Restaurant Review: Aurora at Frescobaldi, London

Style Points: 5/5
Price: £££
Overall: 5/5

Ristorante Frescobaldi located just off Regent’s Street is one of London’s finest high-end Italian restaurants. Hailing from the famed winemaking Frescobaldi family of Tuscany, Frescobaldi brings the authentic Tuscan dining experience to Mayfair.

As well as Frescobaldi’s usual menu, they also host regular guest chefs throughout the year and they invite critically acclaimed chefs from around the work to work in their kitchen and develop the Specials menu.

I was lucky enough to try latest Guest head chef Franco Aversa from Aurora Capri’s menu for a long indulgent Sunday lunch. 

What’s on the menu?

From the Specials menu, our meal began with Danzante Prosecco paired with delicious saffron arancini. The appetiser certainly hit the spot and I couldn’t wait to move onto the next courses on the menu. 

Our next dish was octopus salad with green beans and potatoes and grilled squid with potato velouté. I’m a fan of octopus dishes and really savored the flavors of the grilled squid and lush potato velouté. 

We then tried a pasta dish which was pappardelle with black truffle and fish fillet in a crust of potatoes and vegetables. This was my favorite dish of the meal as the black truffle tasted divine and really complimented the smooth, melt-in-the-mouth pappardelle.

Our dessert was a celebratory affair as the caprese cake with almond ice cream and burnt meringue was served with candles, music and dance - the Italians certainly know how to enjoy, and end a meal in style!

Could I afford to dine here again? 

Many of the dishes at Frescobaldi are priced are the upper end of the scale, with few dishes coming in below £10. However Fresobaldi is a high end, fine dining restaurant serving quality dishes which are certainly worth the price. 

Overall?

Guest chef Franco Aversa from Aurora Capri brought some stunning dishes to the menu at Frescobaldi London and I certainly enjoyed my lunch here, to the extent that I’ll make a note to head down to Aurora when in Capri!

It was my first time dining at Frescobaldi and I was very impressed with the warm oak panels interiors and friendly service, reflecting the traditions of Tuscany. I also liked that the restaurant was tucked away from the crowds on Regent’s Street, and will certainly use it as a luxurius refuge next time I need to be transported to Italy. 

Visit Frescobaldi’s website
Address: 15 New Burlington Pl, Mayfair, London W1S 2HX
Closest Tube station: Oxford Circus

A special thanks to Frescobaldi and Aurora for their hospitality. Aurora's time at Frescobaldi has ended but keep a look at for the next Guest Chef!