Caraffini

Consistently Divine: London's Italian Food Haven

Ah, Caraffini. This delightful little corner of Chelsea offers just what every discerning palate in London seems to crave—a timeless embrace of Italian culinary tradition that manages to be consistent like a Swiss watch yet as hearty as a Roman trattoria. Having squeezed myself into its warm, buzzy interior one fine evening, I experienced what could only be described as an orchestration of gourmet finesse. The grilled tuna special was, dare I say, a near transcendent encounter, walking the tightrope between rich and refreshing with ease. This is a place where lively conversation hums in rhythm with the impeccably smooth service from the hospitality team who glide effortlessly amid the bustling hubbub.

Though the chairs might be a tad too up-close-and-personal for my personal space preferences, it all adds to the charm of an authentic dining escapade. Had it not been for the impeccable Irish coffee that punctuated the meal with flair, I might have gone in search of more tables—or shin guards. While I scribbled love notes on my napkin to the fegato alla Veneziana, the fault lines here lay merely in whispers; a mild suggestion for the tireless staff: our glasses do not always need to be hugged to the brim. Any reader strolling past should resist skipping divine offerings like their risotto, which left me amusingly grappling with an illogical impulse to fly the chef home for impromptu lessons. For a moment, over the flawless lemon sorbet, one might imagine feeling Tuscany’s sun without ever needing to leave West London. — Penelope Savory