Mayfair isn’t exactly known as the place for budget-minded Londoners to head to when they’re in search of a wallet-friendly meal. However, a new Italian restaurant called Stampa hopes to change that perception with its casual menu of morning breakfast options and affordable pasta dishes available from lunch until late afternoon.
Here, all plates of pasta clock in at £10 or less, with the pasta made fresh on-site in the restaurant every day. Classic varieties to choose from include cacio e pepe, rigatoni carbonara and a pappardelle ox cheek ragu. Stampa also offers antipasti such as burrata and rosemary focaccia served with olive oil, while a portion of tiramisu is the sole dessert available.
Diners can pick from a selection of Italian-accented cocktails, beers, wines and fizz to wash the pasta down with. The cocktail list naturally features Aperol Spritz, a Peach and Cherry Bellini and an Espresso Martini, while a concise selection of Italian-leaning wines are available by both the glass and bottle.
In the morning, Stampa serves breakfast, with both grab ‘n’ go and dine-in options available. If you’re in a rush, you can pick up a cheese croissant or bacon and egg butty, while those who have more time to spare can tuck into a hearty full English, or a helping of spicy nduja beans on focaccia.
Stampa occupies the former site of Mayfair Pasta & Sandwich, and is done out to look like a retro Italian diner, taking its inspiration from the laid-back worker bars found in the Trastevere district of Rome. It’s a casual and minimalist space, with enough room for 20 diners across banquette-style seating. The founders aren’t strangers to the area either, as the team behind Stampa also look after Mayfair’s The Running Horse, a pub and wine bar on the same street.