For a fine dining experience that wholeheartedly caters to the vegetarian and vegan needs of you or your companion, you will struggle to find something on your doorstep.

Tucked away in a corner of Clerkenwell however, is the idyllic offering of Amico Bio - my most recent discovery as one of the newest members of the growing vegan population in London. 

Opened in 2010 by Pasquale Amico, it was London’s first vegetarian, organic Italian restaurant which caters, quite impressively, for vegan and even gluten-free diets.

Two small, rustic rooms make up the homely character of the restaurant, added to by the fact it is completely family run.

Their constantly changing menu is sourced from ingredients fresh from Pasquale's family farm in Capua, Italy, created from seasonal products to create authentic and traditional Italian cuisine.

After the arduous task of choosing what to have, I began the meal with courgette stuffed with creamed pumpkin on a bed of dressed spinach and pickled carrots. My partner had baked tomato filled with black olives served with turnip tops and spelt fritters (both unpriced in the set menu of three dishes for £22.50).

Pumpkin is, in my eyes, underutilised in cooking and so I was delighted to spot it several times across the menu. The dish was succulent with the pumpkin giving the main flavour.

My partner’s olive stuffed mushrooms were sumptuous, with the sweet and bitter taste of the two creating a remarkable contrast. The fritters had a great flavour and despite not being too greasy, were still a little heavy on the stomach.

For my main I went for the tempura of seasonal vegetables served with sweet and sour sauce (£12). A hearty portion of deep fried food that could have done with something to accompany it, but was cooked perfectly.

The meal my other half chose immediately took centre stage. A seitan and mushroom burger with smoked cheese and tomato, chips, onion rings and salad (£15).

Again the portion was big, but we were told that is how you are fed in Italy. The mock-meat of the wheat-based seitan gave a much needed fleshy fix to the both of us, I must admit, and the vegan cheese and mayonnaise further quelled our dairy withdrawals.

Neither of us came close to finishing our food, but happily took it home with us. After a short break to let the swell in our stomachs subside, during which we both drank a lime and mint breeze cocktail (£7.50), similar to a mojito with crisp flavours that aided our digestion, we moved onto desserts.

I went for the Pistachio and banana cake with vegan chocolate ice cream (£6) while my partner chose the Almond and chocolate cake with vanilla sauce (£6). We both had herbal teas to accompany the sweet, served in teapots made and decorated by a potter in Italy.

Once again huge portions were presented to us, but with the rarity of vegan treats like this not out of mind we made our way through their deliciousness before practically rolling out the door.

A personal bugbear of mine throughout my recent vegan turn has been the high price of food that, in my opinion, is wholly unjustified without the high cost of meat. Amico Bio overcomes this conundrum with an economical set menu and huge, hearty portions that are both delicious and innovative.

Amico Bio, 44 Cloth Fair, Barbican, EC1A 7JQ. Details: 020 7600 7778