Some of my fondest memories trace back to 2021, when I spent a year in Florence, studying fashion and developing a deep affection for Italian cuisine. Hearing about Theo Randall's similar love affair with the Tuscan capital, I was tempted to experience his celebrated take on Italian cooking with a delicious set menu and relive a taste of Tuscany - without leaving the heart of Mayfair.
Glamorously situated just moments away from Hyde Park Corner, Theo Randall at The InterContinental is a fine dining gem led by the Michelin chef of the same name. Inspired by Randall's travels through Tuscany, Puglia, Sicily, and beyond, the restaurant's menu takes you on a culinary tour of Italy, driven by fresh, seasonal ingredients changing daily to reflect the best produce available. His approach celebrates honest, no-frills cooking, free from gimmicks but featuring bold, memorable flavours. Merging Park Lane's high-end charm with moreish Italian dishes, this spot serves up a slice of la dolce vita with every plate.
From the dining room to the wine bar space (pictured), Theo Randall at The InterContinental is an atmospheric beauty.
DesignMyNight Review Of Theo Randall at The InterContinental
Arriving on a Wednesday evening, my friend and I stepped into the sleek, open-plan dining room, where ambient chatter flowed among the posh clientele. The candlelit space exuded understated elegance, featuring grey marble floors, beige wallpaper, wooden tables, and soft olive leather booths framed by brass dividers. Thoughtfully lit to offset the lack of windows, the room was further livened by lush artwork and a cosy bar area with a glowing wine rack.
As we settled into our seats, we were welcomed with a crisp glass of Salter prosecco and a plate of complimentary bruschetta topped with sweet San Marzano tomatoes, their freshness reminiscent of a Tuscan farm. The tangy pomodoros were perfectly balanced atop an open crumb, golden bread, while the light, airy focaccia served on the side added a delightfully crisp touch — a subtle prelude of the meal ahead.
One look at Theo Randall at The InterContinental's menu, and you'll say, That's Amore.
Antipasti came in the form of finnocchiona salami topped with shaved zucchini, wild rocket and pine nuts. The tender meat melted in the mouth, balanced by the rich umami of Parmesan, offering a gorgeous burst of flavours, with a portion size generous enough to serve as a light main. Alongside this was bufala mozzarella, a modern twist on a classic burrata salad; the creamy, cheesy goodness was perfectly complemented by an assortment of smoky vegetables, creating a clean, fresh, and utterly satisfying dish — so good that it almost turned my meat-loving dining companion into a vegetarian. Trust me when I say it took serious self-restraint to save room for the dishes still to come.
But boy, am I glad we did — because the pasta stole the show. First up, a heavenly handmade pappardelle con ragu di manzo, perfectly al dente and doused in a rich, flavoursome sauce of beef slow-cooked in Chianti. Equally impressive (if not more so) was the ravioli de zucca, filled with a velvety mix of squash and ricotta, smothered in sage butter, and topped with crispy sage leaves. Impossibly fresh and lovingly crafted, likely that very morning, it struck the perfect balance between silkiness and bite. I couldn't help but mmmm and ahhhh my way through every mouthful.
Theo Randall at The InterContinental's pasta dishes are getting rave reviews — as is dessert.
Dessert is not an afterthought either, with indulgent options like a silky ricotta cheesecake served with pears and sultanas lovingly marinated in Marsala and a hint of vanilla. Smoky, nutty and creamy, this fluffy shard was a little slice of heaven with the base buttery and delicate. And if, like a true Italian, you prefer a shot of limoncello, the Amalfi lemon tart is a must-try. Its delicate citrus flavour is balanced by a dollop of crème fraîche, while the slightly charred pastry and caramelised surface add a hint of bitterness.
To drink, an encyclopaedic wine list comprised a premium menu chock-full of Italian producers alongside a smaller section of wines from around the world. We opted for the Torre Mora Scalunera Etna Rosado (£49) rosé from Sicily, thanks to the excellent recommendation from the charming and knowledgeable staff, which was dry, crisp, and beautifully balanced — the cherry on top of a top-class Mayfair meal.
Theo Randall At The InterContinental: Overall
As authentic as anything you'd find in Florence, Theo Randall at The InterContinental is all heart. More than just dishing out food, the celebrity chef is serving memories — moonlit Sicilian dinners, bustling Tuscan markets, and the kind of honest cooking that warms your heart as much as your stomach. While it may not be an everyday indulgence, the quality of the food, the welcoming ambience, and the expert craftsmanship make it well worth the splurge.
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💰 The damage:£119 for two, including three
courses and a bottle of wine.
📍 The location: One Hamilton Place, Park Lane W1J 7QY. 👌 Perfect for: An intimate date night in Central London. ⭐ Need to know: You can attend masterclasses, often hosted by Theo Randall himself. |
