Luxury has many forms; sometimes, simplicity can be its greatest and most difficult to master. None understand this principle better than the Italians, though. And the brand-new Trattoria Jacuzzi might have gifted London with one of the most promising and authentic Italian culinary experiences. So, prepare yourselves for a night of sensational flavours as Jacuzzi achieve the stuff of science fiction: the miracle of teleportation.
You walk through their grand and welcoming doors into what I can only describe as a veritable palace. It feels as though you have wandered into the home of a Medici. If four-thousand square feet sprawled out across four floors in the centre of Kensington isn’t enough cause to open your eyes, then perhaps the villa’s tall ceilings and alabaster walls decorated with all manner of Italian treasures – from Roman statues to colourful Murano glass chandeliers – might do the job.
Alas, perhaps your threshold for awe is unusually high. Fret not; there is still much more to see, let alone taste. Designed by Studio Kiki, the interior boasts an impressive spiralling marble radial floor with an enormous Limone tree whose canopy envelops its guests in a lush embrace. There is also a very cool disco loo which is a must-visit. As we move towards the mezzanine, the increasing greenery transports us straight to verdant Sicilian shores. All this to take in before we’ve even eaten anything.
A special mention has to go to all the team working here. They are utterly charming, anticipative, kind and know what they are talking about. Take their advice, embrace the Italian hospitality and enjoy their company. They are a special bunch.
The Menu
Simple and ever-changing to reflect the dynamic seasonality of their premium produce, Jacuzzi masterfully refine a custom menu EVERY MONTH made up of lesser-known but very luxurious Italian ingredients.
Not only do they import the finest produce from specialised Italian curators, such as Salvatore Corso’s mozzarella di Bufala or San Nicola’s prosciutto emporium, to name a few. They also ensure that Great British produce is respected and appreciated. Jacuzzi understands that local produce is good produce, whether it be Shropshire’s high welfare rosé veal, Maldon rock oysters from Porthilly farm, or Fowey’s famous hand-picked scallops.
With all this in mind, Michelin-honed Chef Manuel presents us with a variety of delectable dishes from his Mediterranean homeland and beyond. From crispy, heart-warming, cheese-stuffed Focaccias baked in a state-of-the-art wood oven to the lavish Crocchette di Vitello Tonnato filled with slow-cooked pulled veal. You might not even make it past starters.
Who doesn’t enjoy homemade, freshly birthed pasta fresca featuring none other than a spiced lamb Ragù? Or perfectly curated and evenly sized ravioli filled with creamy ricotta and finished with provola cheese, hazelnuts, and crispy sage. Even if that may mean travelling north up the meandering Mediterranean coastline into Northern Italian cuisine’s hearty and oh-so-cosy embrace for those somewhat greyer months. If you are into truffles, there are some beautiful truffle dishes that arrive in the form of pizzas, enveloped in creamy burrata cheese and much more.
Oh my, as if we could possibly forget the most important meal of the day…dessert! Jacuzzi’s head pastry chef Desirée takes us on a chocolatey adventure through thick and thin, light and dark. Although I do not fancy your chances of making it this far without having already succumbed to your senses, the dessert menu will most definitely deliver the coup de grace. You will, however, be left with the dignity to choose your preferred method of execution. A heavenly voyage into the decadent, viscous seas of dark chocolate fondue, or perhaps a gentler ascent to cloud nine by mousse. Spoon by spoon, mouthful by mouthful.
The Prognosis
Even when you’re not hungry, your heartstrings might still be tugged at Jacuzzi. With a retractable glass ceiling for those sunnier months and a selection of incredible wines and cocktails, there are no desires that Jacuzzi cannot satisfy.
To discover more, visit: bigmammagroup.com
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All imagery courtesy of Big Mamma Group.