Hidden within the lanes of London’s luxurious Knightsbridge, Osteria Romana opens its doors to bring the simple elegance and humble dishes of the Eternal City to London, celebrating Roman produce, culinary history and limitless passion.
Tucked in between the Bulgari Hotel and Hyde Park, the latest venture from young Italian entrepreneur, Andrea Reitano, Osteria Romana, is like a second home to him: reminiscent of cosy, tucked away osterias that line the ancient vias of Italy’s capital city. Like the streets of Rome, Roman cuisine is steeped in layers of history that over the years have become part of a cultural tapestry, fusing different regional dishes, produce and techniques to produce a vast menu of Italian cuisine. Reitano has created Osteria Romana to unravel the threads of this tapestry and rediscover the dishes of Lazio with a pared back menu inspired by the his Grandmother’s dishes. Dishes that she has cooked for over 60 years that simply presents the Roman palate, food, identity and of course, the pure romance of Italy.
With all of Osteria Romana’s produce: vegetables, meat, fish, delivered direct from the markets of Rome weekly, the restaurant guarantees authenticity. Keeping true to traditions, the menu will feature a selection of seasonal antipasti, primi and secondi dishes. Stars of the show include the Gnocco alla Romana served with a black truffle sauce: a traditional dish rarely seen outside of Rome that is made using semolina rather than potato flour achieving a lightness of texture not often associated with gnocchi, covered with a creamy truffle sauce. All pastas within the primi course are served to your table in individual padellas like the freshly made Tonnarelli with artichokes and sweet Mazzara red prawns, amongst other classics such as Spaghetto alla Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe. For secondi, the sweet, comfort of Trippa alla Romana or the Torretta di Baccala (salt cod) creamed on leek velouté are both classic dishes from the Lazio region. Wines are from all over Italy and stand alongside a dedicated list from the Antinori Estate featuring wines such as the Solaia, Tignanello and Chianti Classico Riserva.
Inside is warm, intimate, inviting and romantic with tones of ochre, dark woods and accents of brass that encompass the open plan kitchen. Walls are adorned with old black and white photos of family and Roman city life. Despite the size, Osteria Romana seats 30, with extra seating outside for 12, there is plenty of space for privacy, making it the perfect hideaway for a quiet lunch, romantic evening or somewhere to escape Knightsbridge’s bright lights and traffic. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week from 12pm to 11pm. For reservations please contact the restaurant directly.
Osteria Romana is something that will transcend age. Here, time stands still allowing a moment for nostalgia, elegance, simplicity and comfort.