Cafe Murano

Italian Restaurant in St James's
Cafe Murano image
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9 / 10 from 2 reviews
Address
33 St. James's Street
St James's
London
SW1A 1HD
Map
Telephone
020 3371 5559
Cuisine
Italian
Region
St James's
Nearest Station
Green Park
0.13 miles

Angela Hartnett's second restaurant, serving food from northern Italy.

Cafe Murano Picture Gallery

Cafe Murano Picture

All In London Review

Original Italian food at an elegant but buzzy restaurant

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My colleague arranged for us to have dinner at this restaurant and I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t been there before as I’m often in the area. Perhaps I was put off by the “café” in its name. This really is a first class restaurant. And the staff are professional, knowledgeable and friendly although their strong accents means you have to pay attention.

It’s quite a narrow restaurant, though elegant in its classic modern décor, and the tables are relatively close to each other but this doesn’t detract from the experience.

There’s a large bar along one wall and a panelled off area towards the back. The clientele is varied – groups of business people, tourists, couples and friends. It was a Wednesday evening and the place was buzzing.

My spring salad (£8.50) starter was underwhelming but then it’s hard to make leaves exciting. My companion’s tagliatelle (£11) small starter portion appeared to go down well.

For the main course we decided to share the sea bream for two (£32). This was a triumph. Perfectly cooked light fish with an original orange and pistachio dressing that didn’t overpower the delicate fish. I had potatoes fritti (£4.50) and my companion Jersey Royals (£4.50). These sides good size portions and well-seasoned.

The blanc de morge wine (£11.50) was the waiter’s suggestion and excellent. My companion also enjoyed her Carbaiona (£15).

We were replete but decided to try the desserts. My companion’s huge portion of amaretti cake (£6.50) was a wonder to behold. But my pineapple carpaccio with a mint sorbet (£7) was probably the most delicious dessert I’ve ever tasted. It was sweet and tart, cool and fresh and very juicy. I will dream about that pineapple.

Three courses each and three glasses of excellent wine between us and the bill (including service) came to £126. For the location and the quality of food and service I thought this extremely reasonable.

If you can’t quite afford the prices at Angela Hartnett’s restaurant in Covent Garden this is a perfect choice for original and well cooked food in a smart restaurant in the West End.

Reviewed by KimT
Published on Jul 20, 2018


User Reviews

Susan
from Abbey Road

Jun 19, 2014

I can't believe this is called a cafe - that just doesn't do it justice. This feels like the michelin-starred restaurant in terms of the level of food and service, but perhaps with a little less pomp. Beautiful interiors, beautiful food and wonderfully warm staff - I'd go here all the time if my wallet and geography allowed!!
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