Bocconcino Mayfair

Italian, Pizza·
££££
·
Silver Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Bocconcino Mayfair

Silver Award

Like many Mayfair haunts, high-end Italian restaurant Bocconcino serves up a slice of wow-factor long before you sit at your table. Guests enter via a mezzanine level and are greeted by smiling hosts, before descending a spiral, mirrored staircase to the dining room - a feat we wouldn't fancy attempting after a few cocktails.

While the glamorous mix of high ceilings, attractive light fixtures and marble surfaces are sure reminders you are in W1, the comforting dishes and top-quality, freshly-made pasta here are almost enough to convince us we have been transported to a quaint Italian trattoria.

We kicked off with a plate of beef carpaccio enlivened by a sharp mustard dressing, and a creamy, oozing sphere of burrata topped with herby pesto. Our pasta course was a tale of two extremes - homely, rich and tender wild boar ragu with tagliatelle contrasted against the unabashed luxury of Scottish lobster linguine, paired with cherry tomatoes that burst in the mouth.

For mains, a herb-crusted rack of lamb was robust and gamey and paired perfectly with a side order of thick-cut chips topped with perfumed, nutty black truffle. Rounding things off was a knock-out dessert in the form of an XL cannolo, wrapped in a crisp fried pastry shell and stuffed with a sugary sweet filling that boasted citrusy notes of orange zest.

Don’t miss Bocconcino’s list of fun house cocktails - we were fans of the refreshingly sweet Red Mexican (Tequila, strawberry syrup, triple sec, lime) - while those looking to splash the cash can indulge with bottles of Italian wines and fizz that are priced north of the £1k mark (more affordable by-the-glass options are also available).

We found service, though always warm, was sometimes slow on our visit but overall Bocconcino impresses with its buzzy atmosphere and surprising versatility - it works for business dinners as much as it does date nights. It was reassuring to see the place full on our Tuesday evening visit and we hear the weekend brunches get pretty lively too.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £50 - £79
Cuisines
Italian, Pizza
Eat at Home
Deliveroo, Takeaway service, Uber Eats
Ambience
Fine dining, Glamorous, Traditional, Unique
Food Occasions
All day dining, Brunch, Dinner, Lunch
Special Features
Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

Found on Mayfair’s Berkeley Street (home to a slew of top restaurants), Bocconcino is a high-end Italian concept, which prides itself on authenticity.

The vast dining room spreads itself across two floors and oozes pure glamour - think mirrored surfaces, imposing columns, glittering chandeliers and a wall of wines. Such unrivalled sophistication does not leave the room feeling cold though, thanks to warm touches such as cosy tub chairs wrapped in leather and a dedicated bar where you can pull up a stool and enjoy a pre- or post-dinner cocktail.

The menu at Bocconcino pays homage to the homely, comforting cuisine of Italy and the a la carte is presented in the traditional four-course Italian format: antipasti, secondi, primi and dolci. Kickstart your meal with dishes such as deep-fried calamari with tartar sauce or burrata served alongside pesto and tomatoes. For your next course, choose between meat or fish (or enjoy both!). Dishes to try include pan-fried Dover sole with capers or rack of lamb with seasonal vegetables.

Of course, no visit to an Italian restaurant would be complete without a pasta course and Bocconcino offers plenty of tempting options. Take your pick between the likes of Scottish lobster linguine, seafood risotto or tagliatelle with wild boar ragu. You can pad out your meal with side orders of truffle topped chips or various salads, while to round things off, tuck into a tempting pudding from the list of options - think homemade Sicilian cannolo with pistachio ice cream or New York cheesecake with passionfruit compote.

If you prefer liquid desserts, take the time to explore Bocconcino’s list of Italian wines and traditional house cocktails, which you can sip while you listen to the tunes of a live DJ (Wednesday-Saturday). On weekends, stop by to try out the bottomless pizza and bubbles brunch.


FAQs

Can you book Bocconcino?

Yes, booking in advance is recommended but walk-ins are welcome when there is space.

Helpful? 0

Are there vegetarian options on the menu at Bocconcino?

Yes, there are vegetarian options on the menu.

Helpful? 0

Does Bocconcino have a dress code?

There is no official dress code, but most diners opt for a smart casual look.

Helpful? 0

This venue also offers

Bocconcino Mayfair
Private Group Dining

Bocconcino Mayfair

Location

19 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8ED

020 7499 4510 020 7499 4510

Website

Opening Times

All day
Mon 12:00-23:30
Tue 12:00-23:30
Wed 12:00-23:30
Thu 12:00-23:30
Fri 12:00-23:30
Sat 12:00-23:30
Sun 12:00-23:30

Reviews

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11 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Elaine P

16 October 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 3.5
Value 3.5

Anon

03 November 2022   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 4
Service 4
Atmosphere 4
Value 4

Good quality pizzas, staff and ambience very pleasant on the lunchtime we visited - a bit pricey perhaps but not really unexpected given the location

Harry S

25 April 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 3.5
Value 4.5
The best option for a family dinner

I love this place. The best venue for family dinners. Food is delicious!

Anon

05 October 2021  
Food & Drink 1
Service 1
Atmosphere 1
Value 1
WORST PLACE I HAVE EVER EATEN

I have even emailed the manager since with no reply...

I am absolutely horrified with the service I received.

I arrived just before 11pm and we got sat down, we ordered right away as I knew the kitchen shut at 11.15 as called prior, I was trying to be as courteous as possible because it was late.

Firstly, our starters came out wrong and we had to send it back, I understand this is not a big issue - mistakes happen.
However, It took until we had finished our starters for one of the drinks to come (we even had to remind the staff)

Our mains came, I asked 3 times during my mains for condiments that never came, it really wasn’t that busy in the restaurant.

