Sale e Pepe is an establishment where Hollywood stars, politicians, and artistic circles gathered over the years to enjoy London evenings. The restaurant has been revered for almost 50 years and is a real London icon.
New ownership
Markus Thesleff, known for his success in hospitality across the world, accepted a challenge to breathe new life into the place. His company Thesleff Group owns several restaurants in London, such as Los Mochis in Notting Hill.
Markus has been working in the restaurant business for many years and is well acquainted with the preferences of the discerning London public. Sale e Pepe manager Toni Coricelli, who has devoted 45 years of his career to the place he could call his home, admitted that he retires with a calm heart: “It took me a while to find the right person to pass the baton onto and I believe Markus and the Thesleff Group are the best choice to carry on the tradition with the same enthusiasm and dedication.”
Location
The restaurant gives shelter for shoppers tired of cruising Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Sloane Street. In 1974 Sale e Pepe started service out of two shop fronts on Pavilion Road, and in 1985 it was extended further to create a bar providing the perfect location for pre and after-dinner drinks.
The place became the first choice for a calm dinner for locals and tourists staying in hotels in Belgravia or Chelsea. Located right in between Hyde Park and Green Park, it attracts visitors who want to have a delicious dinner after a long walk.
The Food
What has always attracted guests to this restaurant spot next to Harrods is a glamorous interpretation of Italian classics. And this remains unchanged. The food is really very solid with some stunning dishes. The restaurant offers a separate three-course lunch menu, which is very convenient for business lunches. For the evening there is an la carte menu with a large selection of authentic Italian cuisine and adapted world-famous classics.
Classic dishes are joined by newcomers that meet the high standards of Sale e Pepe, plates with a combination of flavours from the most opulent ingredients. On the new menu, there is a bucatini with pecorino cheese and pepper sauce that is a must-try. Vitello Tonnato was as classic as it should be with a real depth of flavour from the tuna and capers. Another firm favourite starter for the table was a crab and avocado salad. The most tender crab and perfectly ripe avocado with tomatoes, spring onions, chives, Pimiento de Espelette and a hint of lemon.
Don’t forget well-known dishes Sale e Pepe is famous for. Linguine all’Aragosta – pasta with lobster, cherry tomatoes, basil, and garlic. Though the selection of pasta is extensive, the melanzane alla parmigiana is a most delicious collaboration of tomato sauce, mozzarella and aubergine. Fish includes tuna, salmon, cod and seafood dishes, though we can not miss a chance to try the Dover Sole with olive oil, salt and herbs — Simplicity and perfection. The Tiramisú is a must and make sure there is always a cup of their special cappuccino on order too!
Drinks
The wine list presents a thoughtful selection of mainly Italian bottles, with an emphasis on rose and light dessert wines. Meat dish enthusiasts will find Tuscan red wines that suit a fillet steak or grilled lamb cutlets. Being a glamorous place Sale e Pepe provides Dom Perignon 2012 and Laurent Perrier in the sparkling section, as well as a couple of US names in whites and reds. Can you accompany your dinner with a shot of limoncello in the end? Of course! It’s a classic Italian place cherishing old traditions. Best of all, the bottle of limoncello is left at the table.
We highly recommend taking a look at the renewed Sale e Pepe and enjoying a fresh vision of an old London classic. For Markus, it is not the last news-worthy launch this year. We expect their flagship 14,000 sq. ft Los Mochis Broadgate restaurant on the rooftop of 100 Liverpool Street will open its doors very soon…
To discover more visit saleepepe.co.uk
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All imagery courtesy of Sale e Pepe.