Review on Mele e Pere
Mele e Pere, English for apples and pears is an Italian trattoria that opened in February 2012 in London's Soho, set in the premises formerly occupied by Philippe Seiler's Va Bene. The restaurant is owned by Peter Hughes and Veronese chef Andrea Mantovani who has previously worked with Antony Demetre at Arbutus, Wild Honey and Les Deux Salons. The ground floor entrance, with stairs leading down to the basement dining room, features a window displaying shelves full of brightly coloured Murano glass apples and pears and a vintage printing press. The basement dining room with its high ceiling, has an eclectic mix of tables and chairs together with hand-picked Italian objects d'art.
Mantovani uses seasonal ingredients of the highest quality for his menu of authentic Northern Italian dishes such as salt cod 'alla Veneta', soft polenta amongst the starters and a main course of calves liver alla Veneziana or choose the handmade pasta dish of Orecchiette with Romanesco broccoli, friggitelli and clams. To finish expect classic desserts like 'Nonna's apple cake or warm zabaglione served with lingue di gatto biscuits. The concise wine list looks mostly to Italy for inspiration, with several options available by the glass.
There is a copper bar displaying homemade and classic brand vermouths and offers a large selection of vermouth-based cocktails. The restaurant has a lively but relaxed atmosphere led by experienced manager Hugo Roldan, who was previously at Lena Restaurant and Maze.
Cuisine
Italian
Chef
Andrea Mantovani
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 until
Dinner: 11.00pm (10.00pm Sun)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express