Como Garden: An Indoor Italian Oasis
Hailing from the creative minds behind Zuaya, the vibrant eatery it neighbours, Como Garden emerges as the Italian brainchild of twin brothers Alberto and Arian Zandi. Drawing inspiration from the breathtaking vistas of Italy’s Lake Como and its environs, this culinary venture is a testament to their shared vision. Stepping inside, guests are quickly enveloped by a verdant oasis, with lush foliage and hanging plants adorning the space, set against a backdrop of soothing green and cream tones. Evoking the botanical splendour of Lombardy’s renowned gardens, offering patrons an immersive indoor Italian garden experience, regardless of the weather outside.
A Culinary Journey Through Italy
Como Garden’s culinary offerings are a testament to their dedication to the diverse landscapes of Italy. The menu is boundless, a carefully curated map of regional Italian dishes. Their a la carte menu is designed for communal enjoyment and includes several small plates, each brimming with robust flavours and exquisite ingredients.
Aperitivo Bliss: Signature Cocktails
Not to be overlooked, and when dining Italian, a little aperitivo can rarely go amiss. We indulged in two of the menu’s expertly crafted signature cocktails: first, the refreshing Como Fizz, a delightful fusion of gin infused with aromatic basil, zesty lemon, a touch of sweetness from sugar, and the crisp essence of cucumber; and second, the tantalising Lecca-Lecca, a delicate blend of vodka complemented by the rich almond flavour of amaretto, brightened by lemon juice and balanced with a hint of sweetness from sugar. Both felt deceptively like an escape to a stunning Italian piazza.
Arancini & Zucchini: A Flavorful Twist
Quickly to the table came Como Garden’s arancini – an outstanding version of this classic dish often overlooked in London restaurants. Each teardrop-shaped morsel was a symphony of flavours: al dente rice wrapped in a melty blend of Parmesan and Fontina cheese, perfectly fried to be remarkably light on the palate, and delicately finished with a drizzle of honey. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and this sentiment is echoed with their fried zucchini, perfectly seasoned battens of courgette, delightfully crisp and insatiably moreish.
Truffle & Focaccia: Carb Heaven
Como Gardens fresh pasta dishes are a definite standout, with their tagliolini dish being a prime example, adorned with a velvety black truffle and 24-month-old parmigiano sauce that was wonderfully rich and decadent. Every bite of this dish demands to be savoured alongside a generous slice of Como Garden’s warm focaccia; the light and bouncy texture perfectly complements the dish. Yes, carbs on carbs, but who cares, right? We’re in Italy.
Indulgent Chicken & Simple Sea Bass: A Taste of Italy
The marinated chicken with truffle sauce and mashed potatoes was a symphony of indulgence. Succulent chicken marinated to perfection and then elevated to new heights by the decadent truffle sauce. The use of truffle had been used sparingly and wasn’t overpowering; it was complemented further with the creamy mashed potatoes. Would I have loved a slathering of polenta? Yes, but I am Irish, and I could never refuse the almighty potato. Sea Bass alla Mugnaia – a dish that exemplifies simplicity at its finest. Simply pan-seared and delicately seasoned with butter and lemon, it practically melted in the mouth. At the same time, the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean transported us to the shores of Italy with every forkful.
Signature Tiramisu: The Final Italian Indulgence
Of course, no meal at Como Garden would be complete without indulging in their signature tiramisu. Rich, decadent, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s a dessert that lingers on the palate long after the last bite has been savoured. With layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, velvety mascarpone cheese, and a dusting of cocoa powder, it’s a true testament to the artistry of Italian cuisine.
Como Garden offers a sensory journey through the flavours of Italy. The atmosphere is charming, and the food is delicious. Como Garden is an experience that will leave you coming back for more, time and time again.
To discover more: comogarden.co.uk
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All imagery courtesy of Como Garden.