Enoteca Turi has been a well-established Italian dining spot in southwest London for almost 25 years. The restaurant takes pride in utilizing locally sourced, seasonal produce, with a menu that evolves approximately every six months. The past decade has seen significant changes for Enoteca Turi, including a relocation from Putney to Pimlico in 2016 and a change in management with Giuseppe and Pamela Turi retiring at the end of 2023. The restaurant now showcases a new Head Chef, Giampiero Giuliani, whose impressive culinary background includes renowned establishments such as Cipriani in New York and various Michelin-starred restaurants in London, notably Locanda Locatelli. Giuliani’s expertise in classical French cuisine and deep understanding of regional Italian fare ensures a menu filled with traditional, seasonal ingredients infused with creativity but devoid of any unnecessary complexity.
Situated near Sloane Square, the restaurant’s elegant yet unpretentious exterior leads into a cozy ground floor dining area that is neither cramped nor overly spacious. Adorned with a full-length mirror and gold-painted walls, the decor, along with the pristine white tablecloths, highlights the establishment’s focus on comfortable yet refined dining, reminiscent of upscale dining spots in Italy. Upon our arrival at 7 pm, the restaurant is tranquil, gradually filling up with what seem to be regular patrons warmly welcomed by the delightful maitre d’. The menu predominantly features Italian dishes, executed with finesse and incorporating premium ingredients like black truffle.
Since its inception, wine has been a cornerstone of Enoteca Turi’s business, reflected in the meticulously curated 460-strong wine cellar by Giuseppe Turi, a former sommelier trained at the Connaught Hotel. Consequently, the restaurant offers an exceptional wine selection encompassing top picks from various regions in Italy.
For our starters, we indulged in sardine in saor – sardines with raisins, onions, and bread chips, alongside fresh smoked provola with tomato confit and pine nuts. The sardines were impeccably cooked and packed with robust flavors, exhibiting a harmonious blend of familiar yet tantalizing elements. The provola dish was a triumph, balancing the creaminess of the cheese with the sweet acidity of the tomatoes, offering a delightful interplay of flavors.
Our next course featured baccaia – cod fillet with white cabbage, anchovies, and black garlic for me, and ravioli filled with taleggio, accompanied by grilled figs, black truffle, and honey for my companion. The cod was exquisite – fresh and flaky, complemented by the crunchy cabbage and the umami richness of anchovies and black garlic, resulting in a sublime blend of flavors. My companion savored the ravioli, noting the delightful juxtaposition of sweet honey, tangy cheese, and nutty black truffle.
By this point, we could not resist sampling the desserts. The dessert menu brimmed with enticing options, including the intriguing tiramisu al pistachio. I opted for the semifreddo amaretto e rum, which was divine – on par with the best I’ve had in Italy. Meanwhile, my friend chose the crostata di pere – a wonderfully crisp tart showcasing confit pear accompanied by mascarpone and vanilla. Our meal concluded with coffee and delectable hazelnut brownie petit fours, a delightful finale to an extraordinary dining experience.
The service was impeccable throughout our visit. The staff exhibited not only extensive knowledge about the dishes served but also a high level of attentiveness, striking the perfect balance.
Enoteca Turi has flourished and seamlessly integrated into its new surroundings. A hidden gem within the neighborhood, the restaurant’s meticulous attention and appreciation for each ingredient and its harmonious pairing with others truly shine. While all dishes were delicious, some were undeniably exceptional.
Image Source: EnotecaTuri.com