Italian Bar Shimpatico

A tapas platter makes a natural place to begin. Diners have described ordering a starter assortment before moving on to a main course or pasta; another recalled pairing starters and fish with wine. The menu offers assortments of 3 or 5 items. The 5-item version is chef’s choice and must be booked by the day before.

Small plates include beef tripe simmered in tomato sauce and served in a piping-hot pot, as well as angel prawns and shishito peppers simmered in oil. One diner singled out the tomato-braised tripe, and another recommended it. A few warm plates followed by fish or meat would make a satisfying progression.

Pasta options range from tomato sauce with bacon and aubergine to scallops with caper and dried-tomato sauce, and carbonara with small prawns and a hint of lemon. One diner recommends the bacon and aubergine pasta. You could also make a seafood dish the centre of the meal.

The wine selection is another draw. Among the whites are Soave Classico, described as an excellent match for seafood, and Riesling, noted for its fruity sweetness and freshness. One diner recalled choosing wine with guidance on how it paired with the food. It is a good setting for taking your time over a glass with anything from starters to fish.

Italian Bar Shimpatico is a casual, table-service restaurant that takes dinner reservations. One review mentions that a single person appeared to be running the place, so booking a table and allowing time to enjoy the food and drinks may be the way to go.