One of Belgravia’s favourite restaurants with plenty of celebrity guests.

The Venue
So discrete that one can easily walk past it. This is why it’s easy for celebs, many of whom frequent the place, to simply slip in. Zafferano is one of London’s few restaurants that’s classy as opposed to flashy. This isn’t where socialites go to see and be seen, but where the world’s most distinguished and discerning come to dine in serenity. The refurbished restaurant, with red brick walls around the bar and soft lighting and lush plants in the dining area, wonderfully marries a rustic charm with modern elegance. The result is warm sophistication and character. The private dining room looks like it walked straight out of Tuscany.

The Atmosphere
Don’t be surprised if you’re sitting next to sheiks, royals, gourmets, Madonna… You will be swept off your feet, Italian style, but not in the usual way. There is nothing gushy or fussy about the service, which is mercifully not over-familiar. Zafferano is about smooth professionalism with a human touch. The staff know their stuff. That’s probably what makes dining at Zafferano unique and memorable. It’s one of those restaurants where you feel you want to return the very next day.

The Food
Despite the departure of Giorgio Locatelli, Zafferano has retained its Michelin Star and its faithful clientele. This is some of London’s finest Italian cuisine - and also quite possibly the finest selection of Italian breads. Don’t over-indulge on the olive fuccacia, as irresistible as it is, because everything at this award-winning restaurant is equally irresistible. This is Tuscan food at its best, simple but excellently prepared.

Well worth going to Zafferano during the white truffle season (November and December) to relish fish, meat, eggs and pasta garnished with the rare and seasonal Alban white truffle. You’ll be sure to ask repeatedly for more truffle shavings, but just make sure you realise how notoriously expensive these white truffles are. But the impeccably courteous staff never fails to oblige… or divulge that white truffles costs £3,500 per kilo. The generosity and discretion are admirable.

The famous Zafferano tiramisu is the archetype for London’s gastronomic tiramisu, which all those who have worked at Zafferano try to emulate, unsuccessfully, in their new abodes.

The Drink
Spend a moment at the bar sipping fantastic peach Bellinis, nibbling warm homemade crostini and chatting to the charming staff. Opposite the bar is a wall embellished with 1,000 bottles of the finest Italian wines, after several glasses of which you’ll need their coffee - real Italian coffee!

The Last Word
Rumour has it that this restaurant made Al Pacino wait over an hour for a table and then turned him away because they were full, so remember to reserve well in advance.

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