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The height of summer is the ideal time to indulge in the fruits of the sea. It\u2019s the season that brings the freshest of produce from the ocean straight onto your plate. Pescatori \u2013 the Italian & seafood restaurant located in Mayfair and Fitzrovia, boasted a reputation Elysium just had to try out to see if it matches up to the calibre of cuisine the discerning gent expects.<\/p>\n
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The Dover Street branch of Pescatori is located in the heart of Mayfair, a short stroll away from Green Park Station. The area is a buzz with trendy and fashionable types darting from here to there. However, amongst the chatter Pescatori represents an unassuming entrance way, but with a warm welcome inside.<\/p>\n
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On arrival, you\u2019re greeted by your friendly host who will lead you to your table and settle you in. Once seated, you can really start to take in the ambience of the place \u2013 the Mayfair restaurant is the more traditional-looking of the two restaurants in London and will suit those looking for the more homely feel when dining. Seating at the restaurant is well spaced out between tables so you don\u2019t feel like going elbow-to-elbow with the diners next door. Whether you\u2019re entertaining clients or taking the lady out for the evening \u2013 Pescatori will ably suit both needs. Tables feel quite intimate too, especially if you request some of the corner tables available.<\/p>\n
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The complimentary welcome glass of prosecco is a nice touch, and a great way to cleanse the palate whilst browsing the menu. The Nocellara del Belice olives (\u00a33.50) are highly recommended to nibble on too when reading the menu \u2013 together they are a great aperitivo combination. Service at the restaurant is very attentive, but in a discreet way which Elysium appreciates. For drinks, we accepted the recommendation from our host of an Italian red wine which was subtle and soft \u2013 perfect for a fish supper.<\/p>\n
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The menu is extensive so there are plenty of seafood and pasta options to suit all tastes and appetites. Menus are changed monthly and work with the seasons so you\u2019re always offered the best available from land and sea. After a careful scan of the starters we opted for the poached asparagus with Parma ham and Piemonte dolcelatte (\u00a38.95) and the hand-picked Devon crab and avocado salad (\u00a312.50). As they were presented at the table we knew we were in for a treat this evening. The asparagus was perfectly cooked with the full flavour of the dolcelatte working well together with Parma ham. The Devon crab salad tasted very fresh \u2013 the texture of the avocado mixing well with the delicate crab. Portion sizes are very impressive at Pescatori \u2013 you wouldn\u2019t be left hungry after dining here.<\/p>\n
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After the starter dishes had danced around our taste buds we had high hopes for the mains. There are plenty of options here and we nearly sided for the signature Pescatori dish of \u2018Shellfish Copper Pot\u2019 (lobster, calamari, prawns, mussels, monk fish and tiger prawns) a veritable feast from the seas but instead opted for the char-grilled tuna steak with red peppers and goat\u2019s cheese salad (\u00a318.50) and the Cornish monkfish tail wrapped in pancetta with porcini butter sauce (\u00a321.50) with crispy-fried zucchini (\u00a33.50) on the side.<\/p>\n
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Anticipation was high as we chatted away during the short wait for the mains. Service is prompt – so just as the taste of our starters lingered no more, we were greeted to the next dish. The scent from both dishes was intense and hinted at the flavours that lay in wait. The tuna was chunky and substantial \u2013 on par with any beef steak we\u2019ve had anywhere, and was cooked and seasoned as requested. The monkfish was tasty and full of flavour \u2013 the porcini butter sauce providing a match made on culinary heaven to the meaty monkfish. The very healthy portion sizes are perfect to sate the hunger of all, except those blessed with the bottomless belly.<\/p>\n
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After experiencing the delights of the sea we were craving something sweet to satisfy our sweet tooth. Seafood has the advantage of feeling lighter on the tummy compared to the much heavier meat-based dishes, so space for desert is a little easier to find despite the very generous portion sizes. From the desert menu we were tempted by the ginger and chocolate cheesecake, and the royal fresh berry tart with white chocolate ice cream (both \u00a36.00 each). The cheesecake was sweet with a slight kick of ginger, while the tart was a picture of summer with the white chocolate ice cream going down very well indeed.<\/p>\n
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Pescatori is well established within the London circuit, something that bodes well within the restaurant world as longevity is hard to find. Specialising in seafood and Italian cuisine obviously gives it the chance to stand head and shoulders above anything similar in menu too. The location of the restaurant within the affluent world of Mayfair is also a positive for either client entertainment or treating the lady with the wow-factor the area conjures up in the mind. Above all else, a restaurant is judged on its food and Elysium is delighted to report that Pescatori Mayfair delivers to the high standards expected for the discerning gent. We recommend you get your fill of its fruits de mer.<\/p>\n
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