This autumn, Selfridges will collaborate with renowned restaurateur Des McDonald to launch a new modern Italian restaurant – Il Tetto. Taking up a year-long residency on the iconic Selfridges rooftop, Il Tetto is a stylish all-day dining Italian restaurant, serving up classic Italian dishes with a contemporary twist. The restaurant will open on 6th October.
Inspired by the traditional Italian trattorias, Il Tetto will bring a taste of the casual, rustic neighbourhood restaurants found throughout Italy to the iconic Selfridges rooftop. The roof has been transformed with accents of Tuscan red, burnt orange and olive green throughout and terracotta pots filled with herbs bring a sense of rural Italy to the city. Des McDonald has worked closely with Head Chef Luca Terraneo (formerly of L’Anima) to create a menu of authentic Italian dishes, using well sourced, seasonal ingredients from across Italy.
Open daily from 11am, the menu offers brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner seven days a week. Guests can begin with Cicchetti, Venetian style ‘small plates’ including Baccala mantecato all veneziana (whipped air-dried cod, grilled polenta, charred roast pepper sauce) or Starters such as Insalata invernale (radicchio, white chicory, heritage beetroot, pear, zola dressing). Pasta dishes include Tortelli alla zucca mantovana (pumpkin hand filled parcels, robiola fondue and crispy sage).
Luxury pizzas will be available straight from the traditional pizza oven and main courses include Salmon alla griglia (Charred grilled salmon, braised cannellini beans, sun blush tomato) and Braciola d’agnello (Wood fired Barnsley chop, white onions, seared fennel). Desserts include Semifreddo al limone amalfitano (iced lemon parfait, meringue, curd and biscuit) and Mousse al gianduia (chocolate and hazelnut mousse, caramelised hazelnuts).
The Terrace offers beautiful skyline views of London, and a private dining hut is available to those looking to escape the wintry chill. A menu of Hot-tails will be served including Etna – a blend of Inzolia white wine, Rafatfia, brandy, roasted cardamom, honey and fresh mint and Andreana – a mix of Muscatel, Borgia bianco, pear puree and Cocci Americano. Also on offer is a robust wine menu serving the best Italy has to offer and an innovative selection of Negronis.
Il Tetto is set to be the ultimate winter warming dining destination, the ideal venue to hideaway from the cold bustling London streets and enjoy warm, hearty Italian food. The kitchen is overseen by Head Chef Luca Terraneo who brings a wealth of experience, from L’Anima and Franco’s; he has worked with the critically acclaimed Francesco Mazzei for over 10 years. Matthew Hayes, formerly Executive Pastry Chef for Corbin & King has been appointed as the new Executive Pastry Chef for the Des McDonald Group, and will oversee the Pastry section and Afternoon Tea.
Bruce Langlands, Selfridges Food and Restaurants Director says: “Our iconic rooftop is, yet again, about to be transformed into a new and exciting destination for our customers. Il Tetto will bring authentic tastes from Italy and coupled with a Hot Cocktail Bar, we are sure this will surprise and delight visitors to our roof.”
Des McDonald comments: “I’m delighted to be opening Il Tetto with Selfridges, our rooftop restaurants have been a great success and I’m excited that this will be extended to a year-long residency. We’ve got a great team for Il Tetto, Head Chef Luca has excellent pedigree and I’m really pleased to welcome Matthew Hayes as our new Executive Pastry Chef, together they will be delivering a truly great Italian experience.”