Pride of place on the bustling and cosmopolitan Western Road is Cin Cin, a classy spot for all things Italian. Delights on offer range from ravishing ravioli to home-brewed limoncello and a selection of Italian nibbles.
The Venue
Even from a peek through the windows, Cin Cin oozes fine dining. From the unique counter seating where you can watch the chefs at work to the soft ambient interiors, it feels cosy and intimate with an air of sophistication.
The Vibe At Cin Cin
During my visit, the staff were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, making us feel like VIPs from the moment we stepped in. We nibbled our way through meaty olives marinated in chilli, lemon, and garlic and soft focaccia baked fresh on-site every morning. Both were accompanied beautifully by the cocktails brewed before our eyes.
The standout starter for me was the burrata half, served with toasted hazelnuts, fresh figs, and truffled celeriac. The flavours blended to create perfection, and the dish was visually stunning too.
For my main, I sampled the butternut squash ravioli, topped with crunchy, sweet toasted amaretti biscuits. It was autumnal, creamy, and richly flavourful, though at £18.50 for four pieces of pasta, it was certainly a dish suited to either a special occasion or a relaxed budget.
This paired nicely with the tempura cauliflower shoots, which the chef kindly arranged to be made with a fish-free sauce for my vegetarian diet.
We rounded off the meal with home-brewed limoncello in chilled glasses and a decadent, though wafer-thin slice of chocolate torte with blackberry ice cream.
The Verdict: My experience at Cin Cin
Overall, Cin Cin is a unique and elegant venue for high-quality, freshly-made Italian food and stand-out service.
It comes in at the higher end of the price range, with mains approaching £20 each. But if you’re looking for a night of refined Italian food in a sophisticated atmosphere, then Cin Cin is a must-visit.
Address: 60 Western Rd, Hove, BN3 1JD
Website: https://www.cincin.co.uk/