A fusion of Asian tradition with Italian delicacies might sound an odd mix, but the new Obica mozzarella bar in St. Paul’s does just that.

Based on the concept of small sharing dishes, seated around a statement high bar (you’d be forgiven for thinking you were about to tuck into some sushi) but that’s exactly what the owner intended when he set-up the new 120-seat restaurant. And there are still plenty of standard tables if bar dining is not your thing.

What immediately jumps out from the menu is the amazing selection of mozzarella di bufala, from smoked to black truffle (we tried both!), which is shipped in fresh from Italy twice a week, along with the rest of the authentic, Italian ingredients.

We started off with cocktails and opted for the Mozarella Bar Experience, sharing platters for two with a delicious selection of mozzarella and prosciutto.

I then tried one of the stone-ground flour pizza’s and Nathaniel opted for pasta which had such a deliciously, fresh tomato sauce we almost licked the plate clean!

A vast, copper pizza oven is located in one corner of the restaurant, with a chef parked out in front throughout the evening making fresh pasta and pizza to order – the theatre of food, along with the ingredients, are clearly important to the owner.

Desert was equally as delicious but we had to share a salted caramel brittle because by this point we were pretty stuffed.

The decor is light and the high ceilings give the restaurant a fresh, airy feel. We went on a Monday evening and the restaurant was fairly quiet, but I can imagine on a busy Friday night packed full of after work diners the place would have a real buzz.

Obica, St Paul’s
Unit 4, 5-7 Limeburner Lane
EC4M 7AX – London
Tel. 020-3327-0984
www.Obica.com