39 Chepstow Place,
Bayswater,
London,
W2 4TS
(020) 7792 5501
The ViewLondon Review
General Price Guide: Moderate - Expensive.
Location and Punters:
Assaggi’s unpretentious setting, on the first floor of a plain Victorian pub, wedged between a row of terraced houses in residential Notting Hill, seems an unlikely location for a classy Italian restaurant.
This popular eaterie, above the Chepstow pub, has built up a fine reputation for serious Italian cuisine and attracts punters from all over London and indeed anyone who has who has read its enthusiastic reviews.
The nearest tube station is Notting Hill Gate.
Atmosphere and Décor:
High ceilings, tall windows, bare wooden floorboards and plain pine furnishing all contribute to the restaurant’s light and airy atmosphere.
Subtle monochrome canvasses and the fiery orange wall of the entrance and stairwell punctuate the almost stark environment of the small twelve-tabled dining room.
Despite the simple furnishings, the tables are laid in formal fashion, with solid cutlery, beautiful glassware and linen napkins - the contrast certainly has impact.
Service is professional, yet friendly. Because of the popularity of Assaggi, it is wise to book several weeks in advance.
Nosh and Drinks:
The cooking is innovative, Italian, with the emphasis on flavour, simplicity and the use of authentic ingredients.
The menu is short but creative, with eight or nine starters, three pastas and five or six main courses. There is also a limited choice of side dishes, salads and vegetables.
A popular feature of the menu is the Assaggi "Tasting Menu" that gives the punters a marvellous opportunity to compose a meal from a variety of delicious starters, such as Pecorino and Parma Ham on thin Pancakes, garnished with Rucola, Asparagus with Poached Egg and Pancetta, Monkfish and Squid Salad, Seared Prawns, served on a Fried Rice Cake, or Chicken Liver Paté with Candied Fruit and Toasted Bruschetta.
Alternatively, opt for individual starters and proceed to the pasta and main dishes. Pasta courses include, Al Dente Tagiolini tossed in Olive Oil, Garlic, with Bottarga, Crespelle con Verdure di Stagione (rich, vegetable pancakes), or Torttelloni with Pork in a Tomato Sauce. Main courses range from Fillet of Turbot or Brill, served with Saffron-flavoured Semolina Dumplings, Grilled Veal Chop with Rosemary and Pan-fried Potatoes or Sliced Beef Fillet with Garlic and Poached Chicory in Red Wine Sauce.
Popular desserts are the Fresh Fig and Almond Tart or the Caramelised Apple Tart, both served with Vanilla Ice Cream, or Fresh Poached Peaches with Meringue and Ice Cream.
Although the wine list is entirely Italian and concentrates on the more expensive, well- known names, a bottle of decent house wine will only set you back around £12.
The Experience:
Superb! The "keep it small" approach (there are only twelve tables at Assaggi), adds to the pleasure of dining at this quality Italian restaurant.
Assaggi has been reviewed by 2 users