Knightsbridge is home to many swanky restaurants, including some of London's most iconic eateries. Sale e Pepe is one of those classic spots, dating back to 1974 and promising a sophisticated dining experience without compromising on the food. Former owner Toni ran this place for 45 years, and his standards are upheld today by the current managers.
It has long been a favourite for Italian food, using only the finest seasonal produce to create traditional plates. And as a big fan of the cuisine myself, I was eager to finally try out their menu.
DesignMyNight’s Review Of Sale e Pepe Knightsbridge
There's an old-school charm to Sale e Pepe.
Need To Know:
- Address: 9-15 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0HD
- Area: Knightsbridge
- Cuisine: Italian
Ambience & We Think Perfect For
- Atmosphere: there's an effortlessly chic feel to this restaurant, with a classic take on decor. The white tablecloth-covered tables sit among dark blue walls, plush pink velvet booths and bronze light fittings. Each table was also adorned with a flickering candle, creating a sultry atmosphere.
- Perfect For: date night, or a celebratory group meal.
Service & Price
- Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value For Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cost: £185 for two, including three courses and two drinks each
Sample authentic pasta and Italian small plates.
Menu Highlights
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Parmigiana di melanzane (£17) - a perfect example of their classic menu, this baked aubergine dish featured flavourful San Marzano tomatoes over thin slices of the vegetable. Also layered up in the bowl was fresh mozzarella and 18 month-aged parmesan, overall creating an indulgent start to our meal.
- Ravioli ricotta e spinaci (£26) - these handmade parcels were filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta blend, made of beautifully tender pasta that melted in the mouth. It was served in a delicious sage butter, finished with parmesan.
- Paccheri alla vodka (£27) - one of my favourite pasta dishes when done well, this main course certainly didn't disappoint. The large tubes of pasta came with a generous amount of bright orange sauce that was rich and tangy, with the perfect blend of cream and tomato.
- Homemade tiramisù (£15) - served tableside, this was a standout dessert that showcased the restaurant's abilities to create traditional recipes flawlessly. There was a nice balance between coffee and cream flavours, and it came in a sizeable portion.
Drink: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Sgroppino (£18) - we both agreed that this was our favourite drink of the night, made with Grey Goose vodka, prosecco, apricot and mint. This was poured over a zesty lemon sorbet. It felt very classy and oh-so Italian.
Our Overall Experience At Sale e Pepe Restaurant London
DesignMyNight Review Out Of 5: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I can see why this restaurant has got such a strong reputation; both the elegant interiors and the mouthwatering Sale e Pepe menu combined to create a truly excellent dining experience. I particularly appreciated that their pastas can be ordered as either a starter or main, allowing you to try more of their food. I'd highly recommend perusing the cocktail list too, equally packed with Italian favourites.
