Londonist ask that most pressing of daily concerns: where to go on your lunch break.
Santoré
59-61 Exmouth Market EC1R 4QL
Average Lunch Price: £9
Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Some months back the entertainment section of Crumbs for Men magazine featured a rave review about Santoré, a phenomenally yummy pizzeria at Exmouth Market in Clerkenwell. Then, when Santoré began home-delivery, ontoLondon duly made a jubilant note. Now that Londonist is pondering what’s for lunch, it’s time to proselytize for Santoré’s virtues as well.
The word 'Santoré' is Italian for Holy King - a well suited title, as lunching on a margherita from here is a near religious experience. Washing said margherita down with a crisp Peroni is truly divine. Similarly, sharing a pizza al metro with friends is a wonderful sort of communion.
Unfamiliar with the al metro experience? It works like this: in addition to individual round pies, Santoré serves rectangular pizza by the meter, brought to your table on long wooden platform. The more people – or the hungrier your party is – the longer the pizza. The pizza chefs at Santoré are happy to mix the toppings on the al metros to please a variety of tastes. All pizzas are baked in a traditional wood burning oven at this truly authentic Neapolitan owned and managed restaurant. Godsend.
Of course, Santoré boasts a full menu of antipasti, salads, soups, mains, etc for non-pizza enthusiasts, as well as a good wine selection. Now that the warm weather months are here, Santoré makes a great spot for al fresco dining (ie people watching) on buzzy, mostly pedestrian, Exmouth Market. A reasonably priced menu and a friendly, very Italian staff make Santoré a brilliant lunchtime option for devout fans of Italy’s most hallowed export.
Photography by Emiana © 2007
