There’s no shortage of Italian-themed restaurants in London, but it’s safe to say that not all of them are created equal. It takes a special dining spot to really nail authentic Italian cuisine, and to capture the vibe that goes with it – but brand new fine dining eatery Tortello, set within the luxurious Royal Lancaster London hotel, is one of those rare places that has got it down to a fine art.
Already being hailed as one of London’s most exciting new Italian restaurant openings, one visit to this already sought-after London hotspot is enough to understand why. A fresh, contemporary interpretation of the traditional Italian trattoria that elevates time-honoured culinary techniques and brings heritage dishes bang up to date with a refined modern makeover, here you can expect excellent food and a vibrant atmosphere that make it the perfect spot for a romantic meal for two or a relaxed dinner with friends.
A prime location
Tortello is a new Italian trattoria housed in the luxury Royal Lancaster London hotel
The five-star Royal Lancaster Hotel is one of the capital’s most luxurious, and set on the leafy streets of Bayswater, just a stone’s throw from Hyde Park, it offers opulent suites, high-end amenities and impeccable service.
But you don’t have to be a guest at the hotel to enjoy dining here, because Tortello is open to all. The eatery enjoys a prime location overlooking the Italian Gardens of Hyde Park, with entry either through the hotel itself or via Tortello’s own private street entrance, bringing with it the relaxed feel of a standalone neighbourhood dining spot.
A creative, craft-led kitchen
The craft-led kitchen is where the magic happens, with regional Italian plates, hand-rolled pasta and an ingredient-driven approach that champions simplicity, seasonality, and skill
The craft-led kitchen is where the magic happens, with regional Italian plates, hand-rolled pasta and an ingredient-driven approach that champions simplicity, seasonality, and skill.
It’s not often you come across a restaurant that takes such pride in its pasta, but with chef Giuseppe at the helm, Tortello does just that, having quickly set itself apart from the competition thanks to its dedication to traditional practices and techniques. Tortello celebrates the art of pasta made by hand using silky flours from specialist Italian mills, rich golden-yolk eggs produced exclusively for the restaurant, and produce sourced from artisan farmers who share the same devotion to craft and tradition.
So if you think you’ve tasted perfect pasta before, then think again – because here, it will blow you away.
A mouth-watering menu
The menu features regional recipes from delicately filled tortelli and slow-cooked ragùs to seafood pastas inspired by Italy’s coast
The menu features an array of mouth-watering dishes to take your pick from – prepare to be spoilt for choice.
First, it’s an aperitif of rock-salted focaccia, olive oil and balsamic, marinated Taggiasche mixed olives or black truffle and ricotta croquettes with Parmigiano Reggiano shaving (alongside a classic Aperol spritz, if you’re so inclined).
Next up, it’s onto antipasti – with choices including the bruschetta of the day; beef carpaccio with rocket, Parmigiano Reggiano shavings and balsamic; or the hand-pulled ‘La Latteria’ burrata, Swiss chard, Taggiasche olives and breadcrumbs.
For the main event, take your pick from stand-out dishes like the tortello di zucca – Delica pumpkin tortelli matured especially for Tortello by a dedicated farmer in Veneto, served with brown butter, Modena balsamic and toasted Piedmont hazelnuts; and the beef shin and Chianti tortello – eight-hour slow-cooked beef shin ragù folded into fresh egg pasta and finished with a rich jus.
At its heart, Tortello is a celebration of handmade pasta, crafted daily using exceptional Italian flour, golden-yolk eggs and beautifully sourced produce
For seafood lovers, the seafood calamarata, which features langoustine tomato sauce with Scottish clams, Dorset mussels and king prawns paired with ring-shaped calamarata pasta, or the pici with mussels and cavolo nero – rustic pici with Dorset mussels in aglio e olio and cavolo nero purée – are certain to delight.
Of course, there’s an extensive wine list also on offer, and pairings are available for each dish. You’ll find a variety of bottles from across Italy, along with a good selection of Champagnes and proseccos, Italian lagers and Italian-inspired cocktails like the Negroni and the Limoncello Spriz (plus some creative mocktails, too).
Thoughtful interiors
The interiors mirror the restaurant’s ethos of thoughtful craftsmanship
The interiors mirror the restaurant’s ethos of thoughtful craftsmanship, featuring a hand-painted vineyard mural created by a London artist, a walkway lined with olive trees and aromatic herbs, and a pistachio-green 1960s Fiat 500 providing a playful and unequivocally Italian welcome.
The pastel green theme continues throughout the restaurant, with parquet wood flooring, a high marble bar and plush pink furnishings coming together to create a light, bright and welcoming vibe that makes arriving for your booking feel like stepping straight into the summer.
The 80-cover dining room and Hyde Park-facing terrace provide a warm, elegant setting for both hotel guests and London diners, and set the scene for the memorable dining experience that’s to come.
What’s in a name?
The name ‘Tortello’ – a single tortelloni, reflects everything the restaurant stands for; attention to the finest of details, respect for tradition and the belief that real flavour comes from real craft.
The bottom line
If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist, then book your table at Tortello sooner, rather than later. Expect a welcoming atmosphere, excellent service, and the very best handmade pasta in the capital – food that is quite simply to die for.
Factbox
Located in: Royal Lancaster London
Address: Royal Lancaster London, Lancaster Terrace, London W2 2TY
Phone: 020 7101 7640
Website: tortello.com
All imagery credit: Tortello
Dining and Cooking