Ronel Lehmann on 2Veneti: “right up there with the best”

Ronel Lehmann on 2Veneti

As I was making my way to join a senior colleague in this Wigmore Street restaurant, my thoughts abruptly turned to a breaking news alert on my mobile phone that a new satellite is now able to detect emissions of methane, an invisible yet potent gas that is dangerously heating the planet.

It reminded me that the day before I had succumbed to a Jerusalem Artichoke Velouté at Coq d’Argent, a French restaurant perched high up in the heart of the city. The significant side effects of dietary inulin fibre apparently is a contributory factor and the cause of flatulence.

To my abject horror, I noticed that my host had one of her two wrists in plaster. The greeting at 2Veneti is “Magna e Tasi, Bevi e godi” which translates to “Eat and shush, drink and enjoy.” Although I was immediately made to feel at home, I was concerned about whether I would be required to cut up her food as clearly operating with one hand in 2Veneti was going to be challenging. There was real trattoria décor and character in the restaurant which filled up quickly with the lunch service.

Although we were supposed to be working afterwards, the owner charged our two glasses of wine to accompany our meal. My colleague enjoyed a glass of Lugana di Sirmione. Avanzi. 2022 Veneto, Turbiana grape, which she remarked was rounded with a pleasant generous velvety taste. From lake Garda I myself enjoyed the Bardolino Chiaretto. Cavalchina 2022 Veneto which was a Light pink Bardolino, Provence in style, smooth and elegant.

A bread basket of focaccia was served and it was light, airy and Moorish. My colleague began by ordering Carpaccio di Manzo con maionese al Parmigiano e tartufo nero, beef carpaccio with parmesan mayonnaise and black truffle whereas I chose the vitello tonnato, thinly sliced veal with tuna, capers, mayonnaise and pickled onion. Both starters were delicious and beautifully presented.

As the plates were cleared, I noticed that my colleague was managing to eat the food very respectfully. I asked the owner about the name 2Veneti. He responded that there were two original partners from Venice, hence 2Veneti. A simple and plausible explanation which made perfect sense.

The ravioli del plin con fonduta di formaggi arrived. This was baby ravioli filled with beef and cheese fondue. I decided not to have the black truffle sauce and was encouraging the waitress to provide additional aged Parmigiano-Reggiano which she readily obliged.

My colleague enjoyed a plate of gnocchi di patate fatti in casa con radicchio e formaggio Monte Veronese, a wonderful homemade potato gnocchi with radicchio and Monte Veronese cheese.

No Italian meal is without a resplendent bowl of zucchini, and we shared a giant helping together. The pudding menus arrived, and we decided to share a pistachio and vanilla ice cream.

When you think of the great Italian restaurants in London, you might be minded to mention The River Café, Sartoria and Santini. 2Veneti is right up there with the best. The service is welcoming, friendly and efficient. Regulars in Marylebone and Mayfair will tell you it is a best kept secret. I cannot wait to try the other dishes when I return. Hopefully the satellite picked up the heat of our smiling faces as we returned to the office.