AS SUMMER’s heat envelops London, my desire to escape to the Italian coastline grows stronger. Entering Il Gattopardo, a luxurious haven in the heart of Mayfair, whisks me away to the glamour of 1960s Italy.
The restaurant’s interiors are an artful blend of mirrored walls, leopard accents, and ambient lighting, creating a chic yet familiar atmosphere that echoes the essence of La Dolce Vita, especially at the Terrazza garden room hidden under retractable glass roof. The scattered artwork, seemingly placed with a casual elegance, adds to the space’s charm, while the attentive and friendly staff ensure that every evening spent here is one of a kind.
The Terrazza garden room
At the heart of Il Gattopardo is its menu, masterfully crafted by Executive Chef Massimo Pasquarelli. With a focus on the sun-drenched southern regions of Amalfi, Sicily, and the Southern Isles, the culinary offerings are as diverse as they are enticing.
Each dish on the menu tempts the palate, making it a challenge to choose just one. Accompanied by an Italian guest, I’m particularly curious to see if the flavours live up to their authentic promise.
Our evening begins in true Italian style with an aperitivo, an absolute must when daydreaming about the Mediterranean. I opt for Il Gattopardo’s twist on a spritz—the Red Dessert—enhanced with homemade orange granita, while my guest decides on a slightly more full-bodied, sophisticated variation of the classic Negroni.
Negroni Ice Cream
For our first course, we indulge in a selection of antipasti, a shared experience that encapsulates the communal spirit of Italian dining. We begin with Pere e Noci, a simple yet characterful combination of pear, toasted walnuts, and gorgonzola. The Tonno, lime-marinated tuna with a hint of chili and pickled cucumber, follows, offering a refreshing and vibrant taste.
Finally, we cannot resist the undisputed classic, Vitello Tonnato – delicate slices of veal topped with a silky tuna and anchovy cream. Though the portions are refined, they are generous enough to leave us wanting more, excited for the courses to come.
Il Gattopardo Antipasti Selection
As a seafood and pasta lover, the choice for the second course is effortless – I simply cannot resist the Astice, a linguine topped with delicate, creamy lobster. The pasta is perfectly al dente, while the lobster tail melts away in my mouth, tender and soft.
My guest opts for the Milanese, an impressively sized portion of Vercelli veal, elevated by the subtle richness of brown butter and capers. The verdict from my Italian companion? “Probably the best I’ve had in London.” – a statement which is not admitted often.
Pasta selection at Il Gattopardo
With every intention to skip dessert, we find ourselves swayed by the enticing menu and the subtle encouragement from the staff. After careful deliberation, we settle on the Cremacotta, a beloved delicacy from Piemonte. This version is made with luscious vanilla cream and elevated by the addition of pistachio ice cream. An absolute treat and the perfect sweet note to conclude our meal.
The authentic flavours and care infused into each dish make it a fabulous destination for an elevated Italian dining experience. The cosy and warm interior, paired with the enthusiastic staff, is a testament to Il Gattopardo’s meticulous attention to detail.
by Olga Petrusewicz
To book a table at Il Gattopardo visit here.
27 Albermarle Street London W1S 4HZ