Canteen Restaurant London Review: Italian Dining with a Twist on Portobello Road

February 10, 2025 Capital A List - Celebrity club news

In the heart of Notting Hill, Canteen restaurant in London has swiftly become a culinary hotspot since its opening in late 2024. Brought to life by the team behind The Pelican and The Hero, this Italian-inspired eatery offers a fresh and unpretentious dining experience that has captivated locals and visitors.

Upon entering Canteen, you’re greeted by a lively and bustling atmosphere that exudes a casual yet polished charm. The interior boasts steel countertops and glass cabinets filled with preserves and cured meats, evoking a deli-chic vibe. Canary-yellow seating adds a pop of colour, while the open kitchen at the back showcases the culinary team’s craftsmanship. The space is designed to be welcoming and energetic, with an ear-catching soundtrack enhancing the overall ambience.

Canteen operates on a walk-in-only basis, emphasizing its casual and accessible approach. The attentive and knowledgeable staff contribute to an unfussy, relaxed atmosphere that makes diners feel at home. Excellent cooking, thoughtful presentation, and a welcoming environment have quickly established Canteen as a must-visit destination in Notting Hill.

Canteen Restaurant London Menu

The menu at Canteen is a testament to Italian culinary traditions, focusing on simplicity and flavour. Starters feature delights such as salted focaccia, lighter than typical versions, and olives stuffed with gently herbed sausage, rolled in breadcrumbs, and fried to perfection. These appetizers set the stage for the main courses, where pasta takes centre stage. The fettuccine with veal ragù is particularly noteworthy, featuring ribbons of pasta thoroughly worked through with a savoury sauce and a scatter of Parmesan. Another highlight is the ravioli filled with mushroom and thyme, accompanied by girolles, olive oil, and a crumble of peppercorn, offering a harmonious blend of earthy and aromatic flavours.

The menu evolves regularly, ensuring that each visit offers something new. Diners might encounter dishes like gnocchi with duck ragù or a rich leek, pancetta, and goat cheese pizza. For mains, spatchcocked chicken doused in lemon and oregano provides a hearty and satisfying experience. Desserts continue the theme of simplicity done well, with offerings like chocolate mousse delivering a sweet conclusion to the meal.

Canteen Restaurant London Bookings

Capital A List members can make bookings for Canteen below.

Canteen Restaurant London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address

Cuisine: Italian

Dress Code: Casual

Area: Notting Hill

Address: 310 Portobello Rd, London W10 5TA

Website: https://www.instagram.com/canteen.310

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Fantômas Restaurant London Review: A Bold Culinary Adventure in Chelsea

February 7, 2025 Capital A List - Celebrity club news

In October 2024, Fantômas restaurant in London opened its doors at Chelsea. The brainchild of chef Chris Denney, known for his innovative work at 108 Garage and Fiend, in collaboration with restaurateurs George Bukhov-Weinstein and Ilya Demichev, Fantômas offers a modern European menu with subtle Asian influences.

Upon entering Fantômas, guests are greeted by a seductive ambience that blends opulence with a touch of mystery. The candlelit space features an open kitchen, allowing diners to observe the culinary artistry firsthand. The interior design combines rough plaster walls with rich, dark tones. The restaurant is divided into two main areas. A front dining room offers views into the kitchen, and a rear section opens onto a terrace with an outdoor fire pit.

While the service can occasionally be brisk, the overall experience at Fantômas is culinary excitement and sensory delight. The combination of Denney’s imaginative cuisine, the alluring atmosphere, and the vibrant energy of the space makes Fantômas a noteworthy addition to Chelsea’s dining scene.

Fantômas Restaurant London Menu

The menu at Fantômas is a testament to Denney’s inventive culinary style. It presents a selection of dishes that surprise and delight the palate. Starters include the Di Recco flatbread, a Genoese speciality filled with porcini mushrooms and ricotta, blending earthy and creamy flavours. Another highlight is the sourdough focaccia with chicken liver parfait, where the rich, velvety parfait complements the warm, freshly baked focaccia. For those who appreciate raw preparations, the raw bream with jalapeño, cucumber, and citrus provides a refreshing and zesty beginning.

