Scalini

BRP

the best 4th June 2008

1 found this helpful

This is not just one of the best Italian restaurants in London but one the best in any cuisine.

I was there recently with a friend, we had a Dover Sole each for main course and shared another fo dessert! - They are absolutely superb.

The ambience and noise make this the wonderful restaurant it is - if you can't have a good time here you have a problem! This applies to both lunchtimes and evenings.

Not cheap but worth every penny - the old adage of "you only get what you pay for" is exemplified here.

Absolutely brilliant.

Sami

Old-school Italian trat 12th May 2007

4 found this helpful

So it might not be the newest or most exciting restaurant in London, but I always enjoy trustworthy and traditional Italian, and Scalini definitely fits the bill.

Grissini and olives await you as you take your seats, and the service is wonderful. These are not cranky students but people who make their living in the restaurant industry and it shows.

The restaurant itself is lovely but slightly crowded. Mirrors and al fresco paintings abound, it can get pretty noisy in here but I think that's part of the experience.

The menu is very, very traditional - various antipasti misti, prosciutto e melone, soups such as pasta e fagioli, golf ball-sized fluffy gnocchi, roasted veal and lamb... but all of it excellent. The gnocchi was the best I've ever had, really something quite special. Not even my nonna's gnocchi is as good as this!

The wine list is very well chosen albeit a bit pricey - but I guess that's the norm for Chelsea.

This is a restaurant I would definitely return to - but as I am spoiled for choice in London, I'd like to make the rounds first!