The first UK restaurant from the renowned Antinori winemaking family is launching 1 June. Cantinetta Antinori will bring the Tuscan hospitality and wines to Harriet Street, located just off of Sloane Street.
The name behind some of Italy’s most prestigious wines, including Tignanello and Cervaro della Sala, Antinori began producing wine in 1385.
The company is now led by the 26th generation, sisters Albiera, Allegra and Alessia Antinori.
The first Cantinetta Antinori was opened by Niccolò Antinori in 1957 in the fifteenth-century Palazzo Antinori, the family’s historical home in the centre of Florence.
The new Cantinetta Antinori will be the first London opening for the family who, alongside their wineries, have
developed a reputation for their highly celebrated restaurants.
The new London opening marks an exciting collaboration between two families: the Antinori family and the Giraudis, famed restaurateurs led by Riccardo Giraudi, with over 32 restaurants between Paris, Monaco, Mexico, Hong Kong and beyond.
Occupying 3,700 sq ft over three storeys of a period building, Cantinetta Antinori will offer relaxed all-day Tuscan dining with signature dishes highlighting both traditional and contemporary Tuscan recipes, plus fine wines and live jazz each evening.
Guests can expect dishes ranging from prosciutto di Wagyu to more traditional sharing plates and-made pasta.
Cacio e pepe and tiramisù served tableside will be joined by dishes such as pappa al pomodoro, crispy octopus with potato cream, farro salad with fried squid, and fettunta with kale, accompanied by extra virgin olive oil from the Antinoris’ Pèppoli estate in the heart of Chianti Classico.
Naturally, the wine list will feature vintages from the Antinori family estates. A knowledgeable sommelier team will be on hand to offer guests a bespoke service and wine pairings from the extensive cellar.
The interiors of the restaurant have been designed by the architectural firm Archflorence, which worked closely with the family on developing a contemporary aesthetic for the London site, inspired by the historical Cantinetta Antinori restaurant in Florence.
Many details of the restaurant have been crafted by Tuscan artisans: the long, wooden bar counter with brass vine leaves, the wood
boiserie on the walls, and the bespoke lighting.
The first floor is decorated with artefacts and curiosities from the Antinori family collection and the restaurant will also
include a private dining space for parties of eight to 10, as well as an outdoor terrace for dining and aperitifs.
Allegra Antinori said: “Cantinetta Antinori has been part of Florentine city life since 1957, motivated by the desire of having people experience a taste of typical Tuscan hospitality, with perfect pairings between our wines and the traditional cuisine. Still inspired by the same passion, we are excited to begin our new story in London and welcome the community with our heartfelt Tuscan hospitality.”