As the meal progresses, the crispy veal sweetbreads glazed with bulgogi and accompanied by sauerkraut stand out. They showcase a fusion of European and Asian flavours that is bold and harmonious. Pasta enthusiasts will find the crab tagliolini particularly enticing, with its delicate strands of pasta enveloped in a savoury crab sauce. Seafood lovers might opt for the John Dory with salsify in brown butter, where the fish is perfectly cooked, and the accompanying salsify adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.

Desserts at Fantômas continue the theme of innovation, with offerings like the cucumber and sake slushy providing a light and refreshing palate cleanser. The rum savarin with chantilly and pineapple offers a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity for a more indulgent finale. It is perfect for rounding off the meal on a high note.

The beverage program is equally thoughtful, featuring a curated selection of wines and inventive cocktails. The Miso Old Fashioned, for instance, offers a unique twist on the classic. It incorporates savoury notes that complement the menu’s flavour profiles.

Fantômas Restaurant London Bookings

Capital A List members can make bookings for Fantômas below.

Fantômas Restaurant London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address

Cuisine: Contemporary

Dress Code: Casual

Area: Chelsea

Address: 300 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UH

Website: https://www.fantomas.co.uk/

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Undercroft Restaurant London Review: Aldo Zilli’s Italian Revival in Mayfair

February 6, 2025 Capital A List - Celebrity club news

In December 2024, renowned chef Aldo Zilli returned to the dining scene with the opening of The Undercroft restaurant in London, in Mayfair. Once intended for a different culinary venture, this unique setting has been transformed under Zilli’s guidance into a distinctive Italian dining experience.

Descending into The Undercroft, guests are immediately struck by the ambience that marries historic architecture with contemporary design. The original vaulted ceilings and exposed brickwork of the 18th-century crypt create an intimate and atmospheric dining space. Soft lighting and tasteful decor enhance the sense of warmth and exclusivity. It makes the venue a perfect retreat from the streets of Mayfair above

Service at The Undercroft is attentive and personable, reflecting Zilli’s commitment to hospitality. The staff’s enthusiasm for the menu and the venue’s history adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the meal. In a city with dining options, The Undercroft distinguishes itself through its unique setting, exceptional cuisine, and the storied return of Aldo Zilli to London’s restaurant scene.

Undercroft Restaurant London Menu

The menu at The Undercroft showcases Zilli’s passion for authentic Italian cuisine. It features a selection of dishes that highlight traditional flavours and modern interpretations. Starters include Scottish beef meatballs cacio e pepe, where tender meatballs complement a creamy, pepper-infused sauce, offering a comforting yet refined beginning. The spaghetti vongole arrabbiata presents a delightful twist on a classic. It has perfectly cooked pasta tossed with fresh clams in a spicy tomato sauce that delivers a satisfying kick.

The monkfish porchetta with creamy lentils is a highlight for the main courses. The monkfish is expertly prepared, its delicate flavour enhanced by the savoury porchetta seasoning, and paired beautifully with rich, creamy lentils. Another notable dish is the roasted veal chop with porcini mushroom sauce, where the earthy depth of the porcini complements the succulent veal.

Dessert offerings continue the theme of Italian indulgence. Find options such as a classic tiramisu featuring layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and a rich panna cotta served with a seasonal fruit compote. The Undercroft also boasts a thoughtfully curated wine list, emphasizing Italian varietals that pair with the menu.

Undercroft Restaurant London Bookings

Capital A List members can make bookings for Undercroft below.

Undercroft Restaurant London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address

Cuisine: Italian

Dress Code: Casual

Area: Mayfair

Address: 30a St George’s Church Mayfair, London, W1S 2FH

Website: https://undercroft-mayfair.com/

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Bricco e Bacco Restaurant London Review: Sicilian Steakhouse Excellence in Fitzrovia

February 5, 2025 Capital A List - Celebrity club news

In the heart of Fitzrovia, Bricco e Bacco restaurant in London brings the culinary traditions of Sicily to the city. Established by the Bergomotti family, famous Sicilian butchers since the 1930s, this restaurant offers an authentic dining experience that reflects decades of expertise in sourcing and preparing premium beef. The London outpost is managed by family members Roberto and Giovanni. It continues this legacy, giving guests a genuine taste of Sicilian hospitality.

Upon entering Bricco e Bacco, you find an ambience that blends rustic charm with modern elegance. The interior features wooden beams and red leather seating. Walls adorned with oblong cabinets showcase an impressive selection of wines, while the open kitchen offers a glimpse into the preparation of each dish. The lighting is thoughtfully set to a moody tone.

