On In London Returns to The Italian Greyhound

Returning to The Italian Greyhound in Marylebone after a year felt a bit like visiting an old friend who’d quietly stepped up their game. It had always been a solid, attractive neighbourhood spot – reliable food, good atmosphere – but this time, everything felt sharper. More focused and uber delicious!

From the moment we sat down, the menu showed off a next level of confidence. We started with two very well-executed plates. The burrata came surrounded by pickled beets, slivers of radish, broad beans, and a delicate courgette pesto. What could have been a soft, mild opener was anything but, the balance of textures and acidity was spot-on, with each bite feeling bright and intentional. Every element felt like it belonged there, from the crunch of the radish to the mellow richness of the pesto, which brought it all together beautifully.

Alongside that came an octopus carpaccio that was clean and elegant – paper-thin slices, dressed simply with black olives and lemon. It was superb and the lemon didn’t overpower; it just lifted everything.

For mains, I had the crab linguine, which was a real standout. Fresh pasta, lightly coated in a silky sauce with spring onion and just enough chilli to give a kick without overwhelming the delicate crab. It had that perfect balance between richness and freshness, the kind of dish that’s hard to get just right, but they absolutely nailed it. It’s a plate I’d return for without hesitation.

The other main was the catch of the day – seabass, which arrived beautifully cooked with a side of broccoli. Again, simple but perfectly done. The fish had crisp skin, soft flaky flesh, and was seasoned just enough to let the natural flavour shine. The broccoli, surprisingly, was a highlight in its own right. Steamed to the point of tenderness but still holding bite, and somehow incredibly flavourful, likely thanks to a bit of clever seasoning or a finishing oil that brought it to life. It was a great example of how even the most familiar ingredients can be elevated when given proper attention.

Service was warm and relaxed, present but not pushy, with staff who knew the menu well and were happy to talk through options. The dining room remains as charming as ever. It’s a light-filled, easygoing space with soft leather seating and an unfussy layout that encourages lingering. There was a wedding party taking place in the basement which added another layer of vibe to the space.

What really struck me on this visit was the sense of progression. The Italian Greyhound was always good, but now, it feels like they’ve tightened the screws and fine-tuned the offering. The dishes feel more thoughtful, the flavours more refined, the whole experience a little more grown-up without losing its relaxed charm.

In a city packed with Italian restaurants trying to be everything at once, The Italian Greyhound succeeds by doing a few things extremely well. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. What it offers is clean, well-balanced food that respects both the seasons and the ingredients, and in the end, that’s what makes a meal memorable.

Find out more > www.theitaliangreyhound.co.uk