Authentic Italian Dining in the Heart of Mayfair, London
Have you ever found yourself battling through one of those quintessential British storms, all for the sake of a promising meal? I certainly did last week, when Storm Amy unleashed her best on London – gusts that could knock you sideways, sideways rain showers that make any umbrella redundant. But my excitement for finally tucking into an Italian lunch at Nipotina, a spot I’ve been eager to visit since it opened in November 2024, simply wouldn’t be dampened. There’s a certain thrill in that kind of determination, isn’t there? Like chasing a culinary adventure that feels worth every soggy step, avoiding the water-filled potholes.
Mayfair, much like the rest of this vibrant city, is blessed with an abundance of Italian restaurants, each bringing its own slice of la dolce vita to the table. From longstanding favourites to fresh arrivals, it’s a district that never leaves you short of options for pasta or pizza – making it one of the best spots for Italian restaurants in Mayfair. What particularly piqued my interest in Nipotina, though, is its self-proclaimed status as a neighbourhood eatery. In a place like Mayfair, where glamour often takes centre stage, I was curious to see how this translates – does it mean a cosy, approachable vibe that welcomes locals and visitors alike, or something more?
At its heart, Nipotina is the brainchild of restaurateur Samyukta Nair, marking her fourth restaurant in Mayfair under the umbrella of LSL Capital. The name Nipotina, meaning “granddaughter” in Italian, nods to a celebration of family heritage and those cherished recipes handed down through generations, evoking the comforting warmth of a nonna’s kitchen. With Turin-born chef Somaia Hammad at the helm, drawing on her Puglian upbringing and grandmother’s techniques, the menu blends northern and southern influences into hearty, authentic Italian fare in London – sounds like a match made in heaven.
Stepping inside this buzzy spot on South Audley Street – nearly adjacent to The Audley pub and just a three-minute walk from Grosvenor Square – it’s clear that vision comes to life. The restaurant is split into two sections: the front is light and airy with windows on the front and side due to its corner position, while a small archway leads to the back dining room, which feels like a cosy snug with a bar in the corner. We were seated in the front section, which proved a great place to watch the world go by – and after battling Storm Amy’s fury, the warm, welcoming atmosphere was exactly what we needed.
The menu covers all bases with a traditional layout: Cicchetti, Antipasti, Primi, Secondi, and pizza. It mixes the traditional with modern and refreshingly different, with many new dishes recently added – and it’s rare these days in London, especially Mayfair, to find a menu that suits all budgets for authentic Italian dining, and considering it’s in Mayfair, the prices are reasonable (e.g., pizzas starting at £16 and pasta at £17).
With that in mind, here’s what we ordered after a quick chat with restaurant manager, Ruben, who proved to be knowledgeable and helpful in making our choices. To kick off, we both went for new dishes on the menu. My guest and better half chose burrata served with sautéed artichokes and mint oil. Every Italian menu should feature a burrata dish; this combination was new to us, and the earthy artichokes and the hit of mint balanced the creamy burrata perfectly.
My starter was a first for me: Vitello Tonnato, thinly sliced veal dressed with a tuna sauce and capers. After my conversation with Ruben, I decided to give it a try. I was so pleased I did. This traditional Piedmontese dish is a dinner party favourite or a light lunch. Before ordering, I wondered if the tuna sauce would work with veal; the answer is perfectly. The tuna sauce is not overly fishy, but savoury and slightly salty, with a velvety richness from the mayonnaise base.
The decision for mains was easier. Leigh, my wife, had no hesitation in selecting one of Nipotina’s signature dishes and to give its correct title: Triangoli all’Aragosta – fresh pasta with lobster coated in a spicy vodka and tomato sauce. What’s not to like? I should mention that all pasta and doughs are made in the kitchen of Nipotina. I see why this dish is so popular; yes, it’s opulent, but it also has simplicity and freshness, highly recommended.
For me, it was a choice between crab linguine and the braised octopus. I decided on the octopus – I realise many would pass, but in Mediterranean countries, octopus is revered, and I’m firmly in the “love it” camp. For fellow octopus lovers, it was served with a vibrant salsa verde and baked black olives. The real test? Octopus cooked even slightly over becomes chewy and tough – that’s why I leave it to the experts to cook. As expected, it was cooked perfectly, with the salsa verde as the ideal accompaniment. We added sides of must-have rosemary roast potatoes, a delightful borlotti bean stew, and a completely random choice: a cauliflower gratin.
The dessert trolley, laden with goodies, was presented. We went into default mode and ordered the tiramisu to share – no contest when we heard it was homemade to their recipe. It was served in an oversized coffee cup, which was a nice twist. I won’t bore you with a barrage of delectable pud adjectives—suffice to say, it ranked among the best we’ve had. Also, I must add, if you have had a couple of courses before, sharing is a good idea – unless you don’t like sharing (we know who you are!). Oh, I nearly forgot: alongside our pud we each ordered their homemade limoncello, which was mild and fresh with lemons – dangerously moreish.
We enjoyed a long lunch; sadly, it was time to leave. Before we left, two young ladies entered the restaurant after what looked like spending time on retail therapy. They ordered a pizza to share. At that moment, it struck me why this is a neighbourhood restaurant: Nipotina works for every situation – from a quick pizza to a long, lazy lunch, and everything in between. So if you’re in the neighbourhood, do pop in; they will be delighted to see you.
Nipotina 49 South Audley St, Mayfair, London W1K 2QD. Website and bookings
