There are a plethora of Italian restaurants in London, from trattorias and pizzerias to pasta-bars and fine-dining spots all over the map. But when you step into ALBA London, you immediately understand why it stands out. It doesn’t just serve Italian food, instead it channels the sun-drenched spirit of the Amalfi Coast with a touch of opulence, a wink of whimsy and some serious culinary finesse. In a sea of red-checked tablecloths and rustic vibes, ALBA feels luxuriously fresh, stylishly modern and beautifully curated, giving Italian dining in London a glamorous, yet relaxed, reinvention. Think Mediterranean breeze, citrus-scented air, Venetian floors and indulgent plates that are a feast for the senses and the soul.
ALBA London isn’t just another pretty place. The Italian restaurant invites you on a sensory journey across Italy’s Amalfi coastline. From its inception, the restaurant has aimed to bring coastal Italian elegance and generosity to the heart of London. With its blend of handcrafted pasta, seafood-led menus, vibrant flavours and plush surroundings, ALBA has quickly built a name for delivering indulgence with heart. It’s a must-try for anyone wanting that rare balance of romantic charm and crowd-pleasing energy.
Positioned at 70 Brompton Road and mere stones from the iconic Harrods, ALBA sits in one of London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, Knightsbridge. The location is effortlessly accessible: a short walk from the famed Harrods and well connected by public transport. The surrounding streets are the kind where elegant window displays, high-end boutiques and leafy sidewalks set the mood long before you reach the door. Whether you’re winding down from a day of shopping or planning a chic dinner date, ALBA’s locale adds that extra touch of class and convenience.
Sun-kissed interiors
Walk into ALBA and you feel like you’ve ventured onto a stylish Mediterranean holiday. The interior design draws heavily from the Amalfi Coast, featuring warm, sunset-inspired tones bathe the room; lemon-yellow, olive-green and terracotta hues that mingle with earthy Venetian floors. Citrus trees and lush greenery pepper the space, while the open kitchen adds a playful theatre to the dining experience — you can almost smell the sea breeze as pasta swirls and seafood glistens. The atmosphere is stylish yet relaxed: the décor speaks of coastal days, golden light, and balmy evenings, but with a polished, fashion-forward edge. It’s simultaneously elegant and the perfect stage for a date night, a celebratory dinner or a glamorous get-together.
Haute cuisine
At the heart of ALBA’s Amalfi magic is its cuisine; one that is sun-drenched, produce-forward and indulgently modern. The menu is a seafood-led take on southern Italian cooking. Think: wild red prawns from Mazara del Vallo, Amalfi lemons at peak season, butter churned in-house, hand-rolled pasta made fresh each morning and seafood carefully sourced. Find everything from vibrant antipasti to handmade pastas, rich mains and indulgent desserts. Every dish feels like a postcard from the southern coast of Italy, plated for London’s most discerning palates.
Among the standout offerings is the signature Amalfi Tagliolini. Fine ribbons of pasta are tossed with sweet Mazara prawns, rich bottarga and bright Amalfi lemon zest, creating a harmony of sea salt, citrus tang and velvety richness. Then there’s the Lobster Linguine, an entrée version that’s tender, bathed in a bisque-forward tomato sauce layered with saffron, fennel and chilli warmth. Another dish you can’t leave without trying is the ALBA Tagliatelle with Black Truffle & Butter. Hand-cut tagliatelle meets a beurre-noisette-style butter sauce, enriched with earthy black truffle shaved generously on top.
Seafood lovers will gravitate toward the Crudo Bar selections, spanning delicate tuna tartare, scallop carpaccio with citrus oil and sea bass crudo with pomegranate gems. Among the appetisers, the Figliata di Battipaglia or “pregnant burrata” is a creamy delight that spills open in the most delightful way. It is paired with ripe tomatoes, basil oil and truffle. For those craving heartier mains, the Crispy Octopus with Nduja brings a fiery southern-Italian kick, while the Slow-Cooked Beef Cheek with Barolo glaze adds depth. There’s also I wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options.
Desserts end the meal on a nostalgic note. The Lemon Delizia, inspired by the Amalfi Coast’s most iconic dessert, arrives cloud-soft, citrus-bright and totally Instagrammable. The Tiramisu al Limone adds a zesty twist to the classic, with layers of mascarpone, lemon cream and espresso-soaked savoiardi.
You can pair your meal with ALBA’s Amalfi-inspired cocktails, each bright, zesty and elegantly crafted and served in the most whimsical glasses. Or choose from a refined wine list featuring premium Italian labels and rare vintages that elevate every dish to pure coastal indulgence.
The maestro behind the menu
The culinary heart of ALBA is Stefano Tortelli, the Executive Head Chef. A Roman by origin, chef Tortelli brings his passion for the Amalfi Coast’s flavours into every dish. His background includes tenure with the Gordon Ramsay Group and acclaimed Italian fine-dining establishments like Enoteca Turi. At ALBA, he masterfully reinterprets traditional recipes with luxurious ingredients. Think caviar-topped pizzas, handmade pasta, and rare delicacies like “pregnant” mozzarella (figliata di Battipaglia). Under his watch, Italian classic meets modern indulgence, creating dishes that are as elegant as they are inviting.
The impeccable service
From the moment you walk in, the service at ALBA feels warm, attentive, and effortlessly polished. Staff are friendly and accommodating, adding to the sense that you’re not just a guest but part of an elegant, sun-lit Italian gathering.
For intimate dinners or celebrations, ALBA offers private dining rooms and carefully curated event menus. It’s ideal for pre-wedding dinners, small parties, or discreet celebrations where you want high style, great food, and privacy.
The add-ons
ALBA also knows how to set the mood. On certain evenings, live music fills the dining room to ensue free-flowing conversations. It adds a layer of romance and energy, making dinner feel more like an event than just a meal. Many diners praise the lively atmosphere, noting that the music along with food and cocktails creates a night to remember.
On weekends and festive days, ALBA sometimes hosts a brunch with a twist: tambola games, special menus and a vibe that’s equal parts lively and luxurious. It’s playful, social and perfect for groups looking for a delightful way to turn an ordinary brunch into something special and Instagram-worthy. Also note-worthy is its signature “Lunch in 55 Minutes” that’s perfect for a sophisticated yet swift lunch before or after shopping at Harrods. There’s also “Oyster Wednesday” and other themed evenings that add layers of fun and indulgence.
Keep an eye out for ALBA’s upcoming events: a masquerade-style New Year’s Eve celebration (complete with coastal-glamour accents), seasonal truffle menus to mark truffle season.
For more information:
ALBA London
www.Alba-Ldn.uk
