Where Bloomsbury meets King’s Cross, Magenta Restaurant has splashed across the culinary scene with more than just exquisite flavours, but incredible style too. It goes without saying that any restaurant endorsed by Michelin themselves would rise to the occasion. But nestled away on the door step of King’s Cross, Magenta Restaurant does that and more. Much more.
Magenta King’s Cross is kind of a rule breaker. A trail of hundreds of pink butterflies adorns the walls and this is a real spectacle to behold. The vibe is playful, modern and steampunk, accented with bright magenta chairs, pressed vine table tops and eye-catching displays of wine. It is hardly surprising: Magenta sits proudly at The Megaro Hotel; known for its bold exterior and designs.
Northern Italy in London
Designed by world-renowned Henry Chebaane, the bold and rich tones that layer the interior leave you salivating at the mere prospect of enjoying a meal in this extravagant microcosm of wonder. Reminiscent of something that Louis XIV might have had constructed to entertain his guests, Magenta has created something special here in the heart of London.
Manuele Bazzoni
Like a bridge between worlds, this masterfully designed restaurant takes you right into the heart of Northern Italy. Where the wine flows like water, and the dishes bring new meaning to the word hearty. Magenta does an impressive job of seamlessly bridging the two locations. But this would not be possible without the all-important keystone that holds this walkway together. For this, we must thank Magenta’s Executive Head Chef Manuele Bazzoni, the architect who has made this incredible journey possible. If rumours are to be believed, Manuele spent his lockdown perfecting just one single item, the charcoal sourdough. And it was a real showstopper.
What about the food?
Celebrating contemporary Italian food, the key is that Magenta also has seasonal and local British ingredients to capture the heart and soul of Northern Italian food, with a little theatrical flair. Every meal kicks off with earthy charcoal sourdough with Sicilian olive oil. The amazing bread arrived with thick, peppery olive oil, poured table side. The olive oil was Italian, naturally, and contrasted the loaf beautifully. A pursuit of passion, this devoured this in seconds – perhaps a little too quickly for the time and care taken for its’ conception!
With exotic starters to choose from like their carefully cured Seabass garnished with a watercress emulsion, and a divine orange & pickled mustard. Or perhaps you’d prefer a heartier wild garlic risotto with morel mushrooms, fresh peas, and broad beans for those colder grey months. Let Magenta splash a little colour into your life. If this doesn’t speak to you, then perhaps my personal favourite will, an expertly and precisely put together skate wing cooked in langoustine butter with a little langoustine tartare and textures of asparagus.
The Tasting Menu
A great way to experience Magenta is to let the team take you on a journey with their Tasting Menu. From the 30 months aged Parmesan fritter to the braised rabbit barchette, every dish is precisely and carefully celebrated. The pasta dishes here are really next level. So much intricate detail and flavour. The salted cod and scamorza fagottini came with black olives and a simply titled Datterino tomatoes. The Datterino tomatoes arrived in the form of a smooth, buttery, silky smooth emulsion that looked like a Hollandaise but then the taste of those gorgeous tomatoes just bursts through. So much flavour and a true celebration of the Datterino tomato. If I was a Datterino tomato, this is the way I would want to be remembered!
Northern Italian Libations
We all know that no fine dining experience is complete without a wonderful wine to match. As such, Magenta’s talented Sommelier, Adriana Valentini, has curated a tailor-made all-Italian list of wines to enhance your evening’s experience. With some genuine gems to choose from, expect to see small family-run wineries, some of the producers are exclusive to Magenta and each has a story behind the label.
The drinks menu at Magenta is very carefully executed and chosen. Why not try a Pantera Rosa made with rosé wine, select aperitivo, raspberry & cranberry pureé, vanilla syrup & tonic water; or the Magenta Fizz with Quaglia chamomile liqueur, jasmine infusion, Prosecco, lemon juice & grapes. The cocktail experience continues downstairs at Hokus Pokus, where Greg Chudzio and the team offer drinkers imaginative alchemy and amazing creations.
All Good Northern Italian Things Come to an End
Be advised that it is perfectly normal to experience symptoms of indecisiveness here as Magenta subject you to the great paradox of sublime choice. Whether it be their Amalfi lemon and yuzu tart with a charcoal meringue or their Maldon-sea salt ganache with Piedmont hazelnut and banana ice cream, or perhaps even their selection of fine Ubriaco cheeses with seeded crackers, hazelnuts and fig bread, you will be delighted to know there are no wrong choices. And there’s nothing stopping you from going back!
Magenta King’s Cross is an intriguing restaurant and somewhere that certainly catches the eye and the palate with their exquisite attention to detail. Expect well-executed Northern Italian cookery, a modern wine list and hospitality at its best.
To discover more, visit: magentarestaurant.co.uk
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All imagery courtesy of Magenta Restaurant.