Italian Food in a Class of Its Own at Bocconcino Mayfair

Today our journey is taking us into Mayfair, one of London’s most prestigious and elegant neighbourhoods. Known for its stylish Georgian architecture, luxury shops and fine dining, its position aside St James, Buckingham Palace and Green Park put it right in the middle of London’s historic, aristocratic world.

Arriving in Mayfair

I love that every part of London has its own story to tell. Today we emerge from Green Park Station for our short walk to Bocconcino in Berkeley Street. We’re within touching distance of two of London’s most famous green spaces – Green Park and Berkeley Square.

At roughly 40 acres, Green Park is the smallest of London’s Royal Parks but what it lacks in size it makes up for in legendary status. It was created in part so that King Charles II could walk between Royal Parks (it connects St James Park and Hyde Park) without leaving Royal land. It’s unusual in that the park has no traditional flower beds but rather is dominated by trees and sweeping lawns.

Legend has it that we have Charles’ wife, Catherine, to thank for this. When she discovered her husband had given flowers to another woman (supposedly picked from the park), she was so incensed, she ordered every flower removed. A rather drastic response, perhaps, but one has given the park its unique charm, an oasis of green in the very heart of London.

Exterior of Bocconcino Mayfair Italian restaurant on Berkeley Street in London.

From Green Park it’s only a short stroll to another of Mayfair’s legendary spaces – Berkeley Square. AGrade II protected historic park and garden with some of the oldest trees in London – the famous London Plane trees were planted in 1789. And they’re magnificent.

Inside Bocconcino Mayfair

Bocconcino sits on Berkeley Street, which leads on to the square and you get a sense that you’re in for something special from the moment you step inside. The restaurant is huge, with two distinct areas. We’re shown into the upstairs bit, an oasis of calm and understated elegance – the sort of place you’d expect in such a distinguished location.

Cocktails and Italian Starters

We start with refreshing signature cocktails to whet our appetites and give us a chance to peruse the comprehensive menu. I love my Selvatico made from rhubarb cold infused Nemiroff vodka, citrus peel syrup, peach and mango. A revitalising sip of summer.

I’m once again excited to discover vitello tonnato on the menu and devour what turns out to be a large plate of the delicate veal in its lip-smacking tuna sauce. We also enjoy a spicy tuna tartare, fresh and zesty, with the same moreish sauce adding another layer of richness. These are large starter portions and make me feel I could pop in any time for my favourite fix – it’s my idea of the perfect light lunch.

Spicy tuna tartare topped with fresh herbs at Bocconcino Mayfair.

Vitello tonnato with tuna sauce, caper berries, quail eggs and edible flowers at Bocconcino

Today we have more sampling to do. There’s an incredible selection of fish and seafood, including turbot, sea bass, monkfish, octopus, prawns and lobster, a stellar pasta section and even traditional pizzas with a twist. But we’re feeling meaty and have spotted another two favourites in the carne section.

From Rack of Lamb to Veal Milanese

Roasted rack of lamb comes perfectly pink and tender with vibrant pea puree, asparagus and baby carrots. And then there’s the veal Milanese served with rocket and tomatoes. It’s giant, lightly breadcrumbed, piping hot and flavoursome. A couple of dishes that feel like we’ve landed in the heart of Italian luxury.

Roasted rack of lamb with asparagus, broccoli, baby carrots and pea purée at Bocconcino Mayfair.

Large veal Milanese with rocket, cherry tomatoes and lemon at Bocconcino Mayfair.

A Lasagna Worth Making Room For

But we aren’t finished yet. The charming restaurant manager, Gianni, can’t speak highly enough of the pasta and is appalled we have not tried any. So he convinces us to try the lasagna which is assembled at the table. Why not?

Silken layers of pasta are layered with luscious béchamel sauce and slow-cooked ragu and sprinkled with parmesan, making a truly superlative lasagna. That ragu is so rich and meaty and packed with flavour. Gianni is right – now I want to come back and try every pasta dish on the menu.

Bocconcino Mayfair restaurant manager preparing and serving lasagna tableside.

Italian lasagna layered with slow-cooked ragù and béchamel and topped with Parmesan.

Dessert at Bocconcino

Of course, despite having seriously over-indulged, we have to finish with a fresh and creamy tirimasu and the most perfect raspberry tart. Italian puddings are impossible to resist.

Fresh raspberry tart with cream, icing sugar and raspberry sauce at Bocconcino Mayfair.

Classic tiramisu dusted with cocoa and served at Bocconcino Mayfair in London.

Is Bocconcino Mayfair Worth Visiting?

Bocconcino is the perfect place to enjoy lunch in Mayfair. The food is superb, ample and authentic – well it is all cooked by Italian chefs. The extensive menu has so much to choose from, from classic favourites to little surprises along the way. It’s the kind of place you’re going to want to go back to (more than once) and try everything you missed. And you’re going to need to walk off all that indulgence – so remember Green Park is just across the road.

Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith

Bocconcino Mayfair is at 19 Berkley Street.

There are also branches in Soho and on the Strand.

Discover why Crave is a top lifestyle magazine UK readers follow for delicious recipes and travel ideas.