Paper Moon Milano, a renowned Italian restaurant located in the heart of Milan’s fashion district, opened its first UK restaurant at Raffles London at The OWO, Whitehall. Since its inception, the restaurant has grown in stature — maintaining its reputation as the destination of choice for Milan’s residents and socialites. After being open for nearly a month, the high-end Italian restaurant brings authentic Italian cuisine and an exceptional dining experience to the heart of the capital. Established in Milan in 1977, Paper Moon additionally boasts nine beautiful international outposts, from Doha and Portugal to Hong Kong and Istanbul.
Situated equidistant from London’s bustling West End and the Houses of Parliament, Paper Moon London is a dining hotspot for everyone, from tastemakers and creatives to the political power players of Whitehall. Grand in both size and stature, the Grade II listed building complements Paper Moon’s commitment to luxury — with its timeless charm and captivating ambience. The monumental building serves as a perfect backdrop for the restaurant’s exquisite fayre. Raffles London at The OWO opened its doors last month, and alongside Paper Moon, features the UK’s first Raffles Hotel, with 85 private residences, nine restaurants and three bars looked after by F&B Maestro Mark Hastings.
A Gastronomic Glimpse of Italy
Paper Moon London is open for lunch and dinner and showcases an extensive menu, featuring an array of delicious antipasti, pastas, mains, pizzas, desserts and more. Experience some of the restaurant’s notorious house favourites — from beef and tuna tartare and Mediterranean monkfish to traditional parmigiana, fresh homemade pappardelle and ravioli at similar competitive price points to their international counterparts. Some elements of the menu change seasonally — using the highest quality produce to whisk fine diners away to the charming Milan.
The antipasti boast intricate flavours including Burrata Pugliese with zucchini, Taggiasca olives, baked datterini tomatoes, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil. Another beloved classic includes Carciofi, or deep-fried artichokes served with homemade citrus mayonnaise. For the pastas, dishes such as homemade ricotta gnocchi in the Gnocchetti or Risotto with porcini mushrooms and parmesan aged for 24 months are a standout. A MUST TRY is the Pappardelle Paper Moon with bacon, tomato and cream. Sounds so simple but this was the creamiest most delicious plate of pasta with every millimetre of pasta covered with this lush thick sauce.
Moving further into the evening, the secondi piatti features creations of Ossobuco Di Vitello (braised veal shank), served with saffron risotto; Agnello, (grilled lamb chops) served with baked potatoes with a scent of sage and rosemary; or Galletto Nostrano (crispy spring chicken) served with rosemary and thyme roasted potatoes.
For those in the mood for pizza, Paper Moon also showcases intricate show stopping pizza, from Pizza Burrata with tomato, burrata, datterini tomatoes and fresh basil, to Pizza Porcini E Tartufo with mozzarella, porcini mushrooms and seasonal truffle. After seemingly endless combinations, the proposte leggere, or light plate menu, parades culinary delights such as the Melograno (pomegranate) dish, with the addition of datterini tomatoes, Tropea red onion, black olives, feta and extra virgin olive oil.
For dessert, the Tiramisu is a classic option and it is HUGE. A proper Tiramisu at its finest.
Creating Italian Ambiance
Paper Moon London’s design draws inspiration from an Italian house, featuring olive trees, greenery, terracotta colours, and travertine marble. As you enter, the iconic wall lined with film stars greets guests, adding to the restaurant’s charm. Plans have also been finalised for additional outside seating on the terrace and within OWO’s magnificent courtyard space offering a unique alfresco dining experience, in one of the most exclusive postcodes in London.
The bespoke interior was created in collaboration with design studio AB Concepts, known for their meticulous attention to detail and architectural flair. In the past, AB Concepts has partnered with esteemed hospitality brands worldwide, including W Hotel in Bali, Shangri-La Qufu and the original Paper Moon Giardino Milano.
The restaurant can host 109 diners, with several discreet areas for private events, a bar and lounge, which serves delicious daily aperitivi alongside traditional Italian cocktails with a contemporary twist, including a Sgroppino with prosecco, limoncello, lemon sorbet and a lime twist. For coffee enthusiasts, the restaurant also offers a decadent espresso martini. Cocktails from Paper Moon London can be enjoyed in the exquisite outdoor courtyard.
To discover more, visit: papermoonrestaurants.com
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All imagery courtesy of Paper Moon Milano.