Cin Cin Hove
Hove, East Sussex
'My Italian aunt is the only other person that can cook [pasta] with this eye for detail and flavour' is the sort of ringing endorsement Cin Cin inspires. Counter seats bring you up close to the action – enthusiastic staff buzzing about slicing hams and cheeses and pouring drinks, chefs cooking the pasta al dente and roasting the likes of cod and lamb – but there are some high tables at the back if you don't fancy the counter. Light and aromatic rosemary focaccia delivers all that you hope for, and be prepared to share the small plates as that's the deal here (only with your companions, obviously!). Arancini are a staple, crisp and very moreish (smoked chicken and mozzarella, say), salads are fresh and zingy, and the pasta could be ravioli doppio with peas and carrots, or rigatoni verde enriched with rare-breed pork and 'nduja ragù. That lamb might be rump and crispy shoulder with charred hispi and salsa verde, while Creedy Carver duck with Venetian leg ragù was the 'crowning glory' for one visitor. To finish, pistachio tart with cremoso and soft cherries competes for your attention with a trio Italian cheeses. A five-course 'chef's menu' is an opportunity to take a more traditional path through the repertoire (with separate gluten-free and vegan options), all offered with optional wine flights. Italian aperitivi and regional wines match the food to a T.
Dining Information:
Private dining room, Separate bar, Counter seating, Dog friendly, Credit card required
60 Western Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 1JD
01273 726047
