Between elegant antique shops a street or so from Sloane Square, the recent relocation of Italian fine dining restaurant, Enoteca Turi has glamorously complemented the family run restaurant. With a heritage spanning over a quarter of a century including its previous long term Putney residence; husband and wife team Giuseppe and Pamela Turi have relocated their warm welcomes, Italian charm and accomplished fine dining menu to the restaurant’s new Sloaney postcode.
Smartly dressed tables dressed with bright white table cloths fill the glamourous interior and we are seated within a comfortable booth in the corner. Clinking our glasses of Italian fizz we review the menu from new chef Francesco Sodano who boasts a rich background with some of Italy’s most influential Michelin-starred chefs. These including Pierfranco Ferrara at one Michelin Capo D’Orso restaurant in Maiori Amalfi, Oliver Glowig at two Michelin starred restaurant Aldrovandi Palace Hotel in Rome and Anthony Genovese at two Michelin Il Pagliaccio Restaurant in Rome.
Ingredients and dishes with a complete respect for tradition, Enoteca Turi highlights Italian regions such as Piedmont, Puglia, Liguria and Lazio, with produce that is thoughtfully selected with many rarely seen outside their local area. Elaborately listed in Italian, we eventually decide to start with baked artichoke with spelt wheat, parsley reduction and grated marinated egg yolk, a slow-cooked marinated rabbit with lightly smoked organic English ricotta, black garlic, red chicory and an authentically al dente maize tagliatelle with cannellini beans, cured pork cheek, red onion and celery.
‘Secondi piatti’ lists desirable meats and fishes, all individually served with their own creative flair and combination of thoughtful ingredients. Meat dishes trumping our preferences, we order two oxtails braised with yellow baby tomatoes, celery, baby carrot and cipollotto onion and two delicately served loin fillets of venison with blueberry sauce, brussel sprouts and endive that were topped with a strong oro rosso blue cheese. Traditional side dishes left in the centre of our table to share between ourselves – include sautéed potatoes and popular deep-fried courgettes.
Desserts showcase a similar Italian culinary elegance with particular attention to detail. I order the dessert that could have been reincarnated from a chocolate lover’s dream. Rich but delicate and with seven layers of sponge, chocolate praline, hazelnut and chocolate mousse this multi-layered, decadent dessert is complemented with an inventive Italian touch of olive oil ice cream. Counterbalancing with savoury flavours, we balance out our final course with a selection of traditionally made Italian farmhouse cheeses with walnut bread and homemade preserves – I didn’t need to personally sample this savoury selection without being reassured that this was equally appetizing.
Exhibiting their accomplished wine list that mirrors Head Chef Francesco’s passion in the kitchen, Enoteca Turi’s in house sommelier Giuseppe, has spent over 25 years carefully curating a 460- strong wine cellar that proudly champions the finest regional Italian wines which perfectly complement the Michelin inspired menu. This selection is proudly showcased within the restaurant’s new private dining room, that can host up to 28 people. Wrapped within the desirable labels and vintage bottles, from familiar favourites to obscure gems, guests can browse the extensive list, complete with Giuseppe’s own tasting notes or allow Head Sommelier Manuel Sorana to guide you to the perfect pairing.
Enoteca Turi’s successful heritage, built on a long-standing foundation of home grown family values, shines from corner to corner within its new contemporary Chelsea positioning. And with the continuation of the long standing and nurturing family support, partnered with the talent and experience of new Head Chef Francesco Sodano, Enoteca Turi has very much encapsulated what they do best within new stylish surroundings.
Address: Enoteca Turi, 87 Pimlico Rd, Belgravia, London SW1W 8PH, 02077303663, enotecaturi.com
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