The Blurb
Tucked away, down a little side street in Mayfair, is Sparrow Italia. An elegant, fine-dining restaurant, serving Mediterranean classics with a creative twist.
Sparrow found its fame in America before bringing its members-club-style dining experience to the UK in 2022.
Sparrow assumes the whole building, with the main restaurant and cocktail bar on the ground floor, and above, another dining area, private dining space, cigar lounge, and recently, a new rooftop.
So, if you’re looking for a special occasion restaurant, a spot to enjoy creative and theatrical cocktails or just love Italian food, keep reading – Sparrow may just be your new favourite spot.
The Style
Sparrow is sleek and elegant. The ground floor dining area is reminiscent of a 1940s club, with leather chairs, dark patterned carpets, and an open central bar. Artwork adorns the wooden panelled walls and the light is low and moody.
Upstairs, the restaurant is very much the opposite, although still with an air of dated character about it. Large windows fill the room with light and the decor is much brighter, with white tablecloths and walls.
There’s something rather romantic about it all. Almost as if you’re going back in time. You can imagine a jazz band playing in the corner, people dancing, and a huddle of gentlemen sipping whiskey and smoking cigars – you can still do this; there’s just a private cigar lounge.
The Crowd
Situated in the heart of one of London’s most popular eating districts, and just a stone’s throw away from the theatres of Covent Garden and affluent areas like Regents Street, Sparrow attracts a whole variety of people, from corporates to tourists, and regular diners.
The food does come with quite the price tag though, so it’s certainly one for special occasions.
The Food
Italian food is all about the ingredients. Many Italian dishes are actually quite simple, but it’s the ingredients that make them shine. Sparrow has taken these ‘simple’ dishes and added their own creative flair, turning classic Italian food into something delicious and memorable.
While we browsed the menu, baskets of warm and fluffy focaccia were placed on the table, so fresh and perfectly spongy. We ordered a cocktail each to start. I tried the Abruzzo – Sparrow’s take on a Negroni with walnut-infused amaro and orange oil – and my partner, the Molise, a chilli-infused tequila drink. Mine came in a plume of smoke, the flavour permeating the drink and encompassing every sip. My partner’s cocktail was served with a tiny potion bottle of spicy blue liquid, which he could add to the cocktail for an extra kick – he did!
To start, we shared an array of dishes, including tuna tartare, grilled octopus, Hamachi (like a ceviche), and truffle arancini. Our favourite was the tuna tartare, with its perfectly citrusy truffly sauce and tender tuna. We of course, had another portion of focaccia to soak up the sauce of every bowl.
Mains included everything from pasta to grilled meats and fish. We shared a Filet Mignon steak, perfectly cooked to medium rare and with a rich jus; Chicken Milanese; Pistachio Pesto Pasta; and Cacio e Pepe, served in a huge Parmesan wheel at the table.
Each dish was expertly cooked, the pasta fresh, and the sauces perfectly seasoned. We were very tempted to try the 1100g Prime Fiorentina but it was a little too much for us to finish alone! The Mignon was a very good compromise, so succulent and tender. And if you’ve never tried Cacio e Pepe and steak, you need to. It’s the Italian version of America’s steak and mac & cheese.
We enjoyed our meal alongside a bottle of Langhe Nebbiolo, from Piedmont. A region known for making more appreciable Barolo-style wines. Bursting with red fruit and savoury notes, alongside racy acidity and crunchy tannins, it was the perfect wine to cut through the richness of the food.
Dessert was another medley to feast on; Sparrow Hazelnut Rocher, Amalfi Lemon Delight, and a Pear and Ricotta Cake.
We were both very surprised that the lemon light was our favourite. So light and pillowy, the sponge was like a cloud. I was most looking forward to the rocher but it was a little heavy and rich. I would have preferred a hazelnut mousse or ice cream inside rather than a rich truffle-like Nutella cream.
To compliment our pudding we had an Italian dessert wine. The honeyed, dried fruits were the perfect partner to our selection of sweet treats.
In a nutshell
I was blown away not only by the culinary skills of the chefs but by the hospitality, too. Everyone was incredibly welcoming – and that’s the key to retaining customers, in my opinion. Whether you have a meeting in the city or are planning a meal for friends and family, Sparrow will make sure it’s an unforgettable experience. And don’t forget to visit for a drink on the rooftop – I can’t wait to join them for cocktails on a balmy summer’s day.
1-3 Avery Row
Mayfair, London
W1K 4AJ
