Frantoio By Bucci — Restaurant in London

“In a word SUPERB!!!”

Now what more can you say about his place? In a word superb sums it up quite nicely but let me share more details as to why. We had booked a table for a team dinner and from start to finish the evening was fantastic. When you walk in you are greeted warmly and friendly. The owner seems to have an ability to determine where someone is from and this is one of the things that amazes you when you enter. He speaks English and German an probably a few more languages.

The restaurant itself is tidy, well presented and has a warm feeling about it. You are seated and you get some delicious fresh bread in a couple of different varieties as well as some olive oil, balsamic vinegar and olives to snack on straight away. The menu is varied but small and there is something for everyone I believe. The food itself is served in good time and the quality is out of this world. I personally had the bruschetta followed by entrecôte with barrel aged balsamic vinegar, some salads with fresh tomatoes and some vegetables and potatoes.

The food is fresh, of outstanding quality and beautifully presented. The thing that makes me give maximum points for this place is the combination of items. The people working there are amazing, the owner is entertaining and witty, everyone is attentive and helpful and the food is fantastic. Throw in a bottle of superb red wine and the evening can only be a success. It was, in my opinion, one of the best evenings and restaurant experiences that I have had in...

Local Italian restaurant with owners who care about their business and place an emphasis on the dining experience. The table is set beautifully with tea light candles, white linen tablecloths, breadsticks and decor. The mural on the wall makes the restaurant warm and the servers are top notch. They treated us like we were at a five star Michelin rated restaurant. The owners were very friendly and personable not to mention funny. There is a no cell phone rule: ringers need to be turned off. This is to enhance the dining experience and have diners actually relax, engaging in conversation and eat.

Now onto the food. I had the tagliatelle with mushrooms. It unfortunately had very little on it so it was dry and lacked flavor (other than the mushrooms). I think the kitchen forgot to add olive oil, salt and pepper so I kept adding it since there was olive oil on the table. Wouldn’t get it again.

My husband had the sea bass which was brought out whole and they asked my husband if he wanting them to debone it. They did and my husband devoured it (except for the small bones that were hard to remove). I wished I got the fish based on his rave review.

Though service is impeccable and the restaurant has an elegance to it diners can wear jeans and a sweater. I appreciated that. They make you feel at home and...

Those in the know, know Bucci

What a pleasant surprise this was. So many years I spent walking from the Fulham end of Kings Road right into Sloane Square. At the start of my trek, furniture shops. At the end, clothes shops and Peter Jones. Nothing in between was noticed, this being Worlds End!

But that is the secret of Bucci. He doesn’t need high foot fall. His natural charisma, beautiful restaurant and lovely food keeps generations of diners coming back. It runs off onto all patrons who are graced to enter his premises.

We went for Father’s Day, and our attention was caught by someone flamboyant and engaging. Bucci. Could be a film star. Could be a football manager. Could be a game show presenter. Too good to be a restaurant owner. Must be a patron. What little were we to know !

The food was up there with the best Italians of Rome, Venice, Siena or Milan. Nice and varied with a chef who can cook anything Italian well. The wine list is good, albeit wines are becoming so much rarer enjoyed things these days.

Don’t be afraid of talking to Bucci … he doesn’t bite. And you might just leave the place happier than when you entered.

Looking forwards to coming...