AL DENTE IL PASTIFICIO

Inspired by a shared passion of handmade, fresh pasta, Al Dente was created by a group of friends who wanted to share traditional Italian recipes passed down through generations with the rest of London. After already opening two successful restaurants in Fitzrovia and Monument, they welcomed guests to their flagship dine-in venue in stylish South Kensington in early October last year.

The restaurant offers authentic hand-made signature Pastificio where pasta is made on site daily and the freshly made dishes available are influenced by different recipes from across many Italian regions. From iconic, well-known, and well-loved classics to regional dishes waiting to be discovered, their love for Italy is apparent in their menus and it’s something they are very keen to share.

Antipasti includes dishes such as Burrata and Parma ham; Piadina Romagnola Prossiuto di Parma 24 months with mozzarella and rocket; Polpettine di Carne, pork and beef meatballs with cooked ham, soya sauce milk, parmesan and garlic in a potato cream. Apart from a various selection of pastas, pizzas and soups, mains include Red Prawn Gnocchi with Datterini tomatoes, prawns, crustacean bisque and basil and Linguini al la Vongole Veraci featuring Veraci clams, garlic, chilli, white wine, parsley and tomatoes.

Al dente also offer a selection of traditional, fresh pasta dishes for you to take away and cook yourself at home. Also available are freshly made sauces which come with a guide on how to take your pasta creations to the next level.

Al Dente, 65 Old Brompton Road, Kensington, London SW7 3JS pastificioaldente.com

Inspired by the South of France, Riviera is the latest opening from Emerald Hospitality Group on St James's Street in Mayfair.

Taking over the iconic old Sake no Hana site, the exciting new restaurant comprises of three main areas; the main dining room, a huge outdoor terrace, and a stylish ground floor bar and lounge area.

Exuding elegance and glamour, taking inspiration from the French Rivera hotspots Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Nice, and Antibes, the golden hued interiors transport you to warmer climes. Featuring the oldest commercial escalator in London and artwork brought from the personal French collection of owners, the Zandi brothers; the impressive lampshades in the entrance hall emulate the iconic sunsets in the South of France.

Upstairs, there is an impressive open plan kitchen with vibrant seafood display, high ceilings and a standout bar. Large windows offering views of the busy street below and beyond, fill the room with light, while tonal tableware, golden fabrics and rattan accents adorn the furnishings.

Riviera’s menu is based on sharing-style dishes, divided up into a selection of starters, pastas, meats and fish. Highlights include Beef Carpaccio, truffle sauce and sweet mustard croutons; King riviera-london.co.uk