Enoteca Turi has established itself as a prominent Italian dining establishment in southwest London for nearly a quarter of a century. The eatery takes pride in utilizing locally procured, seasonal ingredients, with a menu that changes roughly every six months. Over the past ten years, Enoteca Turi has undergone significant transformations, including a move from Putney to Pimlico in 2016 and a change in leadership with Giuseppe and Pamela Turi stepping down at the close of 2023. The restaurant now introduces a new Head Chef, Giampiero Giuliani, whose impressive culinary background encompasses prestigious venues such as Cipriani in New York and several Michelin-starred eateries in London, notably Locanda Locatelli. Giuliani’s proficiency in classical French cuisine and profound comprehension of regional Italian gastronomy guarantees a menu teeming with classic, seasonal components infused with innovation yet devoid of any unnecessary intricacy.
Situated close to Sloane Square, the restaurant’s sophisticated yet unassuming exterior leads into an intimate ground level dining space that is neither cramped nor excessively vast. Adorned with a full-sized mirror and walls painted in gold, the decor, coupled with the pristine white tablecloths, accentuates the eatery’s emphasis on cozy yet elegant dining, reminiscent of high-end dining venues in Italy. Upon our arrival at 7 pm, the atmosphere in the restaurant is calm, gradually filling up with seemingly regular patrons warmly greeted by the charming maitre d’. The menu predominantly highlights Italian dishes, executed with precision and incorporating premium ingredients like black truffle.
Since its inception, wine has been a pivotal element of Enoteca Turi’s operations, as reflected in the meticulously curated 460-strong wine collection by Giuseppe Turi, a former sommelier trained at the Connaught Hotel. Consequently, the restaurant presents an outstanding wine assortment encompassing top selections from various regions in Italy.
For our appetizers, we relished sardine in saor – sardines with raisins, onions, and bread crisps, alongside fresh smoked provola with tomato confit and pine nuts. The sardines were expertly prepared and brimming with robust flavors, showcasing a harmonious fusion of familiar yet captivating elements. The provola dish was exceptional, balancing the velvety texture of the cheese with the sweet tanginess of the tomatoes, providing a delightful interplay of flavors.
Our subsequent course showcased 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 superb – fresh and flaky, complemented by the crisp cabbage and the savory depth of anchovies and black garlic, resulting in a sublime amalgamation of flavors. My companion relished the ravioli, appreciating the delightful contrast of sweet honey, tangy cheese, and nutty black truffle.
At this stage, we couldn’t resist trying out the desserts. The dessert menu was filled with enticing choices, including the intriguing tiramisu al pistachio. I opted for the semifreddo amaretto e rum, which was heavenly – comparable to the finest I’ve had in Italy. Meanwhile, my friend selected the crostata di pere – a delightfully crunchy tart featuring confit pear paired with mascarpone and vanilla. Our dining experience rounded off with coffee and delightful hazelnut brownie petit fours, serving as a delightful conclusion to an exceptional dining affair.
The service was impeccable throughout our visit. The staff demonstrated not only extensive knowledge about the dishes served but also a high degree of attentiveness, achieving the perfect balance.
Enoteca Turi has thrived and seamlessly assimilated into its new environs. A concealed treasure within the locality, the restaurant’s meticulous care and reverence for each ingredient and its harmonious melding with others truly stand out. While all dishes were delectable, some were indisputably outstanding.
Image Source: EnotecaTuri.com
