The Vibe Is the Statement Piece
I spent the evening at Motorino, and honestly? It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you accidentally walked onto a set designed by someone who really knows how to do mood lighting. Fitzrovia vibes, low lights, open kitchen theatrics— have another glass of wine, order more dishes than you planned kind of.
Behind the scenes, this isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a collaboration of two very clever chefs. Irish-born Luke Ahearne(Michelin-starred, formerly Lita in Marylebone) and Stevie Parle (chef-owner of Town and Pastaio) have joined forces to bring their vision of modern London-Italian dining to life.
If those names already make your taste buds sit up, you’re not alone. So the food? Well… that’s when things start to get interesting.
Atmosphere:
Retro Elegance Meets Cozy Corners. The space is dark and slightly retro, but balanced by soft lighting and a spotlight on the open kitchen—a subtle drama that instantly energizes the room.
What truly impressed me is the versatility of the seating. Tables for dates, groups, or private dinners—the layout feels considered rather than templated.
We opted for one of the private rooms, and honestly, it was cozier than our office meeting room (but infinitely more stylish). Perfect for lingering over wine, conversation, and the occasional extra course.
Service:
Service was exactly what you want in London: friendly, switched on, and not hovering over your shoulder every two minutes asking if everything’s okay (it is, thanks). Smooth, relaxed, and spot on.
Drinks:
Wine? Cocktails? Something classic? Something fun? Motorino says yes to all of the above. The drinks menu is stacked, and it’s very easy to get carried away—in the best possible way.
Price: £££
Welcome to Fitzorivia. Is it cheap? No. Is it shocking? Also no. This is Fitzrovia, and Motorino sits comfortably in that “special dinner but not a full-on splurge” bracket.
For the space, service, and overall experience, I’d say prices are fair—especially if you’re there for a proper sit-down evening rather than a quick midweek bite.
What I Ordered:
*Wildfarmed focaccia
Elite. Warm, fluffy, with a perfectly crisp exterior, served alongside fragrant butter and olive oil. Dangerously easy to keep ordering “just one more piece.” A true standout.
Delica pumpkin with stracciatella
Beautifully balanced—sweet, creamy pumpkin paired with crunchy, slightly bitter radicchio. Thoughtful, seasonal, and elegant on the plate.
Agnolotti Carbonara and Pappardelle with Wildfarmed beef ragù
Both pasta dishes were underwhelming. Pastaio name set the bar too high for me…
The Pappardelle was hearty but slightly dry, while the Agnolotti Carbonara’s sauce didn’t quite do justice to the pasta. Honestly, who came up with this combination? Even if you’re not Italian, you can safely skip this one.
45-day aged Belted Galloway rib-eye
The steak was solid, but let’s call it “okay-ish.” We went all in and tried both the Chianti and peppercorn sauces—peppercorn won me over—but honestly, both could have used a bit more oomph. I’d have liked my steak a touch more cooked.
Pink Fir potatoes, tomato salad, and spiced broccoli
Surprisingly, the sides stole the show from the steak itself. The spiced broccoli and potatoes had just the right kick, making them memorable and more exciting than the main protein.
*Peposo
This was a little drama on a plate—the beef cheek was tender, deeply flavorful, and seasoned with the kind of peppery punch that makes you sit up and notice. Served alongside creamy polenta, it was comfort elevated: a dish that knows exactly what it wants to be. Definitely one of the evening’s highlights.
Tiramisu
Creamier than a typical tiramisu, with a rich, indulgent texture. Delicious, but for my taste, the cream-to-cake ratio was a touch heavy..
Conclusion:
Motorino is a restaurant where vibe takes the lead, but the food also has some moments of real delight. The space, drinks, service, and those standout dishes make it worth a visit.
Not every plate is a showstopper, but the overall experience is polished, cozy, and effortlessly stylish—the kind of London evening you want to savor… preferably with good company to match.
Motorino is proof that sometimes, the mood can be the main course.
You can check their small menu here: https://motorino.london/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Motorino-Food-Menu-1601.pdf
