Tartufo *****
I had low expectations for Tartufo. I had never heard of it before. I booked simply because it kept popping up on OpenTable because it, “looked like a decent new place”. In a post work daze, I could barely find it, which didn’t help either. It was in a small hotel so might have a captive audience, which added to my fears.
Yet, every dish was excellent, and the service was slick.
I started with the Carpaccio di Manzo & Tartufo (Beef Carpaccio, Parmesan Cream, Autumn Salad & Truffle). It was a perfect start, bursting with umami. I find carpaccios are often underwhelming, asking myself, “is that it?!” At Tartufo the portion is generous, with plenty of juicy beef and lashings of truffle. The parmesan cream complemented it all perfectly.
My squid risotto was similarly solid. The Monkfish was very tasty and fresh. Being critical, the fish was a bit too salty, as it was rapped with a tad too much ham, but this doesn’t detract from a superb meal. The other diners were similarly please with their food … yes, it was as delicious as the photos below!
Tartufo is a top quality Italian, delivering classic dishes with confidence and a few modern touches. It easily challenges the local competition of Knightsbridge/Chelsea Italian restaurants and celebrity chefs, but with more reasonable prices. It also has a truffle menu, so I may be compelled to return soon. This place deserves to be more famous, but I’m glad it’s still a bit of a secret.
Rating: 5/5
Website: http://www.tartufolondon.co.uk/
11 Cadogan Gardens
London
020 7730 6383