Bricco e Bacco offers a dining experience that is authentic and immersive. From the rich flavours of traditional Sicilian dishes to the unique steak preparation on Himalayan salt stones, every aspect of the meal delights the senses. Whether you’re a connoisseur of fine steaks or simply seeking a memorable meal in a warm and inviting setting, Bricco e Bacco promises an experience that captures the essence of Sicilian dining.

Bricco e Bacco Restaurant London Menu

The menu at Bricco e Bacco is a testament to Sicilian culinary heritage, with a particular emphasis on premium steaks. Starters include traditional dishes such as Caponata Siciliana, a blend of sweet and sour flavours featuring fried aubergine, and Maialino Nero dei Nebrodi prosciutto, a Sicilian black ham served with apples. These appetizers set the stage for the main attraction: the steaks.

Guests can select from various prime cuts, each labelled with its origin, breed, diet, and maturation period. Options range from Spanish Rubia Gallega to Finnish Sashi beef, all dry-aged to perfection. The selected steak is presented on the bone before cooking and then served sliced on a sizzling Himalayan rock salt block, allowing diners to cook the meat to their preferred level of doneness. This interactive approach ensures a personalized dining experience and highlights the restaurant’s commitment to quality.

Complementing the meal is a carefully curated wine list featuring rare vintages from around the world, many of which are exclusive to Bricco e Bacco. The knowledgeable staff are adept at recommending pairings that enhance the flavours of the food and the wine.

Bricco e Bacco Restaurant London Bookings

Capital A List members can make bookings for Bricco e Bacco below.

Bricco e Bacco Restaurant London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address

Cuisine: Steak

Dress Code: Casual

Area: Fitzrovia

Address: 11-13 Charlotte St., London W1T 1RH

Website: https://briccoebacco.co.uk/

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Pinna Restaurant London Review: Sardinian Elegance in Mayfair

February 4, 2025 Capital A List - Celebrity club news

In December 2024, Pinna restaurant in London opened its doors in Mayfair, marking a new chapter in Italian fine dining in the city. The brainchild of celebrated Sardinian chef Achille Pinna, this upscale restaurant brings a modern interpretation of the island’s rich culinary heritage to one of London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. Pinna draws inspiration from Sardinia’s coastal flavours and rustic charm while incorporating a contemporary flair.

The restaurant’s interior is a harmonious blend of Mediterranean elegance and modern sophistication. Guests are welcomed into a space defined by soft, neutral tones and natural materials such as wood and stone, reminiscent of Sardinia’s coastline. Subtle touches of turquoise and olive green add a nod to the island’s sea and landscape. Soft lighting and plush seating create an intimate, refined atmosphere. A private dining room provides an exclusive setting for special occasions, offering a more secluded experience without losing the restaurant’s inviting charm.

Pinna is more than a restaurant; it’s a tribute to Sardinia’s culinary soul. Whether savouring handmade pasta and fresh seafood or exploring the curated wine list, Pinna offers an authentic yet elevated Sardinian dining experience.

Pinna Restaurant London Menu

Pinna’s menu is a masterful celebration of Sardinia’s diverse flavours, showcasing fresh, high-quality ingredients focusing on seafood and handmade pasta. The raw bar is a standout feature, offering delicacies such as freshly shucked oysters and delicate crudo. Starters include a vibrant paccheri pasta dish featuring zucchini, sea urchin, and Mazara prawns, encapsulating the island’s coastal bounty. Another highlight is the oxtail tortello. It comes paired with cavolo nero and a rich oxtail glaze, delivering a hearty and profoundly flavorful experience. For a touch of luxury, the tagliolini with fresh black truffle offers a decadent, aromatic indulgence that truffle lovers will savour.

Main courses continue to impress, with prime cuts of beef sourced from Spain and Scotland, expertly cooked to perfection. Seafood dishes shine, including the wild turbot steak tranche and Cornish wild seabass fillet, prepared with minimal intervention to let the fish’s natural flavours take centre stage. Each dish is plated precisely, reflecting the kitchen’s dedication to taste and presentation.

Complementing the menu is an extensive wine list emphasising Sardinian vineyards, such as the renowned Argiolas winery. These wines, known for their bold, full-bodied character, pair with the menu’s robust flavours. The knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide guests through the selection, ensuring a perfectly paired dining experience.