Paper Moon at The OWO

Last Updated on February 23, 2025

Milan meets the grandeur of London: Welcome to Paper Moon at The OWO

Imagine stepping into a world where the style of Milan meets the grandeur of London – welcome to Paper Moon at The OWO. This high-end Italian fine-dining restaurant, a beloved family-owned venture since 1977, has been delighting palates in Milan and around the globe. With glittering outposts in Istanbul, Doha, Hong Kong, the Algarve, and Bodrum, Paper Moon now graces London with its presence. Nestled in the opulent Raffles Hotel at the Old War Office in Whitehall, a stunning neo-Baroque masterpiece, Paper Moon joins eleven other restaurants and bars in the majestic Westminster development.

This elegant Milanese-style restaurant oozes charm with stylish décor designed to emulate a traditional Italian house, featuring taupe fabric-covered panel walls adorned with framed classic film photography, textile-patterned cushions and fabric banquettes accompanied by dark bentwood chairs and white linen tablecloths and olive trees adding a touch of nature. Gorgeous large bay windows offer stunning views over Horse Guards Avenue.

The swish marble cocktail bar is the heart of the party, with glistening mirrored arches that sparkle and shine. Serving up daily aperitivi and tantalizing cocktails, it’s the ultimate spot to kick back with a Negroni and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

With discreet house beats burbling in the background, we browsed the menu. Naturally, we started with an aperitif. I began with Paper Moon’s signature Martini, featuring fabulous-tasting Konik’s Tail Vodka with added floral notes from their secret vermouth blend. My companion’s Bellini Perfetto was enviable, made with Campari, crème de pêche, peach puree, lemon juice, and prosecco, adding depth with the hint of bitterness from the Campari and balancing the sweetness of the peach.  On the side a tempting bread basket with a selection of Italian breads, with oil and balsamic to dip, the ideal pre-meal nibble.

The menu boasts a selection of Paper Moon signature classics and traditional Milanese dishes. You’ll find a tempting array of antipasti dishes such as Vitello Tonnato and Fiore di Zucchine. Spoilt for choice we opted for Fritto Misto with tender fried prawns, squid, anchovies and zucchini in a beautifully crisp and hot batter served with a light homemade lemon mayonnaise.

Selezione di Tartare is a delightful duo of salmon with avocado, and tuna with mango, showcasing the finest fresh fish. The avocado and mango add a subtle, uplifting touch to this celebration of flavours.

We paired our meal with a bottle of Greco di Tufo 2021 Benito Ferrara, with citrus notes and an elegant minerality.

Moving on to Primi Piatti – with a homemade, super light, ricotta gnocchi, cloaked in wonderfully rich truffle cream, with generous flakes of seasonal black truffle and toasted hazelnuts adding crunch…an amazingly luxurious dish!

Next, for Secondi Piatti – Agnello – succulent grilled lamb chops served with luscious homemade pepperonata and a fragrant thyme sauce. The sweet and tangy peppers and onions complemented the rich, smoky flavour of the lamb.

My companion chose the Rombo – properly seared turbot pieces perched on vibrant purple potato purée, fresh asparagus, and saltwort in reduced rosemary broth. On the side, a fresh rucola salad with feta, full of crunch with a light dressing.

And finally, how could we resist? In true Italian tradition, their tiramisù was divine. With such a generous portion, I’m glad we shared! Soft ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese soaked in coffee – an irresistible indulgence!

Dining at Paper Moon whisks you away to the streets of Milan, right in the heart of one of London’s most stylish spots. With deliciously crafted Italian dishes and chic surroundings, it’s the perfect place for a romantic date night, a business dinner with flair, or any special occasion that calls for a touch of la dolce vita!

Paper Moon London
The OWO,
7 Horse Guards Avenue,
London
SW1A 2EX