Last Updated on November 20, 2024
An Italian Connection in Chelsea
What is it about summer that makes me crave pizza? I suspect it’s an old memory of delicious pizza on the beach in Greece when I was still a student (but I might just have been famished). I have a not-so-secret love of Italian food – nothing complicated, just pizza and pasta. So, an excuse to try out Dez Amore in Chelsea, the first restaurant from the well-known street-food vendors, was very welcome.
This part of London is better known as Little France – and the last time I was here was to check out Josephine Bouchon. The Italians have arrived in style now though . On the Fulham Road, a hop skip and a jump from Gloucester Road tube, Dez Amore is spread over two floors with cafe-style seating and an open kitchen on the ground floor and a more intimate space in the basement. It’s an informal kind of place with prices to match and you can enjoy cocktails, wine by the glass, carafe or bottle and craft or Italian beer along with a selection of soft drinks. We ordered 250ml of house white wine (very drinkable) and a bottle of craft beer.
Our meal started with a sharing plate of Parma ham, burrata and cheese focaccia. I was particularly impressed that we were offered plenty of the protein elements of the dish along with a decent sharing portion of focaccia. Much as I love good bread, I was planning on indulging in a pizza and keen not to eat anything else too high in carbs. The other starter is a platter of mixed fried (tempura-style) vegetables. It was a simple but utterly delicious way to start the meal and would also have made a good snack if you didn’t want too much food!
There are variations on three options for the main course – Pasta, Pizza Padellino (pan-style pizza that originates from Turin) and Burgers. Much as I really wanted to try a burger, it seemed the wrong choice in this place. In any case, the pizza had my name on it. There were 6 options and I picked the Truffle – with mozzarella, mushrooms and ham. Three of the options are veggie and the Napoli (next time’s choice) is pescatarian. My truffled pizza was a classic – lightly fragranced but full of ham and mushrooms.
My companion opted for the Ravioli Burro e Salvia – another classic dish of ravioli filled with ricotta and spinach served with a sage and butter sauce. Excellent quality pasta, a generous portion and a beautifully balanced sauce and filling made this a standout dish. But to be honest, I think any of the pasta dishes would have been excellent and it’s definitely something I intend trying again.
We watched as the tiny upstairs restaurant area filled up with diners – half of whom seemed to be Italian families. A convivial atmosphere, I could easily have sat there all evening sipping on a glass of wine. Instead, we ordered a cheesecake dessert each – they come served in jars with a choice of three toppings – natural, pistachio or chocolate. Washed down with a strong Italian espresso it was the perfect relaxed dinner and I’ll certainly be back. I’ve also discovered that they are at Mercato Metropolitano – almost on my doorstep – so I don’t even need to go far if I want to try that Italian burger!
We were looked after for the evening by the charming Emanuel who told us a little about the ethos of Dez Amore. Apparently the restaurant aims to replicate Nonno’s home – with a bespoke Instagram corner downstairs! Founded by Leonardo Masi and Simone Parentini, Dez Amore aims to bring genuine Italian cuisine to London. Leonardo is a seasoned chef who learned pasta making at a young age, has brought his culinary dreams to life in London while Simone has ventured into the culinary world to share his passion for genuine Italian cuisine.
With main courses for anything from just under £9.00 to just over £16.00 and a well-priced drinks menu, this isn’t somewhere that will make your bank manager cry. The food is excellent quality and uncomplicated – somewhere to remember for me.
Dez Amore
273 Fulham Rd.,
Chelsea
London SW10 9PZ
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