In Covent Garden, Ave Mario is the latest restaurant from the Big Mamma Group. Expect that usual OTT BM style, here over two floors and two terraces, with décor being a play on the church 2.0.
On Kensington High Street, from the family of Il Portico (est 1967, which is amazing) comes Pino, moving in next door (50% soft launch from Tuesday 29 June to Thursday 1 July) . We’ll be there for the fried gnocchi.
And back to Covent Garden, Sycamore Vino Cucina has opened in the new Middle Eight hotel, serving northern Italian sharing dishes that show off British produce and are based on foraging.
Over at Harrods’ shiny newish dining hall, Pasta Evangelists (the pasta by post faves) have opened their first bricks and mortar (so to speak), with some Harrods-worthy dishes including lobster spaghetti and cacio e pepe with truffle.
Lastly, opening tomorrow, The Italian Greyhound in Marylebone has both bar (walk-in) and dining room menus, with buttery soft leather banquettes and a wraparound terrace. We’ll be there for the white peach, proscuitto and ricotta pizzettes.
