Last Updated on August 21, 2025
Jump in to Jacuzzi Restaurant for Bacchanalian pleasures
4.0 out of 5.0 starsWe first reviewed Italian restaurant Jacuzzi in early 2023, shortly after its opening. It was our Restaurant of the Month, and we were excited by its Bacchanalian theatricality, which extends from its interiors through to the menu.
At that time, Jacuzzi was the latest venture from the French Big Mamma group, which had just celebrated its 10-year birthday. With restaurants across Europe, including seven in London, Big Mamma has become the market leader in fun, stylish Italian dining. Gloria in Shoreditch was the first UK outpost, followed by Circo Popolare in Fitzrovia and then Ave Mario in Covent Garden. There is Barbarella
in Docklands, probably the most glamorous of them all, and the wedding-themed intimacy of Carlotta in the heart of Marylebone village.
Jacuzzi is described on the Big Mamma website as “Our Villa of Worldly Pleasures” and “this crazy trattoria.” The 170-seater restaurant spans four floors, each with a distinct, decadent feel. There’s even a summer-friendly mezzanine floor with a retractable roof. We were invited to try some dishes from the new Summer Menu, which features seasonally appropriate offerings, including crab croquettes with lemon mayo; tomato and ricotta salad; Sicilian monkfish served on a bed of zesty couscous and drizzled with lobster bisque; and a range of fresh pastas. For summer dessert fans, there’s a new peach frangipane tart served with Chantilly cream. With fresh vegetables and produce such as burrata flown in twice a week from Italy, the emphasis is on culinary authenticity amidst the playful atmosphere.
The interiors are full-on. With inspiration taken from Ancient Rome, the 1950s La Dolce Vita era, as well as the 70s disco scene, it’s a post-modern stylistic mish-mash that somehow works. There are Roman statues, long twisted frosted glass Murano chandeliers; with lots of potted greenery, black, grey and white marble tiles, semi-circular red velvet sofas, high windows framed by long curtains with drapes, and disco hits pumping through the rooms, it’s the place to come with a hot date or for a party of family of friends.
Did I mention the ‘disco loo’?!
We started with drinks. A non-alcoholic Passion Be Mojito, a blend of passion fruit purée, ginger, lime, and fresh mint, was refreshing and not over-sweetened; a glass of Franciacorta DOCG Golf 1927 NV, made by Barone Pizzini in Lombardy, was fresh on the palate with a lively mousse.
We tried three starters because I’m greedy, the first two of which are on the summer menu. A plate of Ricotta di Bufala e Zucchine, with the clouds of cheese topped with grilled zucchini and pine nuts, was light and healthy tasting if a little underpowered from a flavour perspective.
Some excellent fluffy potato croquettes topped with fresh crab, Crocchette di Granchio, came drizzled in a citrussy lemon mayo. Delicioso!
Our final starter was a 250g Burrata di Puglia topped with truffle-infused basil oil and fresh black truffle. It created a wonderfully fresh, salty, truffle-infused, creamy mouthful that will bring you happiness.
Served in elegant tulip glasses, our wine choice, a Frascati Superior 496 DOGC from de Sanctis in Lazio, was full-bodied with apple, melon and straw notes. Made from Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes, it was a great match with our food and a wine I will return to.
My main of half a Lobster Risotto, again from the Summer Menu, came in a sensuously rich cuttlefish ragù. My Cornish crustacean was tender and full-flavoured, with the risotto rice being appropriately nutty.
The Beef Carpaccio, Carpaccio di Manzo, came on a big platter served with rocket, balsamic and 22-month Parmigiano Reggiano. The meat was fresh and high-quality, with the cheese adding a salty bite to the proceedings; there’s a black truffle option if you’re in the mood.
My dessert of Sorbetto al Limone, a zingy home-made lemon sorbet, was finely textured with an intense lemony flavour. Perfect for a warm summer’s evening!
The Meringata ai Frutti Rossi was surprisingly light and low calorie, with soft Italian meringue topped with a vanilla chantilly, red fruits compote, fresh berries and coulis.
If you had thought Jacuzzi was all about pizza and pasta, you’re not wrong, but there are lots of other options on the menu with the new summer dishes being particularly apposite for the season. With informed and charming service, food that puts a smile on your face, and an interior out of a Fellini dreamscape, Jacuzzi certainly ticked all my boxes for a fun night out in style.
Jacuzzi
94 Kensington High Street,
London
W8 5SF
Telephone 020 4578 4370
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