Little Mouthfuls of Big Italian Flavour
If you’re expecting rustic Sicilian charm and a chef’s kiss from a smiling nonna for your dinner, Bocconcino Mayfair will politely hand you a glass of something sparkling and seat you under a chandelier instead.
This is Italian food in full Mayfair attire—elegant plates, a glossy crowd, and prices that gently whisper, “darling, you’re in W1.”
I went for a girls’ night, laughed over beautiful food, and floated out with full bellies, happy hearts… and just a couple of raised eyebrows about the service.
Atmosphere:
Think high heels clicking on marble floors, low lighting flattering every face, and a DJ set that says “this is a very nice place to spend money.” There’s a nod to Sicily, but think less fisherman’s village and more “Sicilian heiress fresh from Bond Street.” It’s polished, it’s pretty, and it knows it.
Service:
The welcome wasn’t exactly warm—the receptionist briskly informed us our booking had been cancelled (it hadn’t), and our waiter had the warmth of a walk-in fridge. Not outright rude, but a little too rehearsed to feel genuine. Still, once the food arrived, all was forgiven. Mostly.
Drinks:
This is where Bocconcino shines. Plenty of wines for those who want to toast in style, but also an impressive line-up of non-alcoholic cocktails and even wines. Our mocktails were as glamorous as anything on the boozy menu—proof that abstaining doesn’t have to mean missing out.
Price: £££
You will feel this on your bank card. But if you’re in Mayfair, you already know the rules: arrive hungry, leave happy, and don’t look at your statement until Monday.
What I Ordered:
Fennel e tartare di ricciola
Fresh, silky, and very “hello summer in a single bite.” The fennel added a nice little zing that made me want more.
Gamberi rossi di Mazara con stracciatella e bottarga
The prawns were basically seafood royalty, and here they arrived wearing a decadent crown of stracciatella and a salty sprinkle of bottarga. The throne? Perfectly golden, crispy potato layers that were almost too pretty to eat. Almost..
*Paccheri di Gragnano al pomodoro e ricotta
Oh, the paccheri. Perfectly al dente, lounging in a creamy tomato sauce that could cause an emotional reaction in the right lighting.
The ricotta? A cloud of dairy happiness. I would come back for this alone. Possibly with a fork in one hand and no shame in the other.
Filetto di branzino con crema di piselli e verdure di stagione
Sea bass with skin so crisp it almost snapped, sitting on a sweet cream of peas. Vegetables were so elegant, light, and perfect if you’re pretending you’re “just having something small” before dessert.
*Tiramisù
Tiramisù can be a gamble—sometimes soggy, sometimes heavy. This one? A coffee-kissed, cocoa-dusted, perfectly airy dream. I’d fight for the last spoonful… and I did.
Conclusion:
Bocconcino Mayfair isn’t about rustic Italian comfort—it’s Italy in designer heels. The food? Gorgeous. The vibe? Glam. The service? Could use a little sparkle. If you want to twirl perfect pasta in a room where the lighting makes everyone look expensive, this is your spot.
Tips:
- You can peek at their menu here—and while you’re at it, don’t miss the Bottomless Brunch option (because who doesn’t love endless bubbles?). Truffle lovers, Thursday is your night: their Truffle Dinner is a fragrant little slice of heaven.
- There’s no strict dress code, which I actually loved—you can totally glide in wearing something casually chic and still feel right at home among the Mayfair sparkle.
- Live music sets the mood every weekend, adding just the right touch of glamour to your evening.
- Bocconcino also has a buzzing outpost in Soho and a sister restaurant, Osteria del Mare, in Covent Garden—so you’ve got options if you want to chase those “little mouthfuls” across the city.
