Dei Frescobaldi

So easy to miss this cozy place tucked away in the basement of Harrods wine department. But if you want a decent Italian lunch with excellent wine choices this is quite a find. Even by the glass there are some outstanding choices as you would expect from the Frescobaldi wine house. The menu while small is quite good, the eggplant parmigiana is one of the better ones I have had in a while, as was their pannacotta. The downside is the atmosphere is a bit flat being in a big department store, but the staff are friendly and make up for a lot. Only open for lunch, though it is an all afternoon lunch.

A delicious retreat on the lower ground level of Harrods. Needing sustenance we wandered the Harrods Food Hall for a late lunch destination. All the small counter cafes were full so we decided to check out other dining options.
We found dei Frescobaldi and after quickly perusing the menu decided to stay. The small restaurant had just a few tables occupied and the quiet locale was a welcome getaway from the chaos and crowds swarming the upper levels.
I started my meal with the Beef Carpaccio. A delectable dish of velvety cured beef, bitter greens & endive dressed in a light citrusy oil dressing and finished with fresh shavings of salty, nutty parmesan.
For my main entrée I chose the small order of their Parmesan Risotto with wine reduction. Wow! Rich, creamy risotto with parmesan cheese and swirled with a Nipozzano (red) wine reduction. Heaven! The risotto was creamy without being too heavy and the wine reduction was the perfect sweet acidic accompaniment to the nuttiness of the parmesan.
There’s a bottle of fruity olive oil at your table perfect with a sprinkling of pepper for the bowl of soft, chewy sliced bread they provide at the start of your meal.
The service was courteous and friendly. Our food was brought out timely and perfectly timed between courses. Wonderful meal and experience… I would expect nothing less at Harrods!