2 Eccleston Place,
Belgravia,
London,
SW1W 9NE
(020) 7730 5498
The ViewLondon Review
Created three years ago by Italian brothers, Robert and Enzo Scalzo, this all-day restaurant is enhanced by artistic and musical extras. Most important, though, remains the food. Well executed, good value cuisine in a convenient Victoria location makes da Scalzo ideal for locals, but it’s plenty good enough for a not-too-extravagant special occasion too.
The Venue
Da Scalzo is set in a converted chapel, with dining set on the ground floor as well as two mezzanines in the vaulted roof-space. The layout converts the space into smaller areas, with atmospheric lighting giving enough brightness to see the oft-changing artwork on the walls. The light wood tables and chairs complement the wooden floors, with the overall decor befitting the building’s origins. Themed nights with live music or gallery viewings keep things different.
The Atmosphere
Even mid-week, da Scalzo starts to fill by early evening and the subtle background music doesn’t clash with the chatter generated by the mix of clientele. Cleverly the high, large room delivers a cozy dining experience, whilst still maintaining plenty of space between diners - just to make sure there's no cramping of anyone’s style.
The Food
The menu isn’t the endless list that can assault you in some Italian restaurants, but neither is it limited. A specials page provides additional options to the starters, pasta and risottos, meat and fish dishes and pizzas, salads, sides and desserts.
Starters begin at £5 for soup. Calamari and zucchini fritti with garlic mayonnaise (£6.50) has a fine, non-greasy coating which allows the delicate flavours of the squid and courgette through. The accompanying garlic mayo has just the right amount of oomph. Sautéed scallops and prawns with lemon and chilli sauce (£7.25) are served as three generous kebabs. The prawns are nicely cooked and tender with huge delicious scallops caramelised beautifully. Both are enhanced by the zing from the chilli.
Scaloppa Milanese (breaded veal with parsley and garlic, pan-fried and served with spaghetti Bolognese £14.95) features crispy, well flavoured veal with a very meaty spag bol that boasts great depth to its flavour. Spaghetti alle vongole (clams and fresh tomato in white wine, garlic and chilli - £8.75) has perfectly al dente pasta with a lightly piccante coating with tasty shellfish and a lovely garlicky chilli tingle that doesn't detract from the overall flavours of the dish. The specialities include the risotto ai fruitti di mare (seafood risotto - £8.95). The bite of the Arborio rice coated in garlic and white wine has a creaminess that contrasts deliciously with the fresh seafood and bites of juicy cherry tomatoes.
Desserts include a refreshing trio of contrasting sorbets and raspberry coulis (£4.50), while the crème brulee (also £4.50), has a nice, thick caramel crust over a firm creamy custard that works well with the amaretti biscuit’s slightly chewy centre.
The Drink
There a good wine list with plenty of proseccos, champagnes and dessert wines complementing the reds and whites. For white wine drinkers, a 2009 Chablis at £28 is a good value, quality option. House recommendations (rather than lowest cost option) is the mid-range Italian La Segreta for both red and white - both of which are agreeable. The Planete 2009 red (at £4 for a small glass or £19.50 for a carafe) is smooth and medium bodied with a blackcurranty richness. For real red enthusiasts, a cracking Barolo is on offer for £29.50 for 500ml or £52 for a litre bottle, but for non-wine drinkers there's a good range of beers, a cider, spirits, liquers, vermouths, grappas, sherries, ports and digestives.
The Last Word
Da Scalzo is a great place for good Italian food with soul, with great service, suiting a wide variety of occasions from a passer-by lunch to a celebration dinner.
da Scalzo has been reviewed by 4 users