Fuime (the Italian word for river) sits on the banks of the Thames and is another exciting establishment to complement the developing Battersea Power Station. Open since November 2017, acclaimed chef Francesco Mazzei is behind this new Italian hot spot which features traditional dishes from his homeland.
Encompassing eight distinctive regions and evoking a sense of his home with a Mediterranean concept from southern Italy, a hearty menu is highlighted by vibrant and fresh ingredients. Over the weekend appears Fuime’s Italian inspired brunch: a mix of both early morning breakfast and Italian all-day plates, this menu evolves hour by hour. From granola with yogurt, honey and berries, eggs benedict and a breakfast inspired bruschetta with poached eggs to all day antipasti, primi and secondi with larger sharing plates. From beginning to end, this weekend day menu reflects the famous Italian way of life with a cosmopolitan touch.
The popular bottomless brunch can also be found here at Fuime. For £15 each for unlimited refills, diners can select dishes from across the dynamic menu. As it is designed, my guest and I share a selection of lunch style dishes. With Francesco’s homemade approach are meatballs with burrata and mash potatoes, crab & Amalfi lemon taglionlini and a popular aubergine parmigiana – these are undeniably rich and complemented with a wild mushroom and truffle flatbread. An attractive side dish is the shoe string style zucchini fritti which are piled high against the bubbling flutes of fizz.
A brunch menu that has been available to diners since December, Fuime also welcomes guests of all ages for fresh breakfast and brunches to lazy lunches and sophisticated dinners. And throughout the year, this new Italian restaurant will host interactive events including wine tasting dinners and exclusive cookery classes with the man himself Francesco Mazzei. A beverage selection to rival the food – contemporary Italian cocktails have been created by renowned mixologist Simone Caporale which are served from the restaurant’s black granite bar.
Designed by Macaulay Sinclair who is behind the likes of iconic London establishments such as Hawksmoor, Dishoom and Pittcue – the ascetics mirror the culinary concept; striking the balance between relaxed and glamourous with natural materials of oak, Carrara marble and stone that is offset by splashes of colour in the upholstery and clean lines of brass detailing. It is also a versatile space incorporating an open kitchen, bar with counter dining, lounge seating and banquettes.
With a riverside location with plenty of outdoor terrace space, the restaurant will finally come into its own once the warmer months arrive. A terrace ideally suited to al fresco dining, it has been filled with lemon and olive trees and rustic terracotta pots planted with rosemary and lavender – designed to transport diners to the Mediterranean landscapes that have inspired Francesco Mazzei.
Fiume: Circus West, Battersea Power Station, London SW8 5BN, www.fiume-restaurant.co.uk, 020 3904 9010
