Bocconcino is one of Mayfair’s lively Italian spots where stylish interiors and a buzzy atmosphere set the tone for a fun night out. Handmade pasta, generous mains, and a resident DJ make it a go-to for those seeking an exuberant dining experience in London.
The Ambience
Even before stepping inside, Bocconcino makes an impression. The striking floral display at the entrance is an early hint of the restaurant’s aesthetic appeal. A grand spiral staircase leads to the lower dining area, where dim lighting creates a sophisticated mood and a seafood counter and stocked bar provide key focal points to capture guests’ attention. As dusk sets in, a DJ spins lively beats, adding an enjoyable party energy to the space.
The Food
We start with focaccia, though it leans more towards a crisp flatbread than the slabs of pillowy softness we expected. Nonetheless, it’s good when paired with olive oil and works as a perfect foil for the crudo trio. The serving of salmon, tuna and yellowtail is beautifully presented, diced small and garnished with small slowers. The fresh, delicate flavours prep the palate for the meal ahead. Calamari, however, is a bit of a letdown—the flavours are fine but we’re given just a few breadcrumbed rings lacking the crispness and portion size to justify its price. We would have liked to have seen more of the squid utilised to make this worthwhile.
The pasta course is a mixed bag. The crab-filled ravioli is indulgent with its buttery sauce, though a stronger hit of saltiness from the caviar would have lifted the dish. The white truffle tagliatelle, while rich, misses the signature earthy punch, with the sauce feeling slightly too heavy and sticky, especially at a steep £79 price point. The pizza also falls slightly short; it’s too doughy, needing a few extra seconds in the oven to reach that perfect crispness. The highlight of the meal is undoubtedly the veal Milanese. It’s almost enough to forgive the shortcomings of some of the other dishes. It arrives as a generous 60cm-wide portion, wafer-thin and beautifully crisp. Packed with flavour. it steals the show and makes for great value as it is more than enough for two. It is worth returning for this dish alone.
The Verdict
Bocconcino delivers a cool, high-energy dining experience with decent food albeit with the hefty Berkeley Street price tag. It’s always busy, making for a lively atmosphere, though this means the service, while friendly, can feel a little inconsistent at times. Portion sizes for mains are extremely impressive, making it a place worth revisiting, particularly to see if the small inconsistencies improve another time. It sometimes leans into style over substance, but if budget isn’t a concern and you’re after a lively meal with friends, it’s a solid choice for a fun night out.