As far as Mayfair restaurants are concerned, there’s few finer destinations better for some fine indulgent wining and dining. But to find a regular nook (and this isn’t just any old nook) is a welcome treat.
Sparrow Italia is ideal for celebrations, yes of course, but it’s just as good for an evening apero on their brand new and intimate roof terrace (Sparrow Nest), a secret rendezvous, a client dinner, or a light lunch with your girlfriends.
Short of going to Italy this summer, this is where your cab should take you. A slice of la dolce vita indeed.
The Lowdown
Tucked away down a quiet street just off Old Bond Street, Sparrow Italia isn’t new to the Mayfair restaurant scene, but it is hush hush. Perhaps that’s why it’s welcomed so many A-listers. It’s the first international outpost of a successful LA venture of the same name (also operating Toca Madera in LA), and Sparrow Italia brings seriously decadent surrounds with seriously decadent dining, and it’s very unapologetic about it. Forget what’s going on outside – come in and indulge.
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Set in a beautiful Georgian three-storey townhouse with an elegant bar and two restaurants, all set on different floors, Sparrow Italia is filled with open fires, panelling, elegant lighting, olive trees, exquisite plasterwork and indulgent but simple Italian food served on white tablecloths with golden cutlery. Excellent lighting means that it is simultaneously seductive and romantic, cosy yet fresh.
It’s run by people who know the London restaurant scene and know what they’re doing. You’ll have the best of them all, from London’s finest establishments, treating guests as if they know you. It’s like you’re in a members’ club without actually being in one.
What To Order
Modern coastal Italian cuisine is what they are calling it; akin to a type of food made popular from London, New York and LA outposts. The menu meanders through various Italian coasts, bringing big-city big-hitters and getting it spot on.
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Kick off with a cocktail, in the bar downstairs or up on the terrace. The Genovese is a refreshing winner: blanco tequila, cucumber, basil, lime, chartreuse, cointreau and agave, and/or (written quite literally as you should go for ‘and’) the Sardinia: nitrogen-infused honeydew pisco, blanco vermouth, italicus, meyer lemon, Peychaud’s, egg white and bergamot sphere.
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Now onto the food. Go easy because you could order it all. Designed to share, each dish has generous portion sizes. The grilled octopus and burrata are no brainers to begin with. A classic cacio e pepe and lobster acqua pazza, which doesn’t shy on the lobster. And a grilled manzino that you’ll want to write home about. Although the citrus olive oil cake was recommended, I found it on the dry side, so I’d suggest the chocolate caprese – gluten-free chocolate and almond caprese with vanilla ice cream. And an affogato to finish.
You’ll be left wondering when to come next and with whom.
Who To Bring
A date. The girls. A dinner with your family. Anyone that loves to dress up and enjoy fine Italian food.
The Dress Code
For daytime dining, slip on a pair of Chanel pumps, jeans and a casual shirt. Up your game in the evening with a pair of heels. You can dress up-up, or simply dress up, but this place isn’t where you dress down.
Lead photo credit: Ben Carpenter
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Any Questions or Tips to add?