When you think of Mayfair, I’d imagine that multi-million pound houses, designer shops and swanky bars come to mind (as well as possibly the Monopoly board). But this neighbourhood is also home to some seriously stunning restaurants, including the neighbourhood Italian eatery Nipotina that I recently had the opportunity to dine at. This is run by Turin-born Chef Somaia Hammad, inspired by the plates from her Nonna's kitchen - and the restaurant name even translates to 'granddaughter' in Italian. It promises comforting, family-style cooking, and I was eager to see what they had to offer.
The interiors at Nipotina make for a dreamy date night destination.
DesignMyNight's Review Of Nipotina London
It was clear upon arrival that this place fits the vibe of the area, it seemed very upmarket from the moment we were greeted - though not at all stuffy. The low lighting created a sultry ambiance, casting shadows over an elegant space filled with green leather booths, polished wooden tables and tasteful artwork. The restaurant was split into two sections, with a narrow walkway in between, and we were seated in the front half that had a view of the small outdoor terrace and the street beyond.
I was pleasantly surprised by the price of the cocktails, as I think we’ve all become accustomed to drinks breaching the £15 mark in fancy venues. I ordered a Bolla di Bergamotto (£14). This was a combination of Italicus, elderflower, citrus, orange blossom and prosecco that was deliciously sweet and a little bit floral - the orange blossom really standing out. My dinner date's Dolce Notte (£13) was a berry-flavoured blend that featured raspberry-infused vodka, pomegranate liquor and citrus, with a very summery feel to it.
Start with refined cocktails at this Mayfair restaurant.
We shared two dishes from the cicchetti and antipasti sections of the Nipotina menu to start, the first being spinach and fior di latte mozzarella arancini (£9). These crispy balls of rice were oozing with cheese, and there were a generous five pieces per portion. Meanwhile, the burrata e carciofi (£16), was an equally cheesy treat: a creamy ball of Stracciatella on a bed of salty sauteed artichokes, drizzled in a vibrant mint oil.
Next up, the pizza al tartufo Nero (£32) was an earthy pick, each slice featuring stretchy Buffalo mozzarella and a rich truffle oil - with shavings of black truffle imported from Italy added by our waiter at the table. This was delicious, though I would only advise true truffle fans to pick it, as the flavour was very strong.
The cacio e pepe (£19) was perfectly al dente, with a tangy coating of aged pecorino clinging to each thick strand of spaghetti. This dish was equally full of flavour, though after a while the intensity of the cheese became a little sickly, so a whole bowl of this may be a little too much.
To go with our mains, we ordered a Sangiovese rose (£11 per 125ml glass) from their extensive wine list, with a little help from their sommelier. This was on the drier side, but it still had a fruity, floral kick to it, and we both loved the taste.
From truffle to pistachio, this menu is full of Italian favourites.
Of course, we couldn't leave without sampling some of their desserts. The panna cotta (£10) was very creamy, despite being vegan, and was completed with a layer of salted caramel sauce. The bacio al pistachio (£14) had a nutty base of pistachio ice cream, topped with caramelised pistachios and a hot chocolate sauce. This was my favourite of the two, and I particularly love the sweet crunch that the whole nuts added.
Overall: Nipotina Restaurant London
The Nipotina Mayfair menu truly reflected Italian dishes, with an elevated twist on some favourites that you'd find in the home. The restaurant feels upmarket without being too over-the-top, and I really appreciated the attentiveness of the waiters, especially the sommelier service. And while some of the dishes are on the more expensive side, it's possible to have a meal here without breaking the bank.
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💰 Price: around £150 for two, excluding service charge. 📍 Address: 49 South Audley Street, Mayfair, W1K 2QD. 👌 Perfect for: a sophisticated date night. ⭐ Need to know: they've got a sommelier on hand to help you choose a wine. |
For more like this, take a look
at our guide to the most romantic Italian restaurants in London.
