Italy is not the first country you’d associate with gin, but O’ndina is putting Italian gin firmly on the map. Enjoy a dinner and cocktail pairing with O’ndina Gin & Palatino…

O’ndina’s new partnership with Italian restaurant Palatino creates the perfect pairing of sumptuous gin cocktails and delicious Roman cuisine. Set back from the bustling vibe of Old Street, Palatino is an unlikely haven of hearty Italian food anchoring an unassuming new build on Central Street. The industrial-style restaurant has a pared-back aesthetic and quirky layout that includes bleacher-style seating on the side of its long, welcoming bar. A match made in heaven, be sure to head down to discover the dinner and cocktail pairing with O’ndina Gin & Palatino…

Normally, you can expect comforting pasta dishes and traditional Roman fare but, with a little help from O’ndina, diners should prepare to be taken on a trip around Italy with a specially curated menu. The four-course tasting menu is paired with four unique O’ndina cocktails and each dish is inspired by the 19 botanicals that compose the premium spirit.

Guests start with beautifully balanced Gin and Tonic with a fresh basil garnish. This sets the palate for an array of antipasti sharing starters that includes salumi misti & Carasau bread, bream carpaccio with orange, marjoram & chilli and anchovies with stracciatella & lemon.

The primo course for the O’ndina Gin & Palatino dinner pairs either mussel spaghetti with chilli garlic or Caserecce pesto Genovese together with the O’ndina Sgroppino – a twist on the traditional vodka and prosecco-based cocktail.

For Secondi, diners can choose between grilled sea bream fillet and aubergine parmigiana. I personally opted for the aubergine (and I’m normally a self-confessed carnivore). It is honestly so rare for me to go veggie for mains, but this was such a delicious choice. Best of all, it’s served with a gin spin on a mojito, with another dash of basil for flavour.

Finally, guests are treated to a bespoke O’ndina cocktail, designed especially for the O’ndina Gin & Palatino experience. This aperitif-style sup is completed by a traditional cannoli or a refreshing lemon sorbet, transporting you to Sicily for the final course.

At £39 per person including all four courses and all four cocktails, the O’ndina tasting menu at Palatino is not only feast for the senses, but also a really reasonable dining experience for Italophile foodies. It’ll make for a great date or evening passed with friends, Mediterranean style.

The exclusive O’ndina Gin & Palatino dinner series runs on Wednesday 31 July, 14 Aug and 4 September. Dinner begins at 7pm and typically lasts 2-3 hours. Book your tickets here.