Wow, well this was a real mixed bag! In a way the food (in parts) deserves more than 3 stars, as well as the service, but all and all, this was shambles... Not entirely sure what went wrong, as I can't imagine they were understaffed, perhaps can't handle being busy, since the Tucci mention, but if they want to stay in business, they really have to step up their game.. We were welcomed by a number of staff, everyone was nice, but at start they didn't know what we really ordered (we went with the festive feast £55 per head, so all included except for the wine) so needed to reconfirm this, which is fine, happens, then nobody knew whether we received our bruschette yet (we hadn't). Antipasti was great, very generous. The potato soup was odd as its not easy to eat with just a fork that we were supplied with.. After the plates were cleared, it took quite a bit (around 50 minutes) to get our pasta, which were really tasty, if some a bit cold.. The cacio e Peppe was not as great as advertised, but the rest was pretty tasty.. Nobody at any point asked if we want to order wine. We managed to get 2 bottles in the end (really reasonably priced and tasty) then they started to set us up for desserts, when I asked what's happening with our mains, there was some confusion, as they thought we asked for only the pasta (which we obviously confirmed in email and in person, that it wasn't the case) we then got our mains which was in hindsight could have been skipped, as the coda was just the ragù without the pasta from earlier (it would needed some polenta or something to qualify as a main). Gnocchi was fine if a little dense and the fish with lentils were clearly a rushed decision when they sold out of porchetta, was weird, salty and pointless. Dessert, well even if you had a fight with your Mamma earlier, she would still give you more and better desserts (not to mention, not festive at all). Whilst on their website they say that they need to turn our table in an hour and a half, we left nearly 3 and a half later, which was nice as we haven't seen our friends in a while and it was my wife's birthday, but the reason we stayed this long, was that the service was just way too slow and chaotic. I'm from the industry and the amount of staff they had working, I really don't understand what took so long. And it wasn't just our table, pretty much everyone around us.. I'm not dismissing the place, and I think we'll be back again, giving it an other chance, but Guys, this needs to be sorted. Good luck Oh and one more thing! Whilst on the festive offer it clearly states that it includes coffee and limoncello i was told by two staff members that normally wouldn't get the shots for free, but they'll do it for me... I didn't ask it for free, it's in the price.... Staff needs to be told what they are selling even if the offer just started a couple...
Read moreWe absolutely love the concept of La Mia Mamma restaurant in Chelsea. Every three months customers embark on an Italian culinary journey focusing on one of the Italian regions. The mammas travel from Italy to London with their recipe books to serve their favourite dishes from their local region.
We visited this homely restaurant during Emilia Romagna season which is just east of Tuscany. Emilia Romagna is known as “La Grassa”(the fat!) which is the homeland of some of Italy’s freshest and most authentic pastas.
One thing we noticed immediately was the amount of Italian diners in the restaurant which is always a good sign. We were also greeted with a Buona Sera on arrival (good evening) which is actually rare in London.
The restaurant is split over two floors with seating at the lovely bar area and tables dotted around surrounded by exposed brickwood and photos of the Mamas and maps of Italy.
There are al carte items available which cover all Italian regions but it was all about trying the local region for us! La Mia Mamma offers ‘Mamma’s Menu’ (2 people minimum) where you can build your own menu. The best bit is that dessert and espresso are always included! You can choose from Antipasti to share and pasta (£28pp), add on a Aperol Spritz (£33pp) and add on a main dish (£38pp). Given how much food you get (read on!) the menus are great value.
We obviously kicked off with an Aperol Spritz as an Italian feast is not the same without one nowadays… The antipasti selection to share changes daily depending on mamma’s mood and we can assure you it is plentiful!
Served in small bowls on a platter we had a selection which included mushroom gratin, marinated fried pumpkin, stew of potatoes and beans, potato with bechamel sauce and parmesan cheese, stuffed courgette and gnocci fritto! We have never had such a large antipasti selection! It wasn’t the prettiest but it sure was tasty with lots of variety.
There was a selection of five pastas (most of which are homemade daily) to choose from. We opted for the Tortelloni ricotta e spinaci with butter and sage sauce and lasagne of the day (meat Bolognese). Served in small frying pans, the pasta dishes looked fantastic. The Tortelloni was AMAZING– it tasted so fresh, al dente and was stuffed with filling. If I was being fussy, a little more butter and sage would have been preferable but it was incredible.
As we were pretty stuffed, we shared a dessert (there was a selection of five). We chose the recommendation of chocolate salami made from cocoa, broken biscuits, butter and eggs! It was a small treat, perfect to share at the end of a big meal.
La Mia Mamma is a must visit Italian restaurant in Chelsea. The food was fantastic, we loved the rotation of different Italian regions and the...
Read moreAs an Italian, I can confidently say that if you’re searching for an authentic Italian dining experience, look no further than this delightful restaurant in King’s Road! From the moment you step inside, the warm ambiance and rustic decor transport you straight to Italy.
The menu is a celebration of Sardinian flavors, featuring a range of dishes that are both traditional and innovative. Each plate is crafted with care, highlighting fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes. The starters are plentiful and exquisite, showcasing a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and vibrant antipasti that set the stage for an unforgettable meal.
The malloreddus, a type of Sardinian gnocchi, is a standout—perfectly cooked and complemented by a rich tomato sauce that bursts with flavor. The seafood fregola was equally impressive, showcasing the freshness of the ocean with every bite.
The main courses shine brightly, especially the lamb, which is tender and perfectly seasoned, melting in your mouth with each bite. It captures the essence of Sardinian cooking, reflecting the region’s rich culinary heritage.
To round off the meal, the desserts are nothing short of heavenly. The seada, a traditional Sardinian sweet filled with cheese and drizzled with honey, is a must-try. Paired with the pistachio tiramisu, which adds a delightful twist to the classic dessert, it’s the perfect way to end your dining experience.
Furthermore, what truly elevates this dining experience is the exceptional service provided by the general manager, Stefano. His professionalism is evident in every detail, from the way he greets guests to his knowledgeable recommendations. Stefano creates a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the family.
Adding to the charm is the amazing Ida, the Italian mum in the kitchen, who brings a genuine home-cooked feel to every dish. Her passion for cooking shines through, and the experience is made even more delightful when she steps out to dance with guests, infusing the evening with joy and warmth.
In a world where dining out can often feel rushed, Stefano and his team ensure that every visit is memorable, encouraging guests to savor their meals and enjoy the moment. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates quality Italian cuisine and heartfelt hospitality.
Highly recommended for anyone craving a taste...
Read more