Mayfair, Soho and Knightsbridge are my usual haunts in London, with the occasional venture into Shoreditch, but it’s quite rare that I make my way South of the river. But with restaurants such as Story, Zucca, 40 Maltby Street and Casse Croute opening, Bermondsey is turning into quite a foodie mecca. However, there is one restaurant that’s been around long before these newbies… Tentazioni on Mill Street.
The restaurant has stood in that spot for 17 years, the perfect place for an intimate lunch or dinner near London Bridge. Last night I ventured south for a tasting event to try out their menu of authentic Italian cuisine.
The night started on a high with the first dish being my favourite, a swordfish cube with poppy seeds, aubergine rataouille and red pepper coulis. The fish was lovely and rare and a side of aubergine always pleases me!
The restaurant itself is over two floors, it’s small and intimate with twinkling lights and pretty art festooning the walls. Really a very romantic place!
And here’s chef himself, Alberto Modena, who gained his experience of top notch Italian cookery working in Michelin star restaurants in Rome. He’s even worked at La Pergola, a three star restaurant high up on my bucket list!
Next, we were treated to beef fillet carpaccio with chicory and the unusual and very clever accompaniment of foie gras ice cream and fresh figs. I’m not a foie fan because I don’t like the fatty texture so I much preferred it served in this way. The beef was fresh and delicious and sliced perfectly thinly.
Pumpkin ravioli with amaretti biscuits and fruit mustard served with butter and sage sauce sounded suspiciously sweet. But the sweet notes weren’t overpowering and pasta dish was totally delicious, one wasn’t enough, but this was a tasting so we couldn’t be too greedy.
Fresh tagliatelle with black truffle sauce was another star of the night! I’m not always keen on the earthy flavour of truffle (I know, I call myself a foodie and then say I don’t like truffle and foie gras!) but it wasn’t overpowering in this dish. The pasta was fine and silky with just the right amount of oil, a beautiful dish.
The chef was really spoiling us with luxury ingredients as the next course was lobster served with beef fillet.
And finally for savouries, a creamy foie gras risotto with porcini mushrooms.
And it wouldn’t be a classic Italian meal without a tiramisu! And this was beautifully presented in a martini glass, the perfect way to end a fabulous tasting.
A big thank you to Tentazioni, great hospitality and fabulous food. Next time you find yourself in the streets of Bermondsey, pop in for a plate of pasta!
Tentazioni
2 Mill Street
Bermondsey
London
EC3 R5AS
0207 394 5248
Disclosure: I was a guest of Tentazioni and food and drink were complimentary for the purposes of the review
