Eat Here: Il Tetto, SelfridgesBy Angelica Malin
Why would you eat in a department store, I hear you cry? Two words: pumpkin ravioli. The best pumpkin ravioli I have ever tasted. And I don’t care if it’s in a department store, Il Tetto in Selfridges will make all your pasta dreams come true and here’s why:
Il Tetto Review: The Lowdown
In their own words, Il Tetto is inspired by the traditional trattorias of Italy with good food, good wine and great views. The restaurant brings a taste of the casual, rustic neighbourhood restaurants found throughout Italy to the famous Selfridges rooftop. To be honest, with Des McDonald is at the helm, you know it’s going to be good.
Des has worked closely with Head Chef Luca Terraneo, formerly of L’Anima, to create a feast of proper Italian food, using seasonal ingredients from across Italy – only the best quality. Come here for the views; their terrace offers beautiful skyline views of London, and for groups, there’s a private dining hut available to hire. It’s the perfect spot come whilst you’re doing your Christmas shopping – the ideal venue to hideaway from the cold bustling London streets and enjoy warm, hearty Italian food. We like.
Il Tetto Review: The Food
The food is really what sets the restaurant apart – if you’re expecting standard fare normally found in department stores, think again. The food here is fresh, artisan and delicious; we were really, really impressed with the quality of the cooking at Il Tetto. To start, we shared the Burrata with Modena balsamic vinegar, pickled radicchio, hazelnuts (because Alicia is a Burrata addict) which is light and delicious. The flavour combinations are on point – sweet, sticky vinegar, the piquant flavour of pickled radicchio and crunchy hazelnuts all work with the creamy cheese perfectly. It’s undoubtedly moreish and totally delicious when enjoyed with their homemade rosemary focaccia with Umbrian olive oil.
The main courses are really stand-out, I’ll tell you that for free. We order the same thing because, frankly, when homemade pumpkin ravioli is on the menu, you don’t have a choice. This is some of the best pasta I’ve ever had in London; thick, rich, creamy filling of pumpkin, wrapped in soft pasta, covered in sticky sage butter with slices of fresh black truffle sitting proud atop. Oh man, it’s the pasta of gods.
We finish our meal with the most decadent, delicious dessert of Manjari 64% chocolate mousse. The mousse is a heavenly light texture, with a serious hit of chocolate-y goodness. So good.
Il Tetto Review: The Drinks
We drink wine, because it’s been a long Tuesday. But if you’re in the mood for a cocktail, they’ve got a great range – from house cocktails such as Sbafliato with Campari, vermouth, prosecco and orange to special Negronis, such as Fizz with Antica Formula, Solerno, siphon soda water and olive. For winter, they’ve also launched the UK’s first dedicated Hot-tail bar in collaboration with multi-award winning mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana. Try Hot Tails such as Santo Punch with Vin Santo, rhubarb, apple, rosemary and clove or Ooolong Di Saroni with Rare Tea Co Oolong, amaretto, Mr Lyan Superfly and lemon. Yes, please.
Il Tetto Review: Our Verdict
We absolutely loved the food and atmosphere at Il Tetto at Selfridges. The whole meal is basically faultless, and I would eat here time and time again. Put your reservations to one side about eating inside a department store – things are a-changing and I can guarantee it’s very good news indeed.
