Il Ristorante

Bulgari Hotel & Residences, 171 Knightsbridge, London, SW7 1DW - View on a map
Telephone: 020 7151 1025

Il Ristorante Restaurant In London
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Overall 9.0
Food 9.3
Service 9.0
Atmosphere 9.0
Value 8.8
Based on 6 reviews

our review

The Bulgari Hotel & Residences has opened in Knightsbridge with a flagship Italian eatery - Il Ristorante. The head chef is Robbie Pepin, who previously worked at Aubergine, the Four Seasons in Florence, and two Alain Ducasse restaurants in Italy.

June 2012

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Situated in the heart of Knightsbridge home to famous stores like Harrods, Harvey Nichols and the flagship stores of many British and international fashion houses, but also hosts some of the best restaurants and dining spots in the whole of London.

Il Ristorante Bulgari Hotel & Residence London, newly opened is an absolute experience. I would definitely recommend going to such an elegant hotel- truly 5 star at its best, you will not be disappointed.

I was truly amazed with the waitress knowledge of the food when questioned. The service is impeccable, the food well presented and flavoursome – will definitely keep your taste buds happy!!!

I love the Piccoli Morsi; choice of antipasti-a few bites to share to start your meal. My favourite has to be the Aubergine caviar, Caprese – mozzarella and tomatoes & the Insalata di calamaretti; contains of squid, courgettes tomatoes and marjoram salad – delish. MUST TRY!!!

Intrigue with their new set lunch menu, I had to revisit. I enjoyed my previous dinner experience at Il Ristorante and with a new set lunch menu for £30 I couldn’t resist.

Just as I expected the service was fast and efficient – I chose the Cod mantecato with clams and Olive Taggiasca for my starter then main course Roasted monkfish tail, braised fennel and lemon confit…DELISH!!! Finally my dessert Grapefruit macaroon with hazel nut Chantilly- “SIMPLY DIVINE!!!”

This place is flawless, I will definitely go back.
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Janice
Overall rating 9 stars
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Thursday, November 01, 2012

My dinner at “Il Ristorante” – Bulgari Hotel London was a luxury and classy experience that brought me back home, to Italy.

The Menu offers a refined selection of Mediterranean foods. I do recommend “Piccoli Morsi” ideal to try and share Italian delightful starters and, as a dessert, the “Limone candito”, a traditional recipe with Amalfi lemon: the perfume and the taste literally made me feel on the Italian Amalfi Coast!

The service was flawless: formal and sophisticated but at the same time careful and friendly.

I’ll definitely go back to feel this unique atmosphere again!
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Elisabetta
Overall rating 9 stars
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Thursday, July 19, 2012

Dining at Il Ristorante evokes class. From Bulgari’s opulent surroundings and huge feature staircase, to the faultless service in the dining room. It measures up extremely well against other fine dining restaurants and brings something different to the luxury hotel offerings currently available in London.

The food is predominantly a celebration of the vegetable and of the fish. Brilliant arrangements of colourful spring and summer vegetables accompany perfectly cooked seabass. A stand out performer in the delicious symphony of a meal recently enjoyed.

Meat and fish sing tenor alongside their vegetable sopranos, who often steal the show. First up, there are a number of “small morsel” selections to choose from, such as prosciutto and bresaola. Starters offer a number of exciting and beautifully constructed salads, and the expected pasta and risotto dishes.

The focus here is always on the ingredient, and none of the food feels overproduced or heavy. Even the selections of pasta, served at the table out of a cooper pot by the waiter, were light and sharp. There is a breezy southern Mediterranean feel to the menu which is welcome in this fantastic British summer (oh..).

The presentation and colour on the plate is vibrant and fun, and the absence of stodgy sauces gives the food a delicate and healthier quality. Desserts revert back to type however, when the Italian-mamma size serves of delectable tiramisu and puddings bellow contralto to the table.

The service we experienced in the dining room was fantastic. The staff struck the perfect balance between appropriate formality when taking order and presenting food, whilst being congenial enough to have a laugh and make us feel at home. The head sommelier provided a commendable service and helpfully took us through a well balanced and approachable wine list. He suggested a perfectly weighted rose champagne to start, and paired the meal well with a selection of Italian reds and whites. Apologies, I’ve run out of operatic metaphors for this paragraph.

This is a fine dining experience and accordingly comes in at cost, though its one that’s expected and there were no hidden surprises. Value for money is a relative concept, bringing me back to my opening point. Il Ristorante at the Bulgari London is a choice for those looking for a luxury dining experience. However, its peers often require rigid commitment to tasting menus, or a marathon session in the gym to prepare. I think that the accessibility of the menu and wine list make Il Ristorante a more open proposition to many other fine dining offerings.
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Lenoir
Overall rating 9 stars
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, July 04, 2012

I visited this restaurant recently, and I am scheduled to return this evening for dinner too... On arrival at the table, you are presented with grissini with the most enjoyable accompaniment (I must get the name, because it would be great if this was available for retail), then a bread selection (focaccia to die for!!).

There is a great selection of fish dishes available, and I tried the monkfish (which was a recommended dish by Bodyism - the resident personal trainers at the hotel), and it was PERFECT!

It was an exceptional evening - a sophisticated environment, great food, and really attentive yet unobtrusive service...

And, it is true here that some of the best things in life are free, or certainly worth paying for.....
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macaddict
Overall rating 10 stars
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Everything was excellent. Of course, as all good places a little bit expensive but honest! We had Piccoli Morsi - very fresh and delightful, then I had some spaghetti and a "branzino". Service is fast and efficient. I recommend to reserve a table rather to trust to find one free...
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Richard
Overall rating 10 stars
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, July 02, 2012

Great interiors accompany an excellent and tasteful menu. Service was very good, fast and very friendly.

Being Italian I have especially enjoyed the risotto with bone-marrow which is definitely a 'must eat'.

Fair value for money, will definitely go back!
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Valentina
Overall rating 9 stars
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, June 27, 2012

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