As part of San Carlo’s latest culinary London venture, their new summer menu has made its debut at both San Carlo and Cicchetti restaurants. I recently had the pleasure of experiencing some of these delectable offerings at the Knightsbridge restaurant.
First Impressions:
Nestled on Hans Road, right next to the iconic Harrods, Cicchetti restaurant in Knightsbridge boasts opulent Italian-style interiors that exude a cosy charm. Operating seven days a week, the restaurant prides itself on serving freshly prepared dishes, predominantly crafted from ingredients sourced directly from artisan producers in Italy. Spread across two storeys, Cicchetti accommodates 100 guests and features a standalone bar along with a private dining room for 18. The elegant and timeless décor pays homage to classical Venetian architecture, with nods to influential figures like Carlo Scarpa. Rich varnished wood and a light, fresh palette evoke the luxury of Venetian water taxis and yachts.
From the moment I stepped in, I was warmly greeted by a friendly host who escorted me to the bar, where two equally amiable bartenders welcomed me. While I selected my cocktail for the evening, my mother, who joined me, opted for her favourite, a pornstar martini. As we settled in, Massimiliano, our host, made us feel right at home. Despite the restaurant’s upscale ambiance, the atmosphere was far from uptight, thanks to Massimiliano’s genuine hospitality. A delightful touch was the serving of green olives from Puglia with our cocktails, which were undeniably the best I’ve ever tasted – juicy and pip-free, they were hard to resist.
The Food:
San Carlo restaurants are renowned for their commitment to using the freshest ingredients, often sourced from produce markets across Italy. Cicchetti, meaning “small dishes” to share, hails from Northern Venice, where such eateries are a common sight along the canals. Massimiliano guided us through the menu, which is neatly divided into Starters, Fish, Meat, Crudos, Pastas, and Pizzas. Given the allure of the new summer menu, my mother and I decided to indulge in a variety of seafood dishes.
From the Fritti section, we savoured the classic Calamari Fritti, boasting a refreshing taste and perfect batter texture, accompanied by a lemon wedge and a flavourful dipping sauce. The homemade focaccia and Parma ham, served with creamy Stracciatella cheese and black truffle, was an absolute delight. Moving on to the Carpaccio, Tartare, and Insalata section, we relished the Tartare di Tonno, featuring Sashimi Grade Tuna Tartare mixed with olive oil, French mustard, lemon juice, and wild rocket. The Ravioli Tartufo and Pecorino from the Pasta and Al Forno section was a creamy, tender delight, with large ravioli pasta swimming in pecorino sauce. Finally, from the Pesce section, the Capesante al Forno – King Scallops Gratin with garlic, olive oil, and breadcrumbs, served in an elegant shell, was tender and flavourful.
Though we sampled only five dishes, they left us thoroughly satisfied with ample room for dessert. Despite not being a fan of tiramisu (a crime, I know!), Massimiliano surprised us with the most soft, creamy, and delicate tiramisu I’ve ever encountered.
The Wine:
We are all aware of the Italians’ profound pride in their wines, hence the wine list boasts an abundance of excellent options. Focused primarily on Italy, the Cicchetti wine list offers a delightful array from various regions. It undergoes constant updates, ensuring a diverse rotation featuring whites, reds, rosés, and sparkling from all corners of Italy – north, south, the Islands, and central Italy. The pricing of the bottles is fair, catering to every budget and occasion. Should you be uncertain about your selection, a passionate Italian sommelier stands ready to guide you through the choices and provide tastings. What enhances the appeal of the wine list is that each bottle comes with a description suggesting ideal menu pairings. An example would be the Gavi del Comune di Gavi which is dry and well-balanced, with aromas of ripe fruit and white flowers, and goes well with all kinds of fish and white meat.
Final Thoughts:
From the impeccable service to the inviting ambiance, picturesque location, and divine food, everything was flawless. What’s more, with multiple Cicchetti locations in London, I know I can count on it for an exceptional dining experience anytime. I eagerly anticipate exploring more of their menu at other locations.
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Imagery courtesy of San Carlo London.