Classic Italian Flavours at Amalfi, St Paul’s
London is a city of many faces and part of its charm lies in wandering the streets, discovering something new around every corner. Today this wandering brings us into the heart of the City for lunch at Amalfi, St Paul’s, a restaurant that opened its doors in October 2025 and sits opposite one of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks.
St Paul’s has anchored this part of London since the late seventh century in various forms with earlier versions repeatedly destroyed by fire, war and decay. The current cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed its medieval predecessor.
Built between 1675 and 1710 in the English Baroque style, the cathedral has become a defining feature of the London skyline – a powerful symbol of endurance that watched over the ever-changing city through the Blitz and into modern day.
As we approach Amalfi, the dome comes into view, majestic and dramatic, its bright stone contrasting beautifully with the blue winter sky, guiding us to the restaurant opposite. Inside, large windows frame picture-perfect views of the cathedral, the perfect background for our Italian feast.
Amalfi is stylish and contemporary with interiors and menus inspired by the Italian Riviera. The different sections of the menu reflect classic Italian dining – from antipasti to pizza, pasta, secondi and dessert. All the favourites you’d expect and (at this time of year) some festive specials. Including the crab tian starter.
I adore crab and simply cannot resist if it’s on the menu. Delicately flavoured crab topped a generous helping of smashed avocado which was surrounded by a zesty onion and lemon viniagrette and tiny pear-shaped peppers. I’ve seen these peppers a few times recently – and I love their mild, sweet and tangy flavour. They are native to Peru and sometimes called Inca Red Drop peppers or Sweety Drop peppers and they’re delicious. A great addition to this wonderful dish.
A bowl of black tiger prawns (gamberoni) are sauteed in garlic, red chilli and parsley butter and served with the freshest ciabatta. Plump, juicy prawns and that ever-familiar garlic-chilli combo makes for a satisfying dish.
We were in a pasta state of mind today and went for a couple of classics. The rigatoni Arrabbiata with baby tomatoes simmered in a garlic and chilli-infused tomato sauce is a perfect example of the simplicity and intense flavours of Italian cuisine. The most basic of dishes done perfectly is a beautiful thing.
My meaty plate of handmade beef and veal ravioli (Ravioli di Carne) was rich and satisfying with a luscious porcini mushroom sauce and black truffle oil. As I inhaled the aroma of truffles, my mind took me straight back to the countryside of Umbria. Just wonderful.
Continuing with our classic theme, we shared a tiramisu for dessert. Interestingly, this one came with the coffee in a jug on the side so you could decide how much (or little) you wanted to pour over. An iconic Italian dessert that didn’t disappoint.
Amalfi feels like a place where the grandeur of London meets the comfort of tradition. Outside, the cathedral stands steady and watchful, its presence a reminder of the layers of history surrounding us while the dishes tell a story of familiar Italian flavours and food made with love. It’s the perfect combination.
Amalfi is at 5-14 St Paul’s Churchyard EC4, a short walk from Mansion House Underground station. There’s also a branch in Argyll Street just off Oxford Street
Find out more at www.amalfi.co.uk
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith
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