Italian-born chef proprietor Pasquale Amico launched Amico Bio in late April 2010, on the former site of Betjeman’s Wine Bar in Cloth Fair, near Smithfields, London. Amico Bio is London’s first vegetarian and organic Italian restaurant, inspired by Pasquale’s passion for fresh and seasonal produce, and his pursuit for a healthier lifestyle. Recently becoming a vegetarian himself, Pasquale states: “You don’t have to be a vegetarian to eat vegetarian, and Italian cuisine offers some of the best meat-free dishes.” The daily-changing menu features traditional and simple Italian dishes, using seasonal ingredients sourced twice a week from the family farm, ‘La Colombaia’ in Capua, in the Campania region of Italy. Many dishes also cater for vegan and gluten-free diners.

Working alongside some of the top chefs in Italy and London (including Gualtiero Marchesi, Gary Rhodes, Bruno Loubet and Giorgio Locatelli), Pasquale has previously held head chef positions at Via Condotti, Sartoria, Refettorio and Locanda Locatelli. Pasquale co-owns Amico Bio with his cousins Enrico Amico, who is director of the farm, and Bruno Zarzaca, who runs their sister restaurant in Naples.





Restaurant Manager Luca Palese (previously at Cipriani Restaurant in London)



Typical Dishes Chargrilled polenta with wild mushrooms & taleggio

Buffalo mozzarella & chargrilled radicchio

Traditional minestrone soup with seasonal organic vegetables

Tortelli filled with goat’s cheese, hazelnut & pesto

Roasted seitan on a bed of braised red cabbage with red wine sauce

Cabbage & potato wraps in fresh tomato sauce

Pastiera di grano – traditional wheat dessert from Campania

Rum baba with amarena cherries



Wine List An all-Italian list of organic wines, starting from £12.50 for a bottle, with four available by the 175ml glass (from £3.50-£4). Glass of Prosecco £6 (bottle £17).



Interior Design An intimate restaurant seating 40 in three rooms, with simple a rustic interior featuring wooden floors, table and chairs. There is also a small retail area where organic produce, such as organic tofu, seitan, olive oil, dried pasta and muscolo di grano used in the dishes, can be purchased.



Miscellaneous Service charge at customer’s discretion. Air-conditioned.

Nearest underground: Barbican / Farringdon