Named in honour of its owner’s favourite horse, Il Pampero is nestled within The Hari, a 5-star boutique hotel in Belgravia. The restaurant presents an authentic Italian fine dining experience with a warm, inviting ambiance – a true gem in bustling London.
Italian elegance with London flair
This high-end establishment is set in an elegant, lavish basement designed by renowned Tara Bernerd, whose projects also include The Hari Hong Kong and prestigious hotels like the Kimpton Fitzroy and Rosewood.
Gold accents, dark green leathers, monochrome floor tiles, and soft lighting create an inviting atmosphere with a touch of European old-world glamour. Black-and-white photographs on the walls add character, while intimidate and spacious booths provide an ideal setting for a romantic evening or a relaxed catch-up. During our Friday visit, ambient live music and welcoming waitstaff enhanced the experience with friendly conversation and thoughtful menu suggestions.
Taste of tradition
Inspired by the flavours of Southern Italy, the menu delivers a refined yet classic taste of the country. We began with a basket of homemade rosemary focaccia, followed by grilled octopus – a tender, rich dish served with chickpea purée and red “bagnetto” sauce. This delicacy was too good to share and oozing with flavour. The Carpaccio Di Manzo, a beautifully plated starter of pepper-seared beef carpaccio with pickled wild mushrooms, ricotta, and aged Parmesan, was also absolutely delicious.
For the main course it’s impossible to resist the alluring list of pasta dishes, from fresh spaghetti and potato gnocchi to artichoke tortillon, and much more. We chose the pappardelle with wild boar ragu and 36-month-aged Parmesan, which was as impressive as it sounds.
Among the antipasti, the stewed rabbit leg in tomato and herb sauce with roasted saddle ballotine and soft polenta was a standout. There are plenty of sides to supplement the mains like spinach in garlic, olive oil, pine nuts & raisins to the popular zucchini fritter, roast potatoes with garlic & rosemary and rocket and parmesan salad.
Signature tableside tiramisu
The dessert list – if you have room – is exactly what you would expect at a high-end Italian, with cream, coffee and chocolate all making repeat appearances. The “signature” option – yes you guessed it – is of course the tiramisu, which is more of an experience than a dessert.
A special trolley is wheeled over with all the ingredients, then the tiramisu is prepared in front of you with layers of espresso-soaked lady fingers, sumptuous mascarpone cream and a selection of Italian liqueurs, equipped to soak up all the goodness.
Guests are invited to choose from traditional Disaronno, hazelnut and herb – flavoured Frangelico or Borghetti. Italian liqueur made from real espresso coffee, for their tiramisu. The result was divine. Nocciolato – a chocolate & hazelnut sphere with frangipane and warm Gianduja sauce was an enticing alternative.
From Negronis to vintage reds
Il Pampero’s sommelier-curated wine list, featuring bottles from Umbria, Trentino, and Tuscany, beautifully complementing each dish.
For those preferring cocktails, the bar is renowned for its innovative Negroni menu, which includes unique creations like the “Butter Me Up” – a blend of The Hari’s own gin, white vermouth, and homemade butter and sage syrup. The bar’s elegant setting, complete with crisp white-jacketed bartenders and a chic atmosphere, makes it an ideal spot for both pre-dinner aperitifs and intimate gatherings.
Guests can also enjoy a cocktail at the open-air Garden Terrace – a hidden gem and there is no need to worry about the weather, it’s covered and heated in the winter. An enchanting evening is practically guaranteed.
Il Pampero is located at 20 Chesham Pl, London SW1X 8HQ.
More information can be found here.
Image credits: © Il Pampero
