This is, hands down, one of the coolest Italian restaurants we’ve had the opportunity to visit.
Brick walls, with black and white oil paintings and photographs surrounded by trailing lights give the restaurant an inimitable cool glow as you enter. The lively conversation from locals (and non-locals) enhances the atmosphere: this is the real deal.
The restaurant, bar its location in London, is quintessentially Italian. From the owner and staff, to every single ingredient (an extensive and uniquely sourced wine list, drinkable organic olive oil and the list goes on and on) exudes Italianness.
Our starters were the octopus carpaccio and antipasto freddo. The octopus carpaccio, lightly seasoned, was a smooth and elegantly simple starter. The antipasto freddo, a smorgasbord of grilled vegetables (artichokes, to-die-for sundried tomatoes, courgettes, mushrooms and aubergines) drizzled in Italian olive oil was a slice of Mediterranean heaven in this big city.
The liquid companion for our dinner was a Cas’ Amalfi wine from Furore. A smooth, slightly minerally and totally divine wine (which was the perfect accompaniment for all dishes) is THE wine to have here. In fact, the wine is do good we would recommend putting in a takeaway order so you can bring a taste of Amalfi with you home.
Our main courses consisted of the E’Pappardell Ro’Terminio (Pappardelle with Porcini and wild mushrooms, extra virgin, garlic, basil, parmesan and truffle oil), O’ Gamberon Arrustut (Charcoal-grilled Atlantic prawns, marinated in extra virgin , lemon juice, salt and black pepper served with mixed salad), and the Pizza porchetta (Pizza with pork belly, mozzarella, provola cheese and aubergines).
Let me start by saying that the pizza here is hands down the best we have had in London. (Donna Margherita ARE on deliveroo – try it for yourself!). Although a little lacking on the pork front, the pizza itself was exceptional. Neither too thin nor too puffy, the base and crust is just so. The combination of mozzarella and provola here is utterly delicious (neither too fatty or salty but again, just so) and is, in our opinion, what makes the pizza. The melange between the two and the tender pizza base, slightly wetted with olive oil, was scrumptious.
The gamberoni – giant Atlantic prawns – were grilled to perfection. With a sprinkling of spices, the melt-in-your-mouth texture was divine. This is a dish worth coming to Donna Margherita alone for. Another ‘one of the best’ we’ve had in London – by a mile. (This is the point where we say forget Mayfair, it’s all happening here).
The pappardelle was also delicious – tender and with that irresistible Italian combination of olive oil, basil and parmesan – it is a top choice.
Dessert was our Italian favourite, the tiramisu. Surpassing many tiramisus we’ve tasted in London AND Italy, make sure to leave room for this inconspicuous but overwhelmingly delicious treat. With a real kick of coffee soaked sponge and a sumptuous creamy top (without being heavy at all), this dish is sheer indulgent.
For your next Italian experience, you now know where to go.
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