Positioned within the coronary heart of Holland Park, The Belvedere restaurant gives elegant Italian-inspired eating in West London. Contributor Deborah Kombe shares how a easy act of kindness introduced her again for the total expertise.
Just a few months in the past, The Belvedere “rescued” us throughout the interval of the Opera at Holland Park by letting us take away some freshly made chips, despite the fact that it wasn’t their typical coverage. After an extended day, that straightforward kindness felt like probably the most considerate gesture on this planet: heat meals, shared laughter, and the sense of being taken care of. It’s humorous how one thing so little can lodge itself in your reminiscence, a kindness you don’t count on however always remember. That second of generosity had us wanting to return, and on our go to again, we had been delighted to expertise the restaurant correctly.
Setting the Scene
Holland Park, the Royal Borough’s largest park, is a 54-acre oasis in West London, stuffed with manicured gardens, wild woodlands, and the breathtaking Kyoto Gardens, an ideal prelude to the meal awaiting you at The Belvedere. The hanging Seventeenth-century constructing, as soon as a part of the Holland Home stables in-built 1638, has developed over the centuries from a celebrated ballroom internet hosting glittering salons, literary giants like Charles Dickens, political figures, and even royal friends together with Queen Elizabeth, right into a restaurant that carries echoes of its grandeur.
Aptly named Belvedere, a Sixteenth-century Italian time period that means “lovely view,” stepping inside feels nearly magical. Look to your proper and there’s an nearly Narnia-like sensation, as if you could have stepped by way of a grand doorway into one other nation; southern Italy to be exact. Terracotta-toned partitions and uncovered brickwork mix with palms and fig bushes that soften the area, whereas bespoke furnishings provides class and heat.
Upstairs, fabric-lined ceilings and wall-hugging banquettes body a salon that feels each glamorous and intimate, full with a cocktail bar upholstered in a Duncan Grant Charleston cloud print, a personal eating room, and a terrace overlooking the gardens. On the bottom ground, the eating room strikes the right steadiness between relaxed and refined, and we felt splendidly at peace seated close to an open door, taking within the light sights and sounds of the gardens.
Starters: A Scrumptious Debate
Our waiter for the night Vasily, a sort gentleman, was extremely affected person with us as we waffled over what to order. He walked us by way of his suggestions, explaining why every dish labored, how they had been made, and which flavors complemented one another—by no means as soon as making us really feel rushed.
After some time, we settled on three starters: the Black Fig Salad with Mustia Ricotta, the Hand-Dived Grilled Scallop, and Veal Tonnato (three of us, three starters… woman math, if you already know, you already know).
A clever girl as soon as advised me it’s important to all the time have one thing inexperienced in your plate, be it a salad or some veggies, so the Black Fig Salad was a should; and what a selection it was. Introduced as an attractive leafy tower adorned with juicy black figs, Mustia Ricotta, pine nuts, and walnuts, all elegantly drizzled with olive oil, it was a shocking begin to the meal.
The grilled scallop arrived in dramatic vogue, served atop a mattress of aromatic, smokey herbs (fairly actually on hearth) and was most likely my favorite starter; plump, buttery, and completely cooked.
Lastly, the Veal Tonnato, a traditional Italian dish of thinly sliced cooked veal, wasn’t precisely my cup of tea, however my buddies Hannah and Priscilla totally loved it.
Because the night unfolded, we ventured into the uncooked facet of the menu. Since there have been three of us, we went for 3 uncooked dishes to share. First, the Bluefin Tuna Tartare with avocado and paprika mayo, mild, refreshing, and filled with flavour, completely one thing I might fortunately order once more. Then got here the meat tartare with quail egg and crispy potato. I’ll admit, uncooked beef all the time made me nervous, however this one fully modified my thoughts. Seasoned to perfection, it was an surprising delight. Lastly, the Japanese Kingfish Carpaccio with ponzu and burnt corn. Priscilla completely adored it, whereas I loved it as soon as and didn’t really feel the necessity to revisit, aha.
To accompany our meal, we loved a splendidly mild and fruity number of wines. Priscilla had the AM Recordings Pinot Noir from Oregon, whereas Hannah and I shared the Le Mortelle ‘Vivia’ Vermentino/Viognier from Tuscany. Every glass complemented the dishes fantastically, enhancing the flavours with out overpowering them.
Mains: Truffle, Sea bass, and Slight Remorse
Now for our mains, and sure, we could have overdone it. We really ordered much more, however our expensive waiter Vasily kindly instructed we take away one dish to keep away from not ending all of it, and we definitely didn’t need to be wasteful.
First up, the handmade Tagliolini with recent black truffle. I had by no means fairly understood the enchantment of truffle till this pasta, and instantly all of it made sense. Easy, creamy, wealthy in flavour, and delicate in texture, this dish is one I might come again for alone.
Subsequent, the Wild Sea bass Fillet with peas, broad beans, and pink radishes. Seafood and I normally “go collectively actual dangerous”, and this didn’t disappoint. Recent, mild, and completely balanced, it suited the nice and cozy summer time night fantastically.
We additionally tried the Grilled Mint Marinated Lamb Chops, which sadly didn’t impress any of us. On the brilliant facet, the Truffle Pizza greater than made up for it. Our sides included tender stem broccoli and fantastically cooked Jerusalem artichokes, nearly like potatoes however one way or the other higher.
Dessert: Who Wants It?
We didn’t have dessert—there was merely no room after every little thing we ate—however the expertise wasn’t simply concerning the meals or the decor. The actual ambiance got here from the employees. Watching them arrive and go away their shifts, hugging one another, chatting with regulars, and taking the time to interact with us was really particular.
One member of employees, David, actually stood out. He supplied spot-on meals suggestions, entertained us with tales of his travels when he came upon we had been headed to Mexico that week, and shared his goals for the world. It jogged my memory of the Mediterranean lifestyle, the place shared meals and full of life dialog aren’t simply pleasant, they’re important. These healthful interactions, full of heat and connection, felt like they added a bit additional time to my lifespan—the sort of moments that make you’re feeling nourished in each method.
Full and Completely happy
All in all, our night on the Belvedere was a memorable one. From the nice and cozy welcome to the considerate, participating employees, and naturally the good meals, it’s a spot that leaves you feeling full in each sense. Whether or not you’re a neighborhood searching for a particular evening out or visiting town, it’s price making the journey.
Belief me, it’s an expertise that goes past a meal. It’s about connection, flavour, and an environment that lingers lengthy after you permit.
To e-book your desk, go to belvedererestaurant.co.uk. The Belvedere is situated inside Holland Park, off Abbotsbury Street, London W8 6LU.
