For, now, over 50 years Italian restaurant Sale e Pepe has stood in its iconic location in Knightsbridge, loved by locals, out-of-towners and the press, with Vanity Fairy describing it as "perfection". Since 1974, the restaurant has hosted everyone from royalty and Hollywood stars, to rock and rollers and politicians. To celebrate its recent milestone, the place has undergone a glitzy renovation which sees the interiors updated with a sleek, deep grey dining room, alongside a statement, marble bar and a whole new menu.
The menu follows a typically Italian format and is designed for sharing, 'famiglia' style. It holds dear the Mediterranean sensibilities of simple recipes and fresh, seasonal ingredients, always with a focus on high-quality produce. First up, start off with some antipasti such as grilled langoustines, alongside Burrata La Latteria with Datterini tomatoes. If crudo is more your thing, try the Oscietra Royal Caviar blinis, topped with crème fraîche or Mediterranean bluefin tuna tartare with avocado and Pimiento de Espelette.
For mains, you can't go wrong with the catch of the day at market price or signatures like bone-in pan-fried veal chop, or grilled herb-marinated rack of Welsh lamb. Of course, there's always pasta, so tuck in the likes of ravioli with spinach, ricotta, San Marzano tomatoes and basil, or tortellini with pumpkin, sage and pea purée. From skin-on fries to sautéed broccolini with roasted garlic, the sides sound great, too.
Finally, you can't leave without indulging in a dessert, so how does a classic mille feuille or homemade tiramisu sound? The wine list focuses on Italy but offers glasses and bottles from both the North and South, while the cocktail menu showcases a mix of classics as well as the more experimental, like the Cafe Shakerato with Grey Goose Vodka, Averna, espresso and Borghetti Coffee Liqueur