- 39 Albemarle St, Westminster, W1S 4JQ
Words by Alicja McCarthy.
What’s this? A dinner invite to Babbo in Mayfair? How lovely. We do a little research (as you do) into this authentic Italian restaurant as we haven’t come across it before. We’re silly happy to learn we’ll be dining at a world class place. Discovering that Chef Douglas Santi has worked with Alain Ducasse, opening restaurants for him in New York, Las Vegas and Paris (which we’ve been to) not to mention his training under Chef Laurent Saudeau, we’re instantly delirious with excitement.
We receive a warm welcome as we walk through the elegant restaurant; passing framed family photographs and glancing above us to take in the sight of the striking the crystal chandeliers. We are sat by the dark stairs, which are drenched in candlelight. With a gin and tonic in hand we have a great view of the waiters that are clad in full length aprons, the large floral arrangements and the long traditional bar. Instantly the romantic décor of the restaurant makes us think we’re on set of a 1950′s Italian classic film, sat near Sofia Loren and Robert Redford (obviously we’re not, but in a place like this one’s imagination wonders).
The menu is extensive and as stylish as the restaurant and we instantly want everything on the menu. The Maitre d’ suggests that we try the both fish and main courses, which we find hard to resist. Our starters are superb – to share we try fresh Carprese salad and beef carpaccio, which literally melts in the mouth, accompanied with homemade grissini and focaccia bread. Our pasta course (and we really recommend you try the pasta here) is fabulous. The homemade Tagliolini with lobster in tomato sauce and clams is presented beautifully. A wonderful looking dish, it tastes even better… and we’re in no doubt that the “mmmmm’s” coming form our table can be heard in St James’ Park. Our mains – sea bass and traditional veal – are good too. They come in generous portions and we wash them down with the recommended Tuscan 2008 Argiano. If you find it at all possible to fit in dessert, we would recommend the homemade chocolate mousse with fried Amedei Tuscan chocolate balls, it’s ‘diet-out-of-the-window’ pure indulgence.
Babbo is the perfect place for a romantic date or when you really want to splash out. It’s not cheap but the combination of superb food, friendly staff, specially sourced ingredients and the classic and very stylish interiors make this restaurant worth every penny. We even caught a glimpse of Chef Douglas Santi who was chatting with staff and diners, which apparently he does a lot, amidst sittings. Traditional and authentic, Babbo is a hidden gem of Tuscan-inspired food in Mayfair.
Drink
2 x glasses of Aleatico, 2002 £15.00
2 x G&T’s £20.60
1 x rosso Montalcimo £37.00
Starter
1 x Caprese Burrata £14.90
1 x Carpaccio £13.50
Main
1 x Tagliollni £23.15
1 x Gnocchi di Patat £18.20
1 x Filet of Sea Bass £27.50
End
1 x Gelati & sorbett £5.50
1 x Semifreddo al Amedei ciocolato £6.50
1 x Caprese £6.50
TOTAL including service: £253.41
