Cantinetta Antinori has already taken its vision of Tuscan hospitality to Zurich, Moscow, Vienna and Monaco, and now it has the UK capital in its sights. The London outpost of this classic elegant osteria is set to land in Belgravia this Autumn and sees the team-up between Italian winemaking family the Antinoris, the Berkmann wine importers and the Monaco Giraudi family, who opened the London-based Le Petit Beefbar.
Initially established in 1957, the original Cantinetta Antinori is based on the ground floor of the historic 15th century Palazzo Antinori in Florence. The London site is expected to draw influence from this, with an air of classic elegance reminiscent of aristocratic Old Florence. It will take over a three-storey building on Harriet Street with design input from architects Humbert & Poyet and ArchFlorence.
Cantinetta Antinori is set to offer ‘all-day traditional Tuscan dining, fine wines and livemusic in an informal yet refined environment.’ If the London menu draws influence from the Florentine site, you can expect to find mouth-watering dishes such as Pappardelle pasta with Tuscan meat ragout, Florentine T-Bone steaks served with potatoes and rosemary, zuppa inglese, bruscetta topped with cavolo nero, and spaghetti with clams. Much of the produce and the majority of the wines are set to come from the Antinori's family estates located in Tuscany and Umbria.
Speaking about the London opening, Harry Mead, managing director, stated: 'Cantinetta Antinori is synonymous with Tuscan warmth and sun – a simple, relaxed yet elegant atmosphere, old-school Italian charm, finest food and wine accompanied by live music every evening. The menu offers the best Tuscan specialties, using fresh, authentic Italian ingredients to recreate many of the traditional dishes for which Cantinetta Antinori is so well known.'