Mamalu is a fine dining Italian restaurant in the leafy area of Earls Court in south west London, conveniently just moments from the station. While the menu is designed with a keen emphasis on high-quality, sustainable produce, the atmosphere is relaxed and rooted in the warm hospitality that Italian culture is so known for. The structure of the menu is typical of Italian cuisine, laying out sections of antipasti followed by pasta, secondi choices of both fish and meat, and finishing with typical comforting desserts.
Though the menu covers all bases, it's worth noting that Mamalu has a signature focus on seafood. Indeed, much of the seafood is directly imported from Italian waters, to offer both raw and cooked options which are not to be missed. Browse the raw menu and you’ll find dishes such as Mediterranean red tuna tartare with Maldon salt, red Mazara prawn carpaccio with lemon zest, Mazara red prawn with a Sicilian langoustine and a selection of oysters.
Carnivores, however, won’t be disappointed by the meat offering either, as Mamalu purposefully selects specific cuts, such as Fiorentina and rib eye steaks, dry aging them for a minimum of 28 days in a Himalayan salt chamber for the most tender and flavoursome results. Other highlights across the menu include black truffle rice balls, homemade Tonnarello pasta with pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper and fried octopus with baby chicory. Desserts are deliciously indulgent and stay within the realms of tradition, with classics such as home-made tiramisu, apple and cinnamon tart and Sicilian cannoli stuffed with ricotta cheese.
Wine is another important focus for Mamalu, whose in-house sommelier is more than happy to match your meal to a bottle or a couple of glasses. Most of the wines come from Italy and France, with each country enjoying its own list and there’s plenty to choose from across red and white, as well as sparkling options, too.