Lunching at Harry’s Dolce Vita was a wonderful experience that transported me straight to the heart of Italy with its charming ambience and exquisite flavours. The restaurant, located in the vibrant area of South Kensington, promised a culinary adventure, and it certainly delivered.
Upon entering, I was greeted by Bhagarv and Luciano, the restaurant manager who hailed from the picturesque region of Basilicata. Their warm hospitality set the tone for what would be a memorable meal. The restaurant’s decor exuded a blend of contemporary elegance and rustic Italian charm, creating an inviting atmosphere that made me feel like I was on some elegant sleeper train on my way to Venice or something.
Food and Drink at Harry’s Dolce Vita
To kick off our lunch, I opted for a Sgroppino, a delightful concoction that was light and fresh, offering a palate-cleansing experience as we prepared for the meal ahead. Rachel, my dining partner, had a Sicilian margarita, which arrived with a vibrant limey punch that was both powerful and refreshing.
For starters, we indulged in Carpaccio, beautifully presented with a side salad of peppery rocket and a delicate mustard cream. The thinly sliced beef melted in my mouth, complemented perfectly by the peppery notes of the salad. Alongside this, we savoured the Calamari, which was impeccably light and crispy.
Luciano, always attentive, suggested we pair our starters with a bottle of Gavi del Comune di Gavi, San Silvestro, 2023 from Piemonte. The wine’s crispness and minerality paired beautifully with our dishes, enhancing the flavours without overwhelming them.
As we transitioned to the main course, I was excited to try the Ravioli filled with lobster, served in a fragrant shellfish emulsion with basil, chives, and Amalfi lemon. This dish was a revelation; the ravioli was meaty yet light, with a soft tomato sauce dotted with succulent pieces of lobster. The pasta itself was perfectly cooked, offering a satisfying bite that complemented the rich filling.
We also sampled the Mezze Maniche allo Zafferano, a tubular rigate pasta that shimmered with a saffron emulsion, courgette flowers, and chives, finished with D.O.P. Pecorino Sardo. This dish was a celebration of summer flavours, with the pasta cooked al dente and the saffron sauce providing a powerful yet delightful punch.
On the side, we enjoyed green beans that were cooked al dente, maintaining their crunchiness, and a rocket salad that added a lovely peppery touch, making it a refreshing accompaniment to our meal.
The Sweetest Finale
As we neared the end of our feast, the desserts arrived, and I must say they were the highlight of the meal. The Millefoglie was an extraordinary creation, featuring crispy puff pastry layered with pistachio ice cream, chocolate mousse, caramelised hazelnut crunch, salted caramel, Chantilly cream, and a hot chocolate sauce. Each bite was a delightful mix of rich, deep flavours, with the contrasting textures of soft and crunchy creating a truly indulgent experience. The molten chocolate oozing from within was simply divine.
However, the true star of the dessert course was Harry’s Amalfi lemon cheesecake. This dessert was a revelation, featuring a white chocolate and lemon cheesecake with crushed amaretti biscotti, Amalfi lemon sorbet, and toasted meringue. It might have been the best citrus dessert I had ever tasted. The sharpness of the lemon sorbet was perfectly balanced by the light and fluffy Italian meringue, and the white chocolate lemon on top was a smashable delight. My dining partner, Rachel, a self-proclaimed chocoholic, admitted she would choose the lemon dessert over any chocolate offering. That was high praise indeed!
A Perfect Afternoon
Our lunch at Harry’s Dolce Vita was not just a meal; it was a culinary journey through Italy, filled with flavours that danced on our palates. The combination of exquisite food, attentive service, and a lovely atmosphere made for a perfect afternoon. It was an ideal location for sightseeing, visiting the nearby museums in South Kensington, or indulging in a bit of shopping at Harrods.
As we left the restaurant, I found myself already planning my next visit. I was eager to explore more of their offerings, including the Ivy Group‘s new venue in Kings Cross, set to open that summer. Harry’s Dolce Vita had left a lasting impression, and I cannot wait to return for another delightful culinary experience soon!
Harry’s Dolce Vita Knightsbridge
27-31 Basil Street
London
SW3 1BB
United Kingdom
