With pasta made fresh on-site, it’s impossible to resist in its various incarnations on the menu. The glamorous central bar is irresistible for a classic Italian aperitivo (beware the deliciously strong Negroni) before sitting down to a feast of antipasti that include beef carpaccio with generous shavings of black truffle and surprisingly moreish fried scamorza (smoked cheese) bites served on a bed of radicchio with balsamic vinegar.
It’s elegant without being ostentatious, and the leather-clad window booths add an important touch of cosiness (perfect for a date). Hidden below street level in the swishy Hari Hotel, stepping into Il Pampero feels like stepping back into to a bygone era of Italian glamour, all white tablecloths, deep green furnishings, low lighting and charming Italian waiters. TRY: You absolutely must try the vegetarian pumpkin pizza with goat’s cheese, chilli and rocket.
Lastly, the Negoroni ice cream sandwiched between a crunchy cocoa nib sprinkled dark chocolate biscuit was the perfect way to round off the ultimate Italian indulgence. The tempting selection of small plates include a creamy burrata with artichoke salad and basil pesto, mozzarella, lardo and garlic bread pizetta and rustic short rib arancini with puttanesca sauce – ideal for sharing with friends among free-flowing glasses of wine.įor the main course, the delicious pasta selection takes you on a tour across Italy, from the ruins of Rome with the traditional fazoletti carbonara (as amazing as it sounds), right to the coast with the classic seafood squid ink linguine, clams, garlic and chilli. Led by Head Chef Joe Howley, the menu returns with a new revamp, framing the traditional and familiar Italian flavours and styles with a modern setting. Passo is a lively and effortlessly cool restaurant, with authentic hand-made pasta and Neapolitan-style pizzas bringing a taste of Italy to the bustling streets of London.