Elegantly oozing Italian charm is Bernardi’s. Located on one of those streets that is weirdly calm, just a few paces from the mayhem of Marble Arch; this sophisticated restaurant signposts itself as a neighbourhood destination with a menu inspired by food and wine from across Italy.
An Italian heartbeat at their core, Bernardi’s follows a simple approach – creating delicious Italian dishes that are harmoniously seasonal and creative with a clever approach of combining with high-end British produce. Sat at our spacious table that is painted by daylight, we start with glasses of Prosecco and nibble on soft arancini balls and mini bruschetta bites, topped with bright red tomatoes; before large chunks of homemade focaccia arrive with smooth olive oil for dipping. Our charming waiter seems to know what he’s talking about and recommends the Burratina (also known as Buratta) that is generous in size and carefully marinated with courgettes, chilli and white anchovy.
As you may know, Italian’s don’t do things by halves, nor does Bernardi’s. Our main course hadn’t yet greeted us before two generous plates of pasta had; these were rich, satisfying and devilishly filling, entwined with delicious wild mushrooms with an aroma of truffle. For our main courses we both cave in for Bernardi’s flat iron steak topped off with Gorgonzola and again, wild mushrooms, which is really as good as it reads. By dessert we are bursting and unable to consume any further, Italian hospitality has of course other ideas: Mr Waiter insists we share a creamy coffee dessert with an espresso martini each. I don’t drink or enjoy coffee much but I would head back to Bernardi’s for this in a shot.
Taking advantage of longer days and balmy city nights, running weekly from July through to September, this charming Italian spot has also launched their ‘Summer Sundays’ offering which subtly changes and develops each week. A twist on classic brunch dishes, Head Chef Sabrina Gidda’s dishes include Gnocchi alla Romana, poached eggs & smoked salmon and Scrambled eggs, Cornish crab & parsley as well as a take on an Italian Sunday Lunch of Grilled rack of lamb. With not only an Italian finesse, Summer Sundays at Bernardi’s has also introduced an cooler element with their regular programme of resident DJs who work the decks each Sunday to create an environment of chilled out tracks.
With large windows that allow sunshine to stream into the contemporarily chic space, this weekend launch also highlights the recent redesign of the ground floor which secures the perfect relaxed setting for the all-day dining and drinking that Bernardi’s is known for. This has been executed with lounge-style seating, intimate tables and a new banquette area that lead onto the restaurant’s wrap around al fresco terrace.
An interchangeable and elegantly polished space that is open throughout the day, Bernardi’s is firmly on my recommend list. With a menu that really is as sophisticated as its new interior, it is refreshing to be looked after by a restaurant that is not only habitually passionate but confident in their offering; although it’s easy to be here at Bernardi’s.
Bernardi’s will officially launch its Summer Sundays from Sunday 9th July with an all-day party, from 12pm through until late – to reserve a table call 0203 826 7940 or email reception@bernardis.co.uk. Thereafter, Summer Sundays will continue every Sunday from 11am – 10.30pm, last food orders at 9.30pm.
Bernardi’s: 62 Seymour St, Marylebone, London W1H 5BN, bernardis.co.uk, 020 3826 7940
