Blackboards are a defining feature of good trattorias and bistros around the world, and at Italian wine bar Cicci there are three of them. One for food and two for wine, backed by a wall of more than 100 bottles. It’s the kind of place that you can stop by for a glass of nero d’avola and a couple of Gildas or settle in for a longer meal.

Founded by two long-time friends, the old-school spot offers a concise one-page menu of seasonal dishes – plus that daily specials blackboard – which can be paired with more than 30 wines by the glass. There might be caponata with grilled bread to mop it all up, or mafaldine served with cavolo nero pesto and gorgonzola cream.

The menu changes every few weeks, with daily additions depending on what produce is found at markets.