Lucio

Chelsea has more than its share of tasteful, much-loved Italians, but Lucio remains a solid bet. The tell-tale signs of an upmarket trattoria are all here: framed black-&-white photos of glamorous women from Audrey Hepburn to Brigitte Bardot, comfortably padded chairs, lots of light & a subtle colour scheme (in this case muted rusts & greens). They set the scene perfectly for a seasonal menu that blends elements of old & new Italy: expect traditional dishes such as beef carpaccio or veal milanese alongside more modish offerings like creamy burrata with grilled vegetables or deep-fried courgette flowers filled with goats’ cheese & fresh peas. The homemade pasta is a must, & prices are about right for the area, especially with such charming service.