Bardo St James's

Nestled below ground in the heart of St James’s, Bardo is a luxe Italian restaurant that invokes the hedonistic spirit of La Dolce Vita. Its owner Luca Maggiore boasts a background in opening successful nightclubs, and Bardo marks his first foray into the world of hospitality.  

You can tell the restaurant is born from a man who deals in ‘after hours’ ventures, from its subterranean location to markedly seductive lighting. Vintage decor evokes the feel of a bygone era, from white tablecloths topped with dinky lamps, to plush red seating and antique chandeliers. Much like a nightclub too, there is music all evening courtesy of a live pianist and talented singer who belts out soulful renditions of classic tunes. What we like about Bardo is that it knows exactly what it’s about, and whether or not you’re the sort who likes to drop £50 on a plate of pasta, it’s experiential approach to fine Italian dining is a whole lot of fun.  

Our waiter approaches with a torch in hand to guide us through the menu, which spans traditional Italian courses, plus a few extras, like loaded ‘pinsa’ and delicate crudo dishes. Dishes are expectedly luxe. We begin with warm-out-the-oven flatbreads, tactfully charred and loaded with gooey mozzarella and delicate truffle. Well-cooked scallops served in their shells are aesthetically beautiful, and paired with an intense tomato sauce and the fragrant hum of lemon zest. Head chef Graziano Bonacina’s signature dish is a delicious twist on cacio e pepe: neat parcels of ravioli filled with tangy cheese and finished with glossy brown butter. What's not to like? The show culminates with an entire chocolate and hazelnut torte which tastes like the inside of a Kinder Bueno. This is planted on our table to gaze at while we scoff our slice, but staff aren't being cruel. If you want more, you absolutely can.  

Bardo serves fine food that goes the extra mile, and while you need to have deep pockets to eat here, the product feels in line with the price tag - lavish, transportative dining that will make you forget you’re in London for a few hours.  

Found at One Pall Mall, Bardo St James's is a high-end Italian restaurant and entertainment space, which comprises a large restaurant with an open kitchen, a walk-in wine cellar boasting an extensive fine wine selection, a whisky room, a private dining room, a private lounge and a long marble bar for guests to perch at.

Bardo St James's is the first hospitality venture from entrepreneur Luca Maggiora, who made his name in the nightclub industry and is the brains behind popular London haunts such as LUXX in Mayfair and Piccaddilly’s Toy Room. The interiors at Bardo are elegant and sophisticated, featuring polished marble countertops, striking artworks and furnishings sourced from Italy. Adding to the atmosphere, the restaurant plays host to a different live band every evening, ensuring a side of entertainment with your meal.

As for the menu, expect a run of sophisticated Italian dishes which make the most of fine produce sourced in both the UK and Italy. The kitchen is headed up by chef Graziano Bonacina (formerly of Sette at the Bulgari Hotel), who has designed a seasonally evolving menu where vegetables take centre stage.

Begin your meal with antipasti such as burrata with figs, pickled radicchio, beetroot, and white balsamic, or scallops served alongside parsnip puree, nduja and parsley butter. From the primi section, try tagliolini cacio pepe with porcini and hazelnut crumble or short rib of beef agnolotti with garlic chips and horseradish.

Main courses include caramelised black cod and veal Milanese with patate sabbiose and roasted Datterino tomatoes. As for dolci, expect tiramisu with ice cream and coffee chocolate beans or Baba al Passito with white chocolate Chantilly and berry sauce. To help wash it all down, explore Bardo’s innovative list of house cocktails, which offers the expected options alongside contemporary twists on classic Italian sips.