We visited here a couple of years ago, so knew what we were in for. Namely fantastic pasta (don't order anything else on the menu) and sub par service. This place is always busy, partly due to its reputation, and partly due to its location. It must be in all the Japanese and Chinese tourist guides, and it also attracts its fair share of Knightsbridge douche bags (yes, you guys behind us taking shots of Grey Goose). However, it obviously can't be that bad, since we were back for a second go. Last time, the stand out dishes were the pasta, so that's what we came for - and some culatello (the Carluccio VT snippet on Saturday Morning Kitchen made me fiend for it).

Zitoni Toscanini - Tuscan spiced sausage, tomato and pecorino

Our coats were checked, and we were seated, offered bread, provded with olives and then we settled in for a 15 minute wait. Notably, the olives were great. Fresh and tasty. A grateful diversion during our sojourn. The restaurant is a little weirdly shaped. There are 3 main areas, and both times we've been seated in the tiny area just to the right, where there are only 4 tables, and ample room to get ignored. We finally ordered the culatello to share, which comes with deep fried pecorino. The other half followed with spaghetti al pomodoro e basilico, and I went for Zitoni Toscanini - long pasta tubes made with Tuscan spiced sausage, tomato and pecorino. We also got a half bottle of Chianti (hate those ridiculous half bottles, would far prefer half a full bottle decanted to a carafe) - and some tap water, which I had to ask a few times for.

Spaghetti al pomodoro e basilico

The culatello - the "king" of parma hams, was pretty pricey, at a few pence under £15. Worth it? Nah, not really. But I just wanted to see what it was all about. Sliced thinner than proscuitto, and drier, it was certainly pleasant, but probably not worth the extra price. As mentioned, the pasta is the main attraction - so much so, we are willing to put up with the idiot neighbours and the slow service. The pasta itself is just awesome. Great texture, and the tomato just jumps so far out of the sauce at you. I was wholly satisfied with my dish, as was the better half. We didn't stick around for dessert, or even coffee. a) it would have taken too long, and b) they were on their 3rd round of shots behind us. I asked for the bill, and was presented with a tab including items we certainly didn't order, and even more importantly weren't going to pay for. The girl, whose sole job appears to be to take the money, was semi-apologetic, and returned with the correct tab. Next time, until we find better a better pasta purveyor, we'll definitely try to get in the main room in the middle.