t’s a strange feeling to be sat outside a restaurant, gazing in through it’s wide open doors to reveal an interior that feels unusually more al fresco than its exterior. The foliage that seems to creep up and engulf the ceiling, the occasional olive tree, the renaissance-esque statues all contribute to the feel of a Lombardy region botanical garden, and we wish we were inside.

Como Garden is the brainchild of Spanish duo Alberto and Arian Zandi. Inspired by the stunning scenery of Lake Como and the food of all of Italy’s regions, what you end up with is a quite wonderful fusion of great quality Italian flavours but designed to share, Tapas style. As you’d expect from a good Italian establishment, the menu isn’t fussy but each dish is founded on the finest quality ingredients. There is a recommendation of 2-3 dishes per person that can be chosen from across their Antipasti, meat and fish tapas, and of course their highly regarded fresh pasta dishes.

Eyes bulging and mouths watering we pushed the limits of this recommendation. From the Antipasti menu, the lightest Confit Artichokes had a subtle crunch but were so soft and not oily in the slightest. The Caponata had a real depth of flavour with a richness of low Fried Aubergines, sweet tomatoes, punctuated by capers & roasted pine nuts. A perfectly light Beef Carpaccio worked gloriously with pesto & parmesan drizzled over the top. 

From the meats and seafood section we went for a firm favourite of grilled octopus, again perfectly light yet still meaty. Boasting their love for freshly cooked pasta, we had to select at least one dish from this menu.

Opting for the beef ragu. On some menus it is the tomato that is the leading component of a ragu but Como Garden has gotten this just right with the flavour of the slow cooked beef shining through. All dressed lovingly over the finest al-dente tagliatelle.

One surprise of the lunch was the quality of the dessert. Sometimes an afterthought at Italian eateries, Como Garden makes them an equal on the menu. We went for The Como Ferrero Roché, highly recommended by our waiter. It comprises of 2 indulgently giant chocolate and hazelnut balls, coated with a sprinkling of crushed hazelnut.

We also choose the Torta Di Mandorle is a heavenly moist slice of almond cake accompanied by a gelato then hasn’t just been introduced to pistachio, it is crunchy and rich with flavour.

Sitting back and savouring a glass of one of their range of italian reds, squinting, you can almost see the line of Vespa’s to complete this almost perfect Italian experience with a Spanish tapas twist. Whether a Romantic dinner, al fresco dining with friends, Como Gardens is the perfect place to share incredible food in the heart of Kensington.

Address: Como Gardens, 37 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5ED 

Website: https://comogarden.co.uk

Written by Rick Hartley