Scalini

Reviews

• the best

  This is not just one of the best Italian restaurants in London but one the best in any cuisine.I was there recently with a friend, we had a Dover Sole each for main course and shared another fo dessert! - They are absolutely superb.The ambience and noise make this the wonderful restaurant it is - if you can't have a good time here you have a problem! This applies to both lunchtimes and evenings.Not cheap but worth every penny - the old adage of "you only get what you pay for" is exemplified here.Absolutely brilliant.

  Brp
  Review Date: 12/06/2008 Report review
• Total Rip Off

  But then I knew it would be but was still persuaded to have lunch there with friends. As with all these early 80's fashionable Italian restaurants like St lorenzo, and Sale and pepe, they are all over priced, horrible passe decor with tables and chairs that were probably featured in House and Garden 1985 edition and full of rich, old unattractive fossils! Guess what- my freinds and I had a plate of spagetti and a glass of wine each (ok the spag had lobster in it but only a small claw) and our bill came to £53 each! Our spagettic was a whopping £33. Will not be going back there and only hope they will eventually use the money they've been robbing like this on updating their interiors!

  370

  Sasha O.
  Review Date: 24/10/2007 Report review
• Old-school Italian trat

  So it might not be the newest or most exciting restaurant in London, but I always enjoy trustworthy and traditional Italian, and Scalini definitely fits the bill.Grissini and olives await you as you take your seats, and the service is wonderful. These are not cranky students but people who make their living in the restaurant industry and it shows. The restaurant itself is lovely but slightly crowded. Mirrors and al fresco paintings abound, it can get pretty noisy in here but I think that's part of the experience. The menu is very, very traditional - various antipasti misti, prosciutto e melone, soups such as pasta e fagioli, golf ball-sized fluffy gnocchi, roasted veal and lamb... but all of it excellent. The gnocchi was the best I've ever had, really something quite special. Not even my nonna's gnocchi is as good as this!The wine list is very well chosen albeit a bit pricey - but I guess that's the norm for Chelsea.This is a restaurant I would definitely return to - but as I am spoiled for choice in London, I'd like to make the rounds first!

  Sami
  Review Date: 12/05/2007 Report review
• Excellent Atmosphere

  It is probably one of the most recognized Italian restaurants in London. Very efficient and friendly service and the consistent good quality makes the difference. Bustling atmosphere. It is on the noisy side; not the best place to go if you want to hear what your date is saying, but then again maybe that is not such a bad thing.

  20

  Tamer O.
  Review Date: 01/06/2006 Report review