There’s something undeniably romantic about Rome. The Eternal City has a way of weaving its magic through cobbled streets, ancient ruins, and the gentle splash of the Trevi Fountain as you toss a coin over your shoulder, wishing for a return. London, for all its charm, doesn’t quite have its own Spanish Steps or a Colosseum to call its own, but what it does have is Charlotte Street, a Fitzrovia gem that’s long been a haven for food lovers. It’s here, on this idyllic stretch, that Agrodolce has planted its first London flag, bringing a taste of Rome to the capital with a promise of fatta con amore (made with love).

Founded by couple Maria Soldatova and Antonio Russo in 2018 near the Trevi Fountain, Agrodolce has earned a reputation for authentic Roman dining. Now, in March 2025, they’ve opened their doors in London, aiming to replicate its timeless charm and rich flavours of their original site. I visited shortly after their opening to see if this Roman import could hold its own in a city already brimming with Italian heavyweights.

Agrodolce

The vibe inside Agrodolce is one of vintage elegance. Think green marble tables, sparkling chandeliers, and crockery sourced from Italian markets. However, it’s clear they’ve only just opened. The interior, while charming, feels like it’s still awaiting a few finishing touches; some bare walls could use a bit more personality, and the overall ambiance hasn’t quite settled into the polished cohesion you’d expect from a restaurant with such a storied Roman counterpart (this is something the owner himself was there to work on that week). That all said, there’s a warmth here that’s hard to resist, largely thanks to the thoughtful presence of the owner, who flits between tables with a genuine attentiveness that makes you feel like a guest in his home. It’s this independent, family-run feel which sets Agrodolce apart in a city where glossy chains often dominate.

Agrodolce’s menu is a celebration of Roman cuisine, with a particular emphasis on handmade pasta. Starters include Roman street food classics like Crocchette di Patate (homemade croquettes with mozzarella and black pepper) and their beloved family recipe for bruschetta with stracciatella, confit tomatoes, and anchovies.

Mains are where the pasta shines, with offerings like Tonnarelli Alla Crema Di Zafferano Con Tartare Di Gambero (homemade tonnarelli with saffron cream and prawn tartare) and Mezzemaniche Alla Carbonara (pasta with guanciale, pecorino cheese, and egg). There’s also a nod to secondi with grilled meats and fish, and desserts like Panna Cotta with strawberry or chocolate topping to round things off. The menu’s aim is clear: to transport diners to Rome through simple, high-quality ingredients and time-honoured recipes, all served with a side of nostalgia.

We began with a trio of starters that set the tone for Agrodolce’s commitment to quality. First up was the Bruschetta with stracciatella, tomato confit, and anchovies, a dish that arrived on a golden tray. The bread was a doughy pillow that provided the perfect base for a generous spread of creamy cold stracciatella, which melted into the bread with each bite. T

Next, the Beef Carpaccio with Parmigiano Reggiano and truffle stole the show. Thinly sliced raw beef was draped under a bed of peppery rocket, with shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano scattered like confetti. The real star, though, was the black truffle; its delicate slices adding an earthy depth that elevated the dish to something truly special.  This was a highlight of the meal, a testament to the restaurant’s ability to deliver refined flavors without overcomplicating things.

The Burrata and Prosciutto di Parma was another winner. A plump burrata sat at the centre of the plate, its creamy interior spilling out as soon as the knife touched it. Paired with delicate slices of Prosciutto di Parma and a handful of rocket, this dish was all about contrasts: the rich, milky burrata against the salty prosciutto, the peppery greens cutting through the decadence.

For our mains, we dove into Agrodolce’s signature handmade pasta. The Homemade Tagliatelle with seasonal truffle was perfectly al dente and coated in a light, buttery sauce that allowed the seasonal truffle to take centre stage. The Homemade Tagliatelle with Seafood and Tomato Sauce brought a taste of the Italian coast to the table. The same impeccable tagliatelle was paired with a bright, slightly tangy tomato sauce that served as the perfect backdrop for a medley of seafood. The tomato sauce was light enough not to overpower the seafood but robust enough to hold its own.

Agrodolce is a restaurant that wears its heart on its sleeve. The passion for Roman cuisine is evident in every dish, from the creamy burrata to the truffle-kissed tagliatelle. The ingredients are top-notch, the pasta is as fresh as it comes, and the independent, family-run feel gives it a warmth that’s hard to find in London’s often impersonal dining scene. There’s a real sense of care here; from the thoughtful sourcing to the attentive presence of the owners, who seem genuinely invested in every guest’s experience. The food, for the most part, lives up to the promise of fatta con amore – it’s clear that each dish is crafted with love and a deep respect for tradition.

That said, Agrodolce is still finding its footing. Having only just opened, the service, while warm, isn’t quite at full speed yet. The interior, too, feels like a work in progress. While the vintage touches are charming, the space could use a bit more polish to truly capture the timeless elegance of Rome. It’s also worth noting that Agrodolce is entering a crowded market. Charlotte Street and the surrounding Fitzrovia area are no strangers to Italian cuisine, with heavyweights just a stone’s throw away, not to mention the countless pasta places and pizzerias that dot the city.

Agrodolce will need to work hard to stand out in this competitive landscape, but its focus on authentic Roman dishes and its independent spirit give it a unique edge.  I’ll be back – perhaps with a coin to toss, just for good measure.

For more information on Agrodolce, see here

67 Charlotte St., London W1T 4PH