The latest offering by Caprice Holdings family has just opened its doors in Knightsbridge’s Basil Street. Harry’s Bar first opened in London in 1979 as a private members’ club and soon became one of the most desirable dining experiences in town. This latest offering brings with it a modern twist on the iconic Harry’s with the reminiscence of 1950s and 1960s Italian glamour, Harry’s Dolce Vita delights guests with a mixture of old legendary Italian charm, satisfying and scrumptious food, inspired cocktails and an ambience of old fashioned stylish decor.
Harry’s Dolce Vita opened its doors on 6th December – just in time for the festive fun.
As you walk in, you are immediately transported back to an age of 1950’s elegance, glamour and luxury as you take in the iconic bar. Decorated with dark wood, warm soft green accents, silky Fortuny fabrics, vintage brass fixtures and rich tanned leather banquettes, the restaurant has a refined yet vibrant look. The carefully curated artwork and photography adorning the walls includes a mixture of scenes from iconic Italian films including Fellini’s La Dolce Vita and Wyler’s Roman Holiday, immediately set the mood to celebrate ‘la dolce vita’.
A wide range of stylish classic cocktails with a twist are on offer which you can enjoy on the iconic bar or at your table. Favourites include the authentic signature drinks Harry’s Bellini and Harry’s Rossini.
The menu has been carefully designed by Executive Chef Diego Cardoso whose early life and culinary preferences were influenced by his mother and Italian grandfather who would spend hours in the kitchen together. His culinary experience is vast, including working under Angela Harnett at The Connaught and working with Verre by Gordon Ramsay (Dubai) and Gordon Ramsay au Trianon (Versailles). He has most recently taken helm of Michelin-starred Murano (London) as Head Chef.
Diego has sourced all the ingredients with great attention from specialists in their field, working directly with Italian suppliers and importers and this clearly comes through in the taste. The presentation and delivery is also impeccable as copper pans are used to deliver most of the handmade pasta dishes. You really are spolit for choice with the carefully selected menu – some of the favourites are:
Pizze Nero – Black squid ink dough that has been proved for 72 hours to maximise flavour and provide a light and unique crust finished with toppings of smoked salmon, sliced avocado, dill sour cream, red onion and rocket.
Harry’s Spaghetti Seafood – a signature dish with prawns, squid, clams, mussel, datterini tomatoes, garlic, chili and parsley.
Harry’s Toadstool – Divine dessert with white chocolate, fresh raspberries, mascarpone mousse, iced vanilla parfait and pistachio biscotti crunch served with warm pistachio sauce.
Tiramisu – the Classic dessert with espresso coffee and rum soaked savoiardi sponge biscuits with a mascarpone and marsala egg mouse, dusted with valrhona bitter cocoa powder.
The food at Harry’s Dolce Vita is to die for – truly fresh simple ingredients that are brought together in a culinary delight bursting with flavour. London lacks proper eateries where you can really enjoy large portions of fully satisfying food and Harry’s Dolce Vita surely delivers this. Coupled with the ambience, decor and positioning – this is truly a little slice of Italian heaven in Knightsbridge!
The experience of dining at Harry’s Dolce Vita was superb – from the stylish decor and ambience to the fresh food and service. The management and staff are ever attendant and courteous, paying attention to the smallest detail. We requested an off menu drink which the manager was happy to oblige with ~ they aim to please and pleased we were! Harry’s Dolce Vita is truly ranked as one to watch and one that is here to stay!
A truly wonderful experience – and one I would definitely love to enjoy again and would not hesitate to recommend to others!
To book a table at Harry’s Dolce Vita, 31 Basil Street SW3 1BB, call 020 3940 1020 or enquire on their website here.