Tortello opened in London's Lancaster Gate earlier in 2026, aiming to stand out in a city brimming with Italian options. Head chef Giuseppe focuses on freshly made pasta and meticulous attention to detail, using flour from specialist Italian mills and produce from artisan farmers. The Bayswater venue features a chic, modern interior with green tiles and a lemon on every tabletop, plus a classic car on the way to the toilet for photo opportunities.
First Impressions and Service
Unfortunately, our visit lacked the Italian charm I've come to expect from trips to Italy. The restaurant was packed, leaving servers harried and unable to lavish individual attention on guests. The service was not the quickest, but Tortello suits a relaxed meal when time allows.
Starters: Beef Carpaccio and Croquettes
My friend and I shared starters: black truffle and ricotta croquettes with Parmigiano Reggiano shavings (£11), and beef carpaccio with anchovy herb dressing and rocket (£14). The beef was immediately impressive—served raw and sliced paper-thin with perfect seasoning. The freshness came through, and the anchovy dressing added a tangy edge. The croquettes had clearly fresh dough but were served dry; I would have enjoyed a dip for moisture, as Peter Kay might say: 'Has tha' nowt moist?'
Mains: 'Nduja Gnocchi and Beef Shin Ragu
For mains, I chose the 'nduja gnocchi with 'nduja butter emulsion, broad beans, bread crumble, and Parmigiano Reggiano (£20). I'm a gnocchi fiend, and this dish was cooked fresh and soft. However, the 'nduja is fairly spicy; Tortello's homemade peach iced tea helped cool down, though it left a slightly bitter aftertaste. Overall, I'd definitely order the gnocchi again. My companion opted for beef shin ragù tagliatelle with cacio ricotta (£20). The pasta was notably fresh, and the beef was deliciously tender.
Dessert: Chocolate & Almond Torta
We shared a chocolate and almond torta with vanilla gelato (£9), which was the highlight of the meal. The torta fell apart on the spoon, and the almond added a hint of crunch to the thick chocolate. I wished we had ordered one each.
Overall Verdict
Tortello is a lovely option for lunch or a relaxed meal when you have time to spare. Nestled next to Hyde Park, it offers a touch of European luxury in the bustling capital. Despite service hiccups, the food—especially the beef carpaccio and chocolate torta—makes it worth a visit.
