Il Pampero an intimate Knightsbridge Italian restaurant, recently renovated with a luxurious golden feel but with service that is old school and personal.
One of Belgravia best kept secrets
Open for lunch and dinner, experience exceptional Italian cooking in a sophisticated setting which embodies Italian chic and vintage glamour; designed by acclaimed designer, Tara Bernerd. Under the direction of Executive Chef Claudio Covino, the team deliver a traditional Italian menu complemented with an impressive wine list and cocktail menu.
Il Pampero Italian bar & restaurant
20 Chesham Place, Belgravia, London SW1X 8HQ
020 3189 4850
This was definitely one of our top restaurant visits for 2017. If you have read Gentlemans Butler features you have probably noticed our focus is on the overall experience. In many ways life is simpler than we give is credit for, though as they say doing simple things very well is trickier.
Think class, elegance, glamour, service and style which are Gentlemans Butler criteria and this exactly what Il Pampero has and thus we had a genuinely very relaxed and intimate evening.
We were greeted by a proper Italian welcome with everyone looking spic and span. The restaurant was not packed, being a Monday evening but had a nice flow and was perfect for a good catch up with a dear friend and so this intimate and welcoming restaurant was a perfect choice.
Escorted to the bar positioned in the middle of the restaurant it has gentle reminders of some New York establishments as its slightly below street level which gives one the feel of being slightly hidden.
Time for our Aperitivo and watch the barman do his thang…
Aprespolo – Limoncello, raspberries, prosecco, mint, soda
Estiro – Cocchibianco Vermouth, Campari, gin, fresh lemon juice, honey, basil leaves, soda
Petit artichoke, belly real, smoke cheese grill
Then onto our table which was to one side in a semi horse shoe arrangement in the window. The restaurant décor is modern, but I felt referenced Italian décor from the 60’s and rather nice to see gold used in this way.
I myself was drinking Red wine – Brunello Montalcino with my meats and my friend White wine – Gavi di Gavi with her salads and pasta.
Starters –
Salumi misti (prosciutto di parma, bresaola, mortadella, finocchiona)
Insalata di Carciofi con salsa di pecorino romano e menta
Personally, I think I should have chosen slightly differently as I should have probably had a salad with my meat but the salads and pastas I have to say looked spot on. The food was truly excellent but just sometimes our head and stomach do not work in exact harmony.
Main Courses–
Pasta – Ravioli ricotta e spinaci con salsa burro e salvia
Meat – Carre di agnello servitor con caponata di Carciofi
Then onto some beautiful configurations for our puddings
Dessert –
Meringata vegana
Pannacotta al frutto della passione
Afterwards some dessert wine and coffee
I should commend them on a great musical soundtrack which as long as its not intrusive does add a nice ambience to one’s evening. You can find this on their website.
As we say on many occasions Gentlemans Butler likes personal connections and when it comes to restaurants, we want to be comfortable, looked after and made to feel welcome and enjoy good food that feeds the soul.
This is exactly what we had and I really have to commend the maître de as he was so kind with a true Italian soul.
Look out for the white dinner jacket ….