What do Ibiza, Milan, Mykonos and Tulum have in common? No, it’s not my dream summer passport stamp collection, it’s in fact where beaut IT restaurants can be found. So, if your schedule includes devouring Italian bites with flavours from these iconic locations, then keep reading to find out what we thought of the swish London outpost.
Loving IT London's drinks menu as much as us? We thought so.
Having opened in 2019, IT London quickly made a name for itself as the go-to for elegant eats in the heart of town. Not just because of the two Michelin-starred head chef Nino Di Costanzo and his innovative, globe-trotting fare but for the sleek surrounds and upbeat atmosphere. If you haven’t already noticed, temperatures recently took a bit of a dip, so in pursuit of sunnier climes, we made a quick reservation to try a selection of dishes from their autumn menu.
As you walk through this swanky neighbourhood, you’ll notice charming Georgian buildings housing all things exclusive, think everything from Victoria Beckham’s clothing parlour to The Arts Club. IT London stands out with their stunning floral open-air installation, acting like a picture frame to reveal a chic bar space inside and a red neon-lit, bold centrepiece.
You’d be hard-pushed to find a more romantic restaurant in London.
We were warmly welcomed by the front-of-house team, escorting us to our table near the back. It was, to our delight, directly opposite the kitchen and the hubbub was a joy to see. The ambience amongst Monday evening diners was very relaxed; you could hear faint chatter above the soundtrack of slow-tempo, uplifting Balearic beats. As for the decor? Tones of teal, gold and grey met snazzy Art Deco hanging lamps, plus the marble-topped tables provided a nice contrast. The scalloped, comfy velvet seats paired with the plush curtains and dim lighting gave the interiors a classy feel.
This gorgeous spot is vegetarian-friendly, don’t cha know?
The tasting session kicked off with a welcome glass of prosecco and an array of freshly baked bread, as we were talked through what to expect. With our appetite suitably whetted, the Parmigiana Di Melanzane Croccante (£25) arrived swiftly and proved to be an elevated, decadent twist on the aubergine classic. The crunchy outer layer encased a smooth, generous centre, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce with a drizzle of pesto. My date’s course of Carpaccio Di Branzino E Caviale (£42) was so pretty, it looked just like a flower, featuring silky, thin circular slices of sea bass alongside dots of caviar.
The best Italian restaurants near me? Look no further.
Next up came the signature IT margherita pizza (£14). Now, I know what you’re thinking, how can this be fine dining? Well, you can tell the head chef is from Naples, as the base was light as a feather and crispy, topped with gooey mozzarella, basil and a smattering of black pepper. Incredibly moreish. To complement the food, the sommelier recommended a primitivo red wine and it was full-bodied and fruity: a great match.
The main event was the Risotto Ai Funghi (£34), a cheesy, truffle and mushroom showstopper: cooked al dente with flecks of watercress. We have to admit the portion size was a little small for our liking (greedy, us? Never), but overall, it was a pleasure to eat. To close the night, we were treated to a dainty bowl of indulgent tiramisù (£14), made nearby in front of our very eyes. Tasting like the ultimate, sophisticated take on a latte, this pud featured swirls of cream with a dusting of velvety cocoa powder; placed on moist, coffee-soaked fingers. A perfect finale, I think you’ll agree.
The DesignMyNight Digest
Mirroring the lavish surrounding area, this glam establishment, housed in a former art gallery, truly shines with its timeless, spectacular cuisine. Service was quick, efficient and friendly, plus the aesthetics are worth a visit alone. We'll see you there.
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💰 The damage: £129 for two, excluding drinks and service charge. 📍 The location: 28-29 Dover St, London, W1S 4LX. 👌 Perfect for: Seriously impressing your date. ⭐ Need to know: Head upstairs for a bigger dining room, plus you’ll also see a cool wine display. |
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