Sale e Pepe

A Knightsbridge institution since 1974, Sale e Pepe has returned for its second act, with a new lick of paint courtesy of the Thesleff Group. Once the hangout for the likes of Rod Stewart and Diana Ross, today it attracts a new generation of star-studded clientele.  

A long, marble-topped bar greets us as we step inside, decked out with neon lights - a contemporary touch that leans into the revival. The dining room, however, remains surprisingly old school, sporting white tablecloths, flickering oil candles, and mocha-toned booths, although a collection of eccentric, abstract artwork and bronzed detailing helps unite the two spaces. Smartly waistcoated staff are astute in their service, ensuring no glass is unfilled, and seamlessly reeling off recommendations. 

We start with gamberi scottati. The red prawns arrive barely cooked, just a couple of seconds on each side, bathed in Amalfi lemon and lashings of olive oil. It’s as zippy as it is pungent - and not for the faint hearted. A tuna tartare is more mellow, creamy avocado topped with incredibly fresh bluefin and slivers of radish, doused in espelette pepper for a subtle kick. It’s refined but unfussy - the Sale e Pepe way. 

Mains are equally comforting, with a home-cooked feel to each plate. Thick paccheri tubes of pasta lean al dente, coated in a creamy, booze-drenched tomato vodka sauce, thick with parmesan and black pepper to finish. Veal Milanese, meanwhile, is unapologetically retro. A bone-in chop is breaded and fried, and it arrives with a pleasing char, generously salted, and brightened with a touch of lemon. 

The meal ends the way every Italian should: with a shot of limoncello and a generous scoop of tiramisu straight from a tray. Thick layers of mascarpone are stacked atop a rich sponge, doused in a hearty amount of chocolate, that has us scraping the plate clean.  

Prices are firmly in Knightsbridge territory, but Sale e Pepe delivers on its promise. It’s polished, familiar, and gently refreshed, and it’s clear to see why it's still considered a classic. 

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