Address: Fantômas, 300 King’s Road, London SW3 5UH
Website: fantomas.co.uk
AzzurraJohnny Stephens
Azzurra
Azzurra is the place to be for a taste of Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, and a maritime ambience. Diners are enchanted by authentic Italian coastal cuisine, such as sustainably sourced British fish and handmade pasta expertly crafted under the executive chef watch. Restaurateur David Yeo’s unwavering boat-to-table philosophy ensures peak freshness, with signature dishes including lobster linguine, grilled Dover sole, and Azzurra’s signature seafood platter. Our decadent culinary journey begins at the raw bar, where the sea bass tartare, a classic burrata with heritage tomato carpaccio, and the chargrilled octopus with onion purée set an irresistible tone. The octopus, in particular, emerges as the star, surprisingly indulgent. I could have easily relished my way through the entire starter menu, but the entrées were calling. We devour the gourmet linguine al granchio with Devon crab meat, crispy soft-shell crab, white wine, chilli, and garlic, followed by a perfectly executed oven-roasted halibut with asparagus, braised fennel, and a fragrant garlic-herb crust. If you enjoy nibbling, the courgette string fries are a must. And for the finalé, a truly unforgettable dessert: limone, a heavenly fusion of Amalfi lemon, ricotta and white chocolate – a citrus lover’s dream. Aside from the lip-smacking plates, this is a must-visit for foodie aesthetes – the dining room was voted ‘best restaurant design in Europe’ at The International Hotel & Property Awards 2024. Sandra Denda
Address: Azzurra, 127 – 128 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9AS
Website: azzurrarestaurant.co.uk
Daphne’sChris Terry
Daphne’s
Daphne’s is an established favourite among its smart clientele in a quiet row of boutiques and restaurants off Sloane Avenue. It has been serving authentic Italian dishes close to bustling Sloane Square since 1964. Ideal for people-watching, the establishment attracts ladies-who-lunch (with chairs assigned for their designer bags), smartly dressed families and diners with something to celebrate. In the summer, the small roadside terrace opens, while the conservatory sits through the main restaurant – a light and airy retreat that transports you to a Sorrento farmhouse with its lush greenery, open fireplace, rustic colours and velvet lampshades. The paintings depict nearby Holland Park, while the vast mirrors make the intimate space feel roomy. With a focus on seasonal vegetables and fresh seafood, the menu offers everything from crab linguine to Spaghetti alle Vongole and a trusty rib-eye steak. The three-course a-la-carte menu is recommended, with the seared scallops easy on the eye and the stomach – if you can handle a spicy kick. The deep-fried courgettes do not disappoint, while the deliciously light vanilla cheesecake garnished with passion fruit and edible flowers seals the deal. Don’t miss the special summer cocktail menu in partnership with Malfy Gin – the zesty ‘Lavender Drop’ and foamy ‘Flowered in Chelsea’ are dangerously delicious concoctions. Jessica Rach