Manicomio Chelsea

Those looking to escape the frenetic pace of the King’s Road need look no further than upmarket Italian restaurant Manicomio, a stalwart of Chelsea’s Duke of York Square. Its expansive, floral terrace is perfect for people-watching in all seasons and can definitely be counted among the best spots for alfresco dining in the capital.

Freshly-baked focaccia served promptly by smart staff set the standard for an evening of beautiful food and wine, starting with creamy burrata with prosciutto, peach and fennel, and zucchini flowers with stracchino cheese. From a choice of good-looking mains, our smoked aubergine, broccolini and cashew quinoa was a winner, perfectly complemented by a smoky Chardonnay.

As with the rest of the menu, desserts don’t come cheap, so choose wisely. Our dark chocolate mousse with salted caramel and milk ice cream was as decadent as it sounds, but the strawberry meringue was underwhelming. A patriotic wine list showcases bottles from all parts of Italy, including the islands, plus a small selection from elsewhere.

Long-standing Italian restaurant Manicomio Chelsea (there’s a sibling site in the City) is a fixture of Chelsea’s Duke of York Square and well-known among locals as a reliably good place to eat. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Manicomio Chelsea can cater to almost every culinary whim, with well-drilled staff and a warm atmosphere coming as standard.

The dining room here is a sleek and sophisticated affair, complete with navy blue walls, brown leather banquette seating and heavily dressed tables. As for the menu, expect a short but well considered list of classic and contemporary Italian dishes, primed for comfort and indulgence (although there are a few more virtuous offerings for the health conscious too). To begin your meal, order antipasti such as homemade focaccia, a warm bowl of seasonal soup or London burrata with grilled English asparagus and yuzu miso dressing.

For your pasta course, choose between dishes such as rigatoni with native lobster, tomato, chilli and garlic or potato gnocchi with Tuscan sausage and wild fennel ragu. Meat and fish options meanwhile include a classic chicken Milanese with grilled lettuces, runner beans and a Parmesan and caesar dressing, as well as char-grilled yellowfin tuna accompanied by a Panzanella salad. You can also pad out your meal with side orders including zucchini fritti and rosemary al forno potatoes.

For pudding, tuck into traditional Italian desserts of gelato or tiramisu, or cater to savoury preferences with an artisan British cheese board to share between the table. For those who prefer liquid afters, be sure to peruse Manicomio Chelsea’s vast selection of European wines, while those who diners who favour other alcoholic beverages won’t miss out either thanks to Manicmio’s selection of classic cocktails sitting alongside house signatures, plus a range of craft beers and pale ales too.