Belvedere

Tucked away in Holland Park, Belvedere fits right in with the glamour of its west London location. There’s a clandestine nature to arriving at the gates of the park after hours, an eerie quiet with nothing but streetlamps to guide your way. It’s a complete parallel to the restaurant that sits at its heart. 

A cosy entrance welcomes you into the building, easing us in before we’re engulfed in the dining room, a large open space that exudes warmth (and not just because of the roaring fire). Terracotta walls and an abundance of foliage give the impression of an evening on a Tuscan terrace. It’s grand and lavish, offering elegance that’s perfectly balanced with charming Italian hospitality. We feel right at home.   

Lello Favuzzi’s creative Mediterranean a la carte is pure excellence from start to finish - we can hardly fault it. Oysters with raspberry granita, make a playful, fruity start. A black fig salad might not sound like much, but it’s packed full of nuts and crumbled smoky ricotta, and we can’t stop eating. 

Beetroot ravioli was a tad chewy, which seems like a rather pedantic gripe for these perfect half-moon pillows that come stuffed with burrata and topped with an extra cheesy parmesan hit. But it’s the chef’s recommendation of added balsamico that brings the dish to life. Desserts take everything up a notch, if it’s even possible at this point with a decadent blueberry and almond tart has us scraping the plate clean.   

An impressive collection of drinks is on offer, and we’re kept in full supply throughout the evening, sampling cocktails, Champagne and perfectly paired wines. Head sommelier, Joseph Pelosi knows exactly what to recommend.  

Prices match the site’s unique location, but if you’re looking to splurge then this one is worth every penny. Attentive service, impeccable cuisine and a buzzing atmosphere are just a few of the reasons we’re already planning to return to Belvedere. 

Located in the heart of Holland Park, Belvedere celebrates beautiful Italian produce and authentic cooking techniques, with head chef Antonio 'Lello' Favuzzi at the helm. Antonio has worked at the likes of The Wolseley, Mortimer House and L'Anima, and brings his passion for the cuisine of his hometown, Sassari, to the gardens of West London. 

Provenance plays a huge role at Belvedere, with much of its premium produce sourced from villages across Italy. Although you'll be dining between the leafy trees of Holland Park, diners are made to feel as though they've been whisked away to Tuscany, thanks to its stunning interiors and authentic food. In the centre of the kitchen lies a wood-fired pizza oven that turns out crispy, thin-crusted pizzas alongside elegant dishes from the a la carte. 

The menu at Belvedere focuses on fresh seafood and classic Mediterranean dishes, from delicate raw plates to ultra-fresh pasta. Starters span the likes of hand-dived grilled scallops and tuna ventresca salad, followed up by whole lobster linguine and black truffle tagliolini. Further down the list, discover a selection of signature main courses and grills, from wild seabass with peas, broad beans and radishes, to rib-eye and chateaubriand steaks, available by weight. Don't miss out on the chance to try something off the dolci list. Sweet options include a Victoria plum and frangipane tart, and a very special tiramisu with toasted hazelnut nibs. 

Pizzas are also given the luxurious treatment, with toppings such as pear, gorgonzola and pecan, and wild mushroom and taleggio. 

The French and Italian-leaning wine list features an extensive selection of Champagne, prosecco and fine wines. While cocktails offer Italian twists on classic drinks, like the Capri Sour made with Gin Mare Capri, grapefruit and lemon verbena, along with amalfi lemon and white peach.