The Lemon Tree

My favourite spot for a casual business lunch.
As a man over a certain age, with perhaps too much loud music in my younger days, an important criteria for choosing a business lunch venue is whether I can hear the person I’m with. So many spots at the north end of the city seem to be designed to maximise the noise, and I end up nose to nose with my dining partner. Not a good look for two old (ish) men. Lemon Tree has a good setup, and I can hear my companion clearly, without being able to hear the conversation at the next table (except for that American tourist couple, you know the ones). The service is always good, though not overly attentive. Nice wine list with some interesting Italian options. Go ahead and order a bottle, you don’t have to finish it you know…
But the main reason to go is, of course, the food. I seem to oscillate between the veal milanese and the eggplant melanzane — both excellent. The fries with oregano and parmesan are worth a try. The specials are always interesting. Not expensive given the location and service levels. The food doesn’t have that ‘wow’ factor of two hat kind of places, but is solid and always delicious.

Apart from being opposite an extremely noisy bar (even on weekdays), there is nothing bad to say about The Lemon Tree.
I was impressed with the wide range of Italian food they covered on a simple, one page menu. Each dish was largely different to the next, which makes it great for dining in a group, and prevents the overwhelming decision of choosing that perfect pasta dish out of the 20 available.
The Spaghetti E Vongole, char grilled cauliflower, and the calamari were my meal favorites. I loved the infusion of chilli and hints of garlic in their dishes. It was definitely to my taste and I can see myself coming back quite regularly.