Arancino Of Sicily

There are two ways you find yourself outside Arancino Of Sicily—dragged from Harry Potter And The Cursed Child by your own hungry child, or after coming across their carefully curated Instagram grid full of cheese pulls. Either way, you won’t be disappointed. A counter of boulder-sized, golden arancini is lit by dangling pendant lights, service is quick, and fillings are generous. It’s all very efficient and fast-paced but in an area of impersonal, grab-and-go spots, little touches, like friendly staff and a no-cutlery policy, add some warmth. The Shaftesbury Avenue postcode means that it's always busy, but the small counter inside is a good people-watching spot if it's free. Stick to the creamy, rich mushroom and cheese arancino (the beef ragu is a little over-seasoned), and a sweet iced pistachio and almond drink for afters.

Food Rundown

Beef Arancino

Rich and salty, like a scorned divorcée, this beef ragu has been left simmering for many, many hours. The beef falls apart, just like our attempt to eat a whole one. While we’d get it again, the salt could definitely be toned down.

Iced Pistachio And Almond Drink

There’s something about toting a mint-green iced drink around Shaftesbury Avenue that makes us feel like we’re doing lunch breaks right. This is very sugary, and will ward off any 2pm slump. But we’d recommend getting it with added coffee to balance some of that sweetness.