Sotto

Sotto? Head downstairs. This tiny spot with vaulted ceilings, speckled mirrors and a copper bar unleashes its beautiful, brutalist energy in the wine cellar of Carboni’s, the chic Italian restaurant owned by Sabrina Goldin and Stéphane Abby. In addition to the majestic 45-rpm jukebox pumping out a mix of groovy melodies, there’s just enough room for around 20 lovers of hidden cocktails – and five at that, all crafted by Adam Bayard (ex-Serpent à Plume)! Here it’s all about quality over quantity. Sip on something like the Amore Amaro (mezcal, gentiane and Chartreuse) which easily dethrones the classic Negroni, or the Breakfast at Tiffany’s (gin, tonic, orange juice, pepper), which offers up fruity and bitter notes. A few tasty nibbles are also available: ricotta and breadsticks (€13), slices of dried Angus steak (€14), lamb tongue pâté alfajor (€13)… And when you’re ready for dinner, just head back up the same flight of stairs! // Paul Hackett