When Paris' infamous Big Mamma group open yet another humongous Italian trattoria? You can count on me being there. Hell, I even stopped by the OG French outpost on my recent trip to Paris.
At this point, it’s a miracle I’m not 90% aperitivo and burrata.
The fourth British notch on the Big Mamma belt, Jacuzzi was hyped up to feature ‘disco toilets,’ a ‘Sicilian mezzanine’ and a menu ‘more high end than ever’ when it opened in Kensington at the start of the year… and that’s exactly what I found when I took my own mamma along for Friday night dinner.
You'll want to make a booking for this stunning Kensington plot.
Greeted with a “ciao,” we surpassed the small crowd of people hoping for a table (you’ll definitely want to book in advance here), drifted past the towering trees and headed up a glowing staircase where ostentatious décor and provided our dining backdrop. Luxe velvet booths downstairs and cosy alcoves above make Jacuzzi feel intimate, even though it’s a massive 4,000 square foot with room for 170 diners. Little mamma was in Italian heaven.
Wasting no time at all, we made our choices from the short cocktail list. For me: a classic with a twist. Combining Italicus, limoncello and Champagne before adding homemade bergamot sorbet, the Lo Sgroppino (£14) was a thick, rich and refreshing all at the same time. A fruiter Champagne cocktail, mum’s King’s Peach (£14) was a combination of white peach puree, cardamom bitters, fizz and mandarin foam.
Burrata and lobster are a must on the Jacuzzi London restaurant menu.
In terms of food, the menu changes every month although you can always count on cheese, carpaccio, pizza, pasta and other insatiable Italian eats. Starters, specifically buoni prodotti when in Rome, included 3 – yes, three – different types of burrata so we had to try one. Our trio of starters arrived, each covered, smothered and sandwiched in dairy. If you’re lactose intolerant, look away now. There was the oozing burrata al pistachio (£15) that spotlighted creamy pistachio pesto and crispy Sardinian carasau bread; garlic focaccia (£5) stuffed with gooey melted ricotta; and the crudo di gambero rosso (£18) which was like a citrusy prawn ceviche served the Big Mamma way over a mound of creamy bufala milk.
As if that wasn’t enough carbs for two, we made our way through a huge lobster risotto (£36) topped with a rich cuttlefish ragù and clams. We probably didn’t need another pasta dish, but the raviolone bicolore (£17.50) came recommended. Featuring a lemony ricotta and spinach filling, then finished with a provola cheese sauce and toasted hazelnuts, it was tasty though a little too al dente for me and didn’t hit quite like its predecessor.
It's all about pasta and cocktails at Jacuzzi Kensington.
I’m a sucker for the lemon meringue pie at the original London restaurant Gloria, so couldn’t miss the dessert menu here. Swapping coffee and cocoa for lemon and a splash of limoncello, the limonemisu (£7.50) was the fresh ending we needed. And with a Make Mine A Moka (£12) - the bar’s grown-up take on an espresso martini – for me and a glass of prosecco (£8.50) for mum to finish? I'm not sure how our next mother-daughter date will compare.
The DesignMyNight Digest
The team at Big Mamma really know what they’re doing, with their latest restaurant proving to be just as stunning as the rest. Though it’s not only the photo-worthy pull of this place that keeps the buzz going; the luxurious menu and lively staff make it a whole experience. If you’re looking for an Italian restaurant in West London that’ll really impress your friends and family, Jacuzzi is your bet.
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💰 The damage: £150 for 3 courses with drinks between two. 📍 The location: 94 Kensington High Street, London W8 4SJ. 👌 Perfect for: a meal that will really impress. ⭐ Need to know: Big Mamma are gearing up to their next restaurant Carlotta, so you can get a taste in Marylebone soon. |
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