Maria G's Fulham

A second site for Robin Gill and Aaron Potter’s modern Italian has landed on Fulham Riverside, with beautiful views overlooking the Thames. Gill has a thing for more idiosyncratic sites but this one is the best so far in our book - a gorgeous, serene spot, decked out in emerald wood panelling, red leather and marble, with an expansive terrace to boot. It’s not immediately obvious where to enter (clue, it’s via the main housing block), but once you’re in, the team makes you feel right at home.

London isn’t exactly short of Italian restaurants, and yet, it doesn’t have anything quite like Maria G’s. The menu undoubtedly has an Italian soul, but Potter and team are taking it a step further, combining broader Mediterranean and British ideas to create some really fun, exciting new dishes.

Take for example a gorgeous ravioli, which is packed so full of Orkney scallop and Devon crab that it has a flying saucer roundness to it, before being dunked in a wonderful, murky shellfish bisque. Where many Italian restaurants would just serve you a good burrata, Maria G’s changes up the textures with burrata fritti and a golden raisin mostarda - a combo that conjures the essence of Sicily, but still delivers something fresh and interesting.

Even in the basics, the quality of the cooking is excellent. A focaccia shouldn’t be a tricky thing but Maria G’s focaccia is a gorgeous, light, springy slab, a perfect example of how delicious simple things can be. A main of red mullet in Puttanesca butter with winter tomato bruschetta, again, is beautifully executed, and really elevates the essential parts of what makes food around Italy’s shores so delicious.

The cocktail list is equally intelligent, with smart, dangerously drinkable takes on classic aperitivi. When summer arrives and the riverside terrace is open for business, we can’t think of anywhere better to grab a negroni sbagliato and a bite to eat.

Maria G's is relaxed neighbourhood restaurant and bar with two sites currently in London, the first over in Kensington, and this one in the heart of Fulham. Offering a laid-back ambience and a wealth of all-day menus that focus on produce-led, brasserie dishes, it's a vibrant spot suited to everything from elegant special occasions to casual family dinners. You can find it sitting pretty on the banks of the River Thames, with a beautiful outdoor terrace that allows diners to make the most of its prime location.  

The menu hinges around beautifully fresh ingredients, from seasonal vegetables to grilled meat and fresh seafood, and works closely with a tried-and-tested family of suppliers to deliver the best possible produce every day. This means that the menu is constantly changing to reflect what's available and seasonal. 

If you're dining for dinner, the a la carte menu offers a variety of snacks, starters, mains, sides and desserts. Kick things off with the likes of ham hock terrine with mustard and pickles, or a chicken Caesar salad, followed by macaroni gratin, fish and chips or its signaure cheeseburger. Desserts go along the classic route too, from tiramisu to a warm chocolate fondant. The restaurant is open all day, from breakfast through to lunch and evening cocktails, and offers a warm and welcoming place to relax with friends. 

There is also a 50-cover bar overlooking the river with a small outdoor terrace. Here, diners can enjoy killer cocktails mixed up by bar manager Emmanuel Ferris-Hue. While a European wine list features producers predominantly from Italy, France and Spain. 

Make sure to bag yourself a seat on the terrace during the summer months, although its retractable roof and outdoor heaters make it a desirable drinking and dining destination year-round.