It’s all about kerb appeal…located on Berkley Street in Mayfair, Bocconcino boasts a prime location.
This high-end Russian owned Italian restaurant is split into two parts, a downstairs, which is known for its wood fired oven pizzas along with casual and buzzing ambience, and upstairs, which is classier, more romantic and quieter.
The entrance is covered in beautiful artificial flowers – it’s an instagrammers dream – of course I couldn’t wait to jump in front of the display for my own little photo session before we stepped into the restaurant!
The perfect place for romance…
As you walk in, your eyes can’t help but wander; large panels of mirrors create space and light, exposed brick walls create a warm and inviting feel. The floor is covered with marble and a gorgeous black cast iron spiral staircase leads down to the lower floor.
The staff are only too happy to come and greet us. We are led to the upstairs restaurant where the centrepiece of the room is a large olive tree. Our table sits right beneath it, it’s gorgeous.
At this point I am glad I have my husband here with me, with soft music playing in the background, candle lit tables and low mood lighting surrounding us, I couldn’t think of a more romantic place to be.
Wine and dine…
There is an extensive wine list – my husband asked for a recommendation and and he was directed towards the Gavi di Gavi 2017, a fresh white wine with zesty lemon notes and ripe peach flavours.
Although still pregnant, and missing out on the fine wines again, I was offered some wonderful mocktails to make me feel a little more included!
The menu is full of delicious Italian dishes, but on this occasion we opt for the set menu, which consisted of an appetizer, a pizza to share, a main dish and a dessert.
Using the freshest, finest ingredients the talented Chef’s at Bocconcino’s add a modern take on classic cuisine, serving big and classy Italian dishes from homemade pasta to pizza.
First up…
The food starts to arrive, and first up for me is the Aubergine parmigiana.
Now this is a dish that I absolutely loved when I visited Amalfi last October, but I was told by Bocconcino’s staff that this one would be even better… and guess what? They were right.
The flavour of the fresh tomato was intense and complimented by the creaminess of the cheese all topped off with the herby punch of the basil. It was like I had been transported back to Italy.
Meanwhile, my husband enjoyed the Salmon tartare, with crab, avocado, caviar and quail eggs – it looked stunning on the plate and made a really light and delicate starter.
Pizza time…
Next up – pizza time! We couldn’t go to an Italian restaurant renowned for its woodfired pizzas and not try one.
Baked freshly in a wood-fired oven, these pizzas have the highest quality ingredients added to them and arrive with a fire-blistered crust. We go for the Pizza Vegetariana, with tomato sauce, mozzarella, aubergine, courgette, red peppers. The only downside to sharing is that you have to share, my husband and I fought for the last piece.
The main event…
As the pizza plate was cleared away from the table, the mains arrive, perhaps I am starting to slightly regret having ordered four dishes at this point, but then again I am eating for two and every bite I am taking is worth it!
My husband chose the Linguine con astice scozzese e pomodoro ciliegino, which is Linguine with scottish lobster and cherry tomato. Somehow he polished it off with ease!
I selected the risotto with spring vegetables, green in colour, the most noticeable element in flavour were the peas, and they were incredible! I also loved the chunky vegetables resting on top; it really was a vibrant and seasonal dish.
The star of the show…
I don’t know how, but somehow we managed to also polish off a couple of desserts.
Whilst my husband’s chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream smelt incredible and tasted even better, the real star for me was the Millefoglie. I loved the buttery layers of pastry interleaved with Chantilly cream and pistachios.
The Verdict…
The restaurant follows the best culinary principles of Italy: excellent quality ingredients, honest cooking and first class service.
The food was so authentic, flavoursome and not overly complicated and combined dishes with real depth of flavour with that comfort factor.
We feasted, we romanced and we enjoyed. I can’t wait to be back in London again – when I will certainly be returning.
Address: Berkeley Street, London W1J 8ED
Phone: 020 7499 4510
Tube: Green Park
Website: bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk
