopolitan, open to different cultures and traditions, yet respectful of history. The decor, inspired by Alpine mountain huts, using old wine barrels as decorative elements, creates a cozy, informal atmosphere that is conducive to relaxing and celebrating a meal together.

If you're planning a visit to ALFI, it's worth remembering that the restaurant is very popular, especially on weekends and during 'Wine Wednesdays,' so advance reservations are recommended. The restaurant is available for guests at various times of the day - from lunch to late evening, giving you flexibility in planning your visit.

All in all, ALFI Bar & Italian Restaurant is a place that offers much more than just a meal - it's a true culinary experience, combining traditional Italian flavors with a modern approach to wine, all in the historic setting of one of London's oldest markets. Whether you're a lover of Italian cuisine, a wine enthusiast, or simply looking for an authentic culinary experience during your visit to London, ALFI is sure to meet your expectations and leave you with unforgettable memories.