The most appalling part about the night was whilst I am eating my mains a waitress brings out the desserts and says you need to have your dessert now because the kitchen is closed. This was around 11.50pm so we said to the waitress in shock We thought you closed at 12:30 and were told on weekdays the restaurant closes at 12:00pm. I am even more shocked….
as looking at your website this morning it states you are open until 12:30pm. The waitress proceeded to leave the desert on the table whilst I am still eating my mains and walks away.

Unbelievably if that wasn’t bad enough another waiter came over at 11.58 with the card machine for the bill Whilst still eating the desert wanting us to pay.

I genuinely have never received such appalling service in my life.

Please also see trip advisor for the photo of the seat I was sat on, for a £200 meal I don't think any of this is acceptable.

Misha B

02 August 2021  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Worth it!

A beautiful restaurant recommended to me by a friend! Certainly suitable for a celebration, we were there for my partner's birthday and they made is so special. The food is amazing, we loved everything from the starters to dessert (we were sooo full but still just had to try their desserts!). Our waiter was lovely and very helful with choosing wine/cocktails!.

Will certainly come back, I think this would be a great place to take my parents for a day out in Central!

Sam H

02 August 2021  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Lovely Italian food and fun atmosphere

Top restaurant in Mayfair with a fun vibe. We went as a large group of friend's birthday and all enjoyed everything - starters, mains, desserts and cocktails. Extensive menu for the food, cocktails and wine - you're bound to find something to your taste.

Alex G

25 June 2021  
Food & Drink 3.5
Service 4
Atmosphere 3
Value 2.5
La dolce vita, bling edition

Bocconcino’s website asserts that its restaurant is “one of the most luxurious, authentic Italian experiences in London.” Without doubt it offers a certain form of luxury – if excess is your kind of thing – but what it may gain in this respect, it undoubtedly loses in terms of authenticity. Restaurants that operate 200+ covers over two floors and are bedecked with lots of gold fittings, mirrors and mood-enhancing lights are rarely to be found in Italy, in my experience, but are certainly far from uncommon in well-heeled districts of London. The only Italian I heard spoken at Bocconcino was admittedly by the waiters, with the majority of the diners most likely there on expenses-paid business lunches or people wanting to be seen at a high-end and sort of on-trend location. In a venue of such size, one assumes that the kitchen much also be pretty large, hence the dimensions of the menu (both literally – it is a statement piece – and the dishes on offer). There’s something for everyone, whether it’s a beef tartare and truffle starter for a mere £28 or the ‘bargain’ Margherita pizza at £15. At least no one will be disappointed with the range. Critics may, however, assert that were the restaurant to focus on fewer dishes, then the standard might arguably be higher. Maybe the angle of Bocconcino is not one of seeking repeat business; more, ‘let them eat pizza/pasta’ – and be done with it. Cynicism aside, the selection of starters which our group of six shared were mostly successes. A burrata and tomato combination was both colourful and tasty while the Jerusalem artichoke and veal sauce pairing with scallops was inspired. We did try the much vaunted tartare, which was decent, although the addition of bog-standard crisps to the top of the dish was not only curious but also undermined its impact. Many of our group’s mains got the thumbs up, although two in our party (your reviewer included) chose the black taglione and crab offering. It lacked either distinct flavour or texture and my comrade’s half-finished platter spoke volumes. The wine list tells a similar story to the food menu. There are bottles across the spectrum, and it pays to choose carefully. We were pleased with our Sauvignon Blanc from the Alto Adige and a Rosso di Montalcino from the ever-reliable Antinori. Service throughout was professional and enthusiastic. Choose Bocconicino as a venue for large groups – whose size and varied tastes can be catered for well – but there are undoubtedly better (and more authentic) Italian dining experiences in London.

Nick R

16 July 2016  
Food & Drink 2
Service 2
Atmosphere 3
Value 0.5
Not worth it
Very average food, moody service. Nice decor buts that's it. For the price there are much better options

Graham S

16 June 2016  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 4.5
Value 5
Incredible value, delicious food & lovely vibe
I had dinner a couple of weeks ago, enjoyed a few starters to share with friends and pasta dishes and pizzas that we all tried and shared. It is superb! The service was impeccable, very friendly and funny staff, the place is very clean and warm, we felt treated like kings and queens. The bill was very affordable considering we had so much to eat and a few bottles of wine between us. I still can't believe how great and unpretentious the place is for Mayfair! We initially thought we'd go to Novikov across the road, but seeing the prices did put us off for dinner since we were going out afterwards. I will always go to Bocconcino for dinner when going out in the westend afterwards. It sets up a great vibe, we were able to chat and laugh over dinner, followed by drinks and dance in Piccadilly.. that I won't remember much so I can't review the club sorry! I cannot recommend it more, seriously guys, go there it's absolutely lovely and delicious!

paul S

01 October 2015  
Food & Drink 2.5
Service 1
Atmosphere 2.5
Value 3.5
Chef unable to get food out on time!!
This is the second time i have been here for lunch, I thought the first time I went and had a bad experience was a one off. But unfortunately i was wrong. We had to wait almost 20 minutes for waitress to take our orders, even after we made it blatantly obvious we wanted to order. Starters came after 20 minutes, we then had to wait nearly 45 minutes for our mains which did not even arrive at the same time. Two of our guests were served first, myself and my friend were served between 5 and 10 minutes later. This was exactly what happened last time I came. Total rubbish. Waitress gave us some BS excuse that the restaurant is very big. For a chef not to get food out on time is not acceptable especially if you have a business lunch on a tight schedule. Once i can overlook, twice is just incompetence. I will not be going back any time soon!!!
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