A taste of the Amalfi Coast at QP LDN, Mayfair
Review: Amalfi inspired dinner at QP LDN, Mayfair
Style Points: 4/5
Price: ££
Overall: 4/5
Recently opened in Mayfair, QP LDN is run by Michelin-starred chef Antonio Mellino and his two sons who know a thing or two about the art and science of authentic Italian pasta.
QP LND stays true to its Southern Italian roots, serving fresh salads, pastas, seafood and grilled meats. It's exciting to know the fresh ingredients are flown in directly from Italy every day. That's a commitment to guaranteeing excellent quality of seasonal produce and authentic flavours.
The restaurant itself has a contemporary classy design with extravagant details including a stunning fibre-optic chandelier. There is a stylish bar and lounge downstairs and on the way to the bathroom is a wine cellar tucked away, with a well stocked bar on display back upstairs.
What's on the menu?
On arrival, the hostess offered to take our coats and showed us to our table. We were taken in by the interior details, yes I touched the textured ruffle of the leather wall design.
We had an early evening set menu which featured a selection of starters, two pasta options for the main course or there was also a choice of veggie (lentil soup), fish (fish cake) or meat dishes (veal escalope) for the main. We'll think about dessert a little later.
Before our starters arrive there is a small plate of mini panzarotti and pizzette placed before us. Cute puffs of perfectly baked pizza dough topped with cheese, tomato and herbs and the other filled with ricotta cheese. Bite sized and delicious, these are the perfect snack, I wish I could get them to grab and go near where I work!
To start, I ordered the smoked and marinated salmon tartare and avocado salad. The chopped salmon perfectly lay on a bed of chopped avocado and garnished with finely cut ribbons of what looked like carrot and cabbage then topped with an edible flower. There are delicate splashes of two contrasting colours of sauce around the sphere, one of which tastes like beetroot and complements the dish.
My guest went for the beef bresaola served with rocket and Parmesan, in comparison to my soft starter, this dish is full of crunchy textures. Slices of chewy cured quality beef, with the fresh crunch of rocket and strong characteristic taste of Parmesan slices. Of course it depends on your appetite but this should be just light enough that you can still take on your mission of the main course.
In reality though, all that delicious bread and pizzette has filled us up so we opt for pasta (although I did have half an eye on the veal). We decide to try the two different types on offer. One was the penette with zucchini and Parmesan sauce, this was a thin pasta with a really good flavour and texture. The other was the tricia with broccoli and pecorino. The pasta was thin rolled almost dumpling-like pasta with a creamy consistency. My guest and I agreed that the penette was our favourite, we preferred the tasty flavour and texture.
Next up, dessert! One order of profiteroles for my guest and one scoop of pistachio ice cream. The pistachio ice cream was a dreamy, soft and creamy consistency with a punch of flavour without being overbearing. This came served with a green sprinkle of pistachio, a thin, crisp (lingue de gatto) Italian biscuit and a purple edible flower which looked really pretty.
Could I afford to dine here again?
The QP LDN's early evening menu is £32.00 per person including a glass of champagne and the pizzette/panzerotti. In addition to this, the menu includes a starter, main and dessert (however there is a £10.00 supplement if you opt for the incredible pistachio ice cream). I think this is great value for money for the quality of food you are getting, especially for a restaurant based in Mayfair!
Overall?
I eagerly tell our waiter that we will be visiting the Amalfi Coast in the Spring and ask for any recommendations for good restaurants where we can eat food like this, his response was yes... this one! So hopefully I get a chance to experience this all over again against a scenic Italian backdrop but for now, Mayfair isn't too shabby!
Reviewed by guest writer Syeshia Sweeney. A special thanks to QP LDN for their hospitality.
Visit QP LND's website
Address: 34 Dover Street, London W1S 4NG
Closest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus
