Top Table: Sparrow Italia

Ushered inside by the restaurant host, inside lies unabashed luxury by way of a gilded marble bar on the ground floor before being whisked by elevator up to the chic dining room imbued with Mediterranean flair. Pristine white walls are accompanied by large windows letting the Spring evening light flood in, large olive trees are dramatically lit while tables are pristinely set with pressed white linen, golden cutlery and a flourish of a rosemary spring ceremoniously tucked into napkins. As the night draws in the lighting is dim, brushed gold table lamps for an intimate feel. 

We kicked off proceedings with an expertly-crafted cocktail, whipped up at the marble bar of the dining room with the sommelier on hand to recommend based on our preferences, smokey, zingy, fruity. Each innovative cocktail nods to a region of Italy. I opt for the Molise: a fruity-twist on my favourite spicy margarita — a fusion of chili-infused tequila, cilantro with watermelon, mango, yuzu and blood orange oleo — ultra refreshing. My guest opts for the rather theatrical Basilicata a fruity, foam topped concoction that arrives under a glass vase which when lifted unveils a cloud of ‘strawberry air’ — it’s a delightfully quaffable blend of Amaro Lucano, Aperol and Campari with lemon and basil. 

The seasonal menu has been expertly overseen by chef With a sharing style concept at its core. Standout starters include crispy arancini balls generously stuffed with wild mushroom risotto, parmigiano and served with a moreish truffle aioli. Heirloom tomato caprese salad but elevated with a sweet shallot marmalade and a delightfully crunchy pine nut pesto and wagyu meatballs that melt in the mouth with a whipped ricotta and smooth arrabbiata dip.

Mains are just as spectacular, with a curation of meat, fish and pasta dishes, again to be shared. The lobster linguine, generously laden with hunks of British isles lobster in a delectable lemon parsley butter and cacio e pepe, decadently swirled in a wheel of pecorino are firm favourites but we opt for the highly-recommended bone marrow cappelletti, an unctuous and unexpected triumph. This stuffed pasta is brimming with braised beef cheeks slow-cooked in a barolo wine reduction, with roasted bone marrow and a gentle hit of horseradish. 

This Italian feast was rounded off with dessert and we sampled both a featherlight tiramisu and equally light pear and ricotta tart. With an intimate, sexy setting and authentic Italian dishes to share, Sparrow Italia truly is a spot perfect for a romantic date or indeed long overdue catch up with a friend. 

https://sparrowitalia.com/