I have a weakness for everything Italian… I love travelling to Italy, I love their culture – and like most people, I love Italian food. If you are like me, you really need to keep on reading, because when it comes to Italian fine dining, it doesn’t get much better than this… Welcome to Il Pampero at The Hari Hotel in Knightsbridge, London

The Hari Hotel is a stunning and stylish retreat in the heart of Belgravia. Take a walk down Sloane Street, where you will find luxury brands conveniently placed side by side… ( But be aware – it is so hard not to get tempted to empty your pockets here!)

Hey, Frenchie! Look at this Prada bag! Maybe for Christmas? (wink, wink)

Did you know that… The Hari (a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts) is the flagship property of Harilela Hotels. Luxury permeates with distinctive, modern glamour only found at The Hari! The hotel opened in 2016, designed by Tara Bernerd & Partners and features 85 bedrooms, an Italian restaurant il Pampero, The Hari Bar and The Garden Terrace, If you ask me this place is Belgravia’s best kept secret

One thing, I immediately noticed when arriving at The Hari, is their impeccable taste in art! You can’t put a theme to this hotel. They have chosen to be “eclectic’, which basically means, that they take the best of different artist and put it together to make it their own. (That was the impression I got, but it’s only my interpretation) Banksy next to Van Gogh! I am a fan!

Speaking of eclectic! Welcome to Il Pampero! A fine dining restaurant offering exceptional Italian cuisine. We adored the sophisticated setting, embodying Italian chic and vintage glamour. Under the direction of Head Chef Matteo D’Elia, the team delivers a traditional Italian menu (with a twist) complemented by an impressive wine list and a selection of delicious cocktails

Meet Vittoria from Como! Such a charming and loving person, who certainly knew, how to make a Bloody Mary! 

Frenchie and I fell in love with Il Pampero… And we were not the only ones…

The moment we entered the restaurant love was in the air. Basically we walked in on a man on his knees asking his girlfriend to marry him! Everyone was in tears! How could this not be the perfect date night with a beginning like that!

When it comes to food the ethos at Il Pampero is, that all raw ingredients at the heart of their creations must be Italian. This is why all of the food served at Il Pampero has regional influences – in particular from southern Italy. I can’t tell you what was in these little heavenly bites, because I forgot, what the waiter told me… But I can tell you, that I wanted MANY more (and I still do!) One thing is for sure – this place knows truffles, and they happily shared their love for truffles with us!

A must-try! “Deceiving Pizza” also known as beef tartare, lemon confit, cured egg yolk, chives and mustard

Frenchie loves fish – and he was very pleased with his starter: Cured mackerel, purple potatoes, oyster and bottarga. I am more of a carnivore, but I did taste this dish and I must say, it was exceptionally fresh and delicious!

Nido di taglioni cacio e pepe (with truffles) I was trying to find a way to describe this sublime dish, but sometimes pictures speak louder than words…

As you can see, I was basically having a love affair with my pasta… And Frencihe was ok with it! If you look at the amount of truffles the team at Il Pampero had generously added to my meal, you would fall in love too! 

Frenchie opted for Fregola, scallops, asparagus and mint! It was a beautifully presented dish and the perfect size, when you want to make room for the meat

As you can see, I went all in on truffles! I mean, if you love truffles as much as I do, you simply have to come to this place! Classic Filetto alla Rossini: Beef fillet, brioche, foie gras, red wine sauce and truffle! It does not get better than this!

I was in my happy place… Honestly, it has been a long time since I have had such a wonderful evening out with Frenchie…

Speaking of a love affair… Did I mention  that the wine list here is out of this world! Frenchie was served the perfect glass of Malbec to match his rabbit with red peppers, midori and hazelnut

Dessert… Yuzu mousse filled with hazelnuts and ginger ice cream

 – and a chocolate volcano, with raspberry and popping candy, that I will never forget! So good!

As mentioned earlier you will find a lot of traditional Italian dishes on the menu card… But there is also an intriguing selection of dishes such as Avocado mousse with sweetcorn and lemon verbena granita (dessert), Scarlet prawn, beef short ribs, ginger, watermelon and sprouts (starter) and Oat smoked paprika cauliflower, peanuts, gerkin and green apple (main) Next time I come here, I will be a bit more bold, but for now, I am very, very happy with my “Italian truffle affair”

Buona Notte from The Hari Hotel and Il Pampero! I left this place so happy and in love with life! This is the perfect place for a romantic date, and I hope that Frenchie and I will be back soon (because I am sure, there will be more truffles with my name on them in there)

We were invited as guests at Il Pampero. All opinions are as always my own!