Ritorno Review
Ritorno recently opened up on Kings Road in Chelsea and ONIN went along to the press launch of the new Italian aperitivo bar and Italian Kitchen. I must say the venue is absolutely lovely. As seating is limited to only 80 people, this just adds to the opulence and intimacy of the venue.
We were greeted with prosecco before being able to delve into the delicious canapes and cocktails on offer. We loved the different canapes that were going around and despite sitting in one of the corners, we weren’t left out which can sometimes happen at press launches. Food tends to be one of the first things to go. At Ritorno, it wouldn’t have been hard to see why with the delicious flavours of the:
– Ricotta Mousse with Spinach emulsion and nuts
– Whipped salted cod with fried cornmeal flour and confit tomato
– Pork belly served with its own gravy
– Tuna tartare with puree avocado and ginger
– Bread crust filled with aubergine, mozzarella and tomato sauce
My least favourite of the savory options was the Carpaccio. I wished I’d asked what Carpaccio was before I tried the thinly sliced raw beef filet with parmesan sauce and basil oil. I prefer my beef cooked so would have skipped this canape completely.
Luckily after the Carpaccio, the two dessert canapes made their appearance and they were absolutely gorgeous. We couldn’t resist going for second and third helpings of the Amaretto biscuit tiramisu and Tarts with lemon cream and Italian style meringue). If all the canapes we ate at the launch were just a fraction of the Ritorno’s full menu, diners are in for a treat.
Now if you’re not going to visit Ritorno for the food, definitely make a visit for the cocktails. While they’re priced a little steep at £13.50, the poetic cocktails are something special.
Our personal favourites were the the SARDEGNA £13.50 (Grazia Deledda Stolichnaya vodka, Mirto Silvio Carta, homemade spicy blueberry syrup, lavender air) and the RITORNO MILAN MULE £12.50 (Stolichnaya vodka, campari bitters, Homemade clementine & cinnamon syrup, ginger beer). The Sardegna had the unusual flavor of lavender which while initially was a little peculiar soon became absolutely delicious. My friend absolutely loved the Milan Mule and I’m pretty sure if it wasn’t for the cinnamon I would have been too.
The service on the night was absolutely spot on with all staff happy to explain the cocktails and have a chat to guests. While one does generally expect this kind of service when dining, at launches and big opening events it’s not always the case. Ritorno have chosen their staff well and they should be congratulated for their friendliness and attention to detail.
Open Monday – Saturday: 12noon – 12 midnight and Sundays 11am – 8pm (Sunday brunch 11am – 4pm), this classy Italian cocktail bar and restaurant is sure to impress. So hurry up book that table for the perfect dinner date or after work cocktails before this place becomes one of those ‘hard to get into’ places.
Reporter: Tegan LeBon
Twitter and Instagram: @toogs1
Ritorno London
442 King’s Road,
Chelsea,
London
SW10 0LQ
For Reservations: www.ritorno.co.uk
020 3301 6333
@ritornolondon
