Restaurant Review: Chucs Belgravia, Eccleston Street in London

With sites in Mayfair, Notting Hill, Hyde Park and Kensington it was only natural that the Chucs restaurant group were to open their next outpost in Belgravia. Launching back in November, chairman Graziano Arricale and executive chef director Simon Henbery have undertaken this latest opening that is the growing group’s largest undertaking so far.

A combined bar, restaurant and event space championing fine Italian food and drink comprises of 55 covers and room for over 100 standing, whilst outside, al fresco dining is also encouraged on the terrace that wraps around the building and sits on the smart, residential street. From coffees to cocktails and Cicchetti during the warmer months, inside a notable nautical theme of navy blues set against touches of gold create a smart but all the same relaxed environment for all-day dining.

Opening up its doors for breakfast from 8am through late in the evening, Chucs Belgravia offer diners a string of regular favourites that don’t over complicate and look to simply satisfy diners. First thing you can expect the beloved eggs benedict and smashed avocado on sourdough to lighter bowls of house granola with pomegranate and yoghurt, fresh juices, smoothies and quality coffee. Meanwhile, catering to the local corporate audience is a grab and go offering which includes the ‘Chucs chia bowl’ with seasonal fruit which can be eaten in the office.

Whilst at lunchtime, Chucs’ classics step into the limelight. From Bigoli Cacio e Pepe, chopped cobb salad and chicken Milanese with Amalfi lemon, alongside heartier dishes such as celeriac velouté, lamb ragu pappardelle and pumpkin, sage and amaretti ravioli. And for those on the go, Chucs welcome those in to grab a selection of pizza and pasta, that can also be taken away.

A refined candlelit setting invites diners to visit for a leisurely aperitivo each evening. A negroni or classic martini can be enjoyed with Chucs luxury collection of Cicchetti (Italian style tapas) from a wild boar panelle, truffle arancini and oysters with granny smith and sorrel. 5pm onwards welcomes in the dinner menu. New dishes that feature at this latest Chucs opening include, beef tartare topped with caviar and citrus cured seabass with ponzu and sesame to start, followed by mains including truffle and lovage risotto, spaghetti alla chittara with anchovy and barolo, Dover sole and dedham vale bone-in ribeye for two.

Indulgent desserts include a classic Italian tiramisu, tarte fine aux pommes served with vanilla ice cream and a Paxton and Whitfield cheeseboard, featuring a spread of English, French and Italian options. Turning our attention to the wine list, a 120 long bin list curated by Head Sommelier Stefano Barbarino includes unsurprisingly, a large selection of Italian labels alongside some popular international options. A judge for the Sommelier Wine Awards by Imbibe, Stefano joins the Chucs with experience having worked at Galvin at Windows, and most recently the Michelin-starred Chez Bruce restaurant in Wandsworth Common.

This new opening has also welcomed some new team members to the Chucs group. Notable additions include Alex Robertson, who has come on as the Belgravia General Manager following roles at Hakkasan and Corbin and King. Alessandro Piludu, meanwhile, joins Chucs Belgravia as head chef, having spent the previous 14 years making his mark at Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen in Westland Place. During his time at Fifteen, Alessandro refined his culinary acumen to understand the ins and outs of the industry under renowned chefs including Gregory Marchand (founder of Frenchie), Jon Rotheram (of the Marksman), Robbin Holmgren and Chucs’ very own Simon Henbery – gradually working his way up the ranks to becoming head chef.