'O Ver St. James - Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in London

A little corner of Italy tucked away in London that’s exactly how I’d describe my evening at O’ver.

I had been hearing whispers about this place for a while, but nothing quite prepared me for how magical it actually felt. The ambiance was so warm and intimate dim candlelight, subtle details, and that comforting buzz of people genuinely enjoying their food and company. It was one of those rare places where the vibe hits just right the moment you walk in.

We started with the Cuoppo di Mare -lightly fried Scottish squid and Mediterranean prawns served with their O’ver lime mayo. The seafood was perfectly cooked, not too greasy, and paired so beautifully with the citrusy mayo that we found ourselves wanting more with every bite. Then came the Fiorillo di Zucca, and honestly, it stole the show. The courgette flower was delicately fried and filled with buffalo ricotta, smoked mozzarella, anchovies, black pepper, and a touch of Sorrento lemon zest. It was rich, balanced, and probably one of the most unique starters I’ve had in London.

For mains, we couldn’t resist trying their sea water pizza. I went for the Piacentina ,the yellow base, the flavors, the texture of the dough ,it was next level. You can tell they care about their craft, from the ingredients they use to how everything comes together on the plate. Alongside that, we ordered the Tortelloni alla Parmigiana. Handmade pasta filled with aubergine parmigiana, cooked in the freshest tomato sauce and finished with aged Parmigiano Reggiano and basil. It was the definition of comfort food, elevated.

We ended on a sweet note with their classic tiramisu and a scoop of dark chocolate gelato. The tiramisu was airy and perfectly layered, while the gelato was rich and velvety the kind that makes you stop mid-bite just to appreciate it.

All of this was beautifully paired with a chilled glass of Chardonnay from Puglia 🍷The Rivale. Light, crisp, and just what we needed to round off the evening.

It’s rare to find a place that gets everything right 🍝the food, the mood, the service 🤌🏻but O’ver did. It felt like a little escape, a mini Italian holiday, right in the heart of London. I’ll...

O’ver | St. James, authentic Neapolitan Dining in the Heart of London

Nestled in a quiet corner of St. James, just steps from the hustle of Piccadilly, O’ver is a hidden gem that delivers true Italian craftsmanship with style and sincerity.

Ambience

The interior strikes a perfect balance between elegance and warmth, soft lighting, natural materials, and an open kitchen set the stage for a relaxed yet refined dining experience.

Concept

O’ver means “truth” in Neapolitan dialect, and that’s exactly what you get. Their unique philosophy includes the use of pure sea water in the dough for pizzas, bread, and pasta, resulting in lighter, more digestible, and genuinely flavorful food.

Food Highlights

Everything we ordered was beautifully presented and bursting with freshness. Standouts included: • Melanzane Parmigiana – A classic done to perfection, with smoked mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes. • Tavolara Salad – A gorgeous mix of leaves, fig, pecorino, and walnuts with a honey-orange dressing. • Fettuccina al 2 Pomodori – Fresh pasta with two varieties of tomatoes and Sicilian olive oil, simple, fragrant, and perfectly balanced. • Friarielli – Sautéed Vesuvian broccoli with garlic and chili, earthy and authentic.

The homemade focaccia is a must-try: soft, warm, and addictive.

Drinks

We tried a custom passionfruit Bellini (since they were out of peach), light, refreshing, and unexpectedly delightful. The cocktail list is thoughtfully curated, and the White Negroni is a bold yet elegant choice. Wine lovers will appreciate a good selection of Italian classics.

Service

Impeccable service throughout, warm, attentive, and genuinely Italian in spirit. We never felt rushed, and the pace of the evening allowed us to truly unwind and enjoy each course.

Verdict

O’ver is the kind of place you remember, not just for the food, but for how it makes you feel. It’s authentic without being cliché, upscale without pretension, and every bite tells a story. Whether you’re after a quiet lunch or an intimate dinner, it’s easily one of London’s best Italian...

A Culinary Masterpiece by Chef Giorgio

I recently had the pleasure of enjoying lunch at O Ver St. James, and it was an extraordinary experience.

Ambiance: We were seated outside on the sunny terrace, which added to the charm of our dining experience.

Service: The service was impeccable, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who made our outdoor dining experience truly special. Their passion for Italian cuisine was evident, and their recommendations were spot on.

Food: Our culinary journey began with amazing starters that set the tone for an exceptional meal. The wood oven pizza was a revelation, and it was just the beginning. Chef Giorgio's talents were showcased in every dish.

Tagliolini with Mazara Prawns: This dish, featuring fresh Mazara prawns from Sicily, was a true highlight. The tagliolini pasta was cooked to perfection, and the prawns added a burst of flavour that transported our taste buds to the Mediterranean.

Desserts: For the grand finale, we indulged in the Amarena Croccante and Tiramisu. These desserts were a sublime ending to an already magnificent meal.

In summary, O Ver delivered a memorable outdoor lunch with delicious food and top-notch service. Chef Giorgio's creations, including the incredible Tagliolini with Mazara Prawns, were a testament to his culinary expertise. The sunny terrace and the wood oven pizza added to the charm, and the desserts were a delightful conclusion. If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, this is a must-visit. I'll be returning soon to savour more of Chef Giorgio's...