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Mayfair has no shortage of Italian restaurants, but Bocconcino has carved out a distinctive presence on Berkeley Street with its regional cuisine, elegant interiors and lively dining atmosphere. Established in 2014, the restaurant combines traditional Italian cooking with the sophistication of its London surroundings. Its success has since led to additional locations in Soho and Covent Garden, each with its own character.
The original Mayfair restaurant remains a popular choice for leisurely lunches, intimate dinners and celebratory evenings, with two dining floors offering different experiences.
Italian Elegance in Mayfair
Bocconcino Mayfair occupies two floors at 19 Berkeley Street, combining polished marble, sophisticated furnishings and classic Italian influences in an inviting setting.
Its ground-floor dining room favours a traditional approach, with white tablecloths and attentive service. An open-fire pizza oven provides a focal point, built right into this main dining area alongside a glass-walled pasta station. The atmosphere lends itself particularly well to business lunches, romantic dinners and smaller gatherings.
Downstairs, softer lighting, resident DJs and live performances introduce a more animated atmosphere, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. The lower-ground-floor space also accommodates private dining and group celebrations.
The two settings give the restaurant a welcome degree of flexibility, with the choice between a quieter meal upstairs and a livelier evening downstairs.
Regional Italian Cooking at Bocconcino
Under Head Chef Marco Corsica, whose Neapolitan background influences the kitchen’s approach, Bocconcino celebrates regional Italian cooking through fresh seafood, handmade pasta, dry-aged meats and Roman-style pizzas. Seasonal ingredients complement established recipes, with the à la carte menu offering a varied selection of traditional favourites.
Starters and Antipasti
The antipasti selection centres on familiar Italian ingredients, with burrata and mozzarella alongside cured meats, marinated vegetables and seafood crudo. These lighter preparations work particularly well as shared starters.
Parmigiana di melanzane offers a more substantial beginning, combining layers of aubergine, tomato and cheese. Seasonal soups, salads and raw seafood preparations provide further variety, accommodating different preferences without straying far from the restaurant’s Italian foundations.
Handmade Pasta and Wood-Fired Pizza
Fresh pasta is prepared in-house daily, with the selection drawing on regional recipes and traditional sauces. Cacio e pepe combines cheese and black pepper in a classic Roman preparation, while pappardelle with slow-cooked ragù offers something richer. Truffle pasta and seafood-based dishes provide further options, complemented by seasonal specials.
The restaurant’s Roman-style pizzas are cooked in an open-fire oven, producing a thinner crust than their Neapolitan counterparts. Traditional toppings feature throughout the selection, including the spicy Diavola, alongside vegetarian combinations.
Seafood and Main Courses
Seafood is a particular strength of Bocconcino’s menu, with market-led fish and Mediterranean preparations featuring prominently. Whole sea bass and Sicilian-style octopus are among the notable choices, while the catch of the day introduces seasonal variety.
For meat enthusiasts, dry-aged steaks provide a substantial option, alongside traditional Italian dishes such as slow-cooked osso buco. A selection of separately ordered accompaniments allows diners to tailor their main courses.
Desserts
Classic Italian desserts provide a familiar conclusion, with tiramisù among the highlights. Gelato and seasonal fruit offer lighter alternatives, while Italian cheeses suit those who prefer a savoury finish.
An espresso, grappa or amaro rounds off the meal in keeping with Italian dining traditions.
Italian Wines and Cocktails
Bocconcino’s wine collection extends to more than 300 bottles, with Italian producers forming the backbone of the selection. Piedmont, Tuscany and Veneto are particularly well represented, including Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello di Montalcino and Amarone, alongside notable Super Tuscan labels.
Champagne, Burgundy and other international regions broaden the collection, while the sommelier team assists with food pairings and recommendations. Selected premium wines are also available by the glass through Coravin.
The cocktail menu draws on Italy’s aperitivo culture, featuring Aperol Spritz, Limoncello Spritz and Campari-based drinks alongside contemporary signatures and established classics. Non-alcoholic alternatives complete the selection, making the bar equally appealing for an aperitif or a drink after dinner.
Weekend Brunch and Special Occasions
Weekends introduce a more sociable side to Bocconcino Mayfair, with two brunch experiences combining Italian cuisine and live entertainment.
Saturday’s Brunch Esclusivo features resident DJs and a menu of Italian favourites. Starters include zucchini fritti and Antipasto Misto Bocconcino, a selection of Italian charcuterie, buffalo mozzarella, grilled vegetables and truffle arancini. Main courses range from black truffle tagliatelle and pappardelle alla Bolognese to beef tagliata with rocket and Parmesan and Pizza Diavola. Optional bottomless drinks packages include Prosecco and selected spritzes.
Sunday’s Il Grande takes the form of an extensive buffet, with lobster, oysters and other seafood alongside Italian antipasti, pasta, pizza and a traditional British Sunday roast. Live music accompanies the afternoon, creating a relaxed setting for family gatherings and celebrations.
Private and semi-private dining arrangements are also available for birthdays, corporate events and special occasions, with tailored menus, wine pairings and dedicated event support.
Bocconcino Across London
Bocconcino’s expansion into Soho and Covent Garden has introduced two additional interpretations of the group’s Italian dining concept.
Bocconcino Soho, at 59 Great Marlborough Street, offers a contemporary setting with handmade pasta, Roman-style pizza and grilled dishes. Weekend entertainment adds to its lively character, while Sotto Bar, the basement cocktail venue, provides a separate setting for drinks before or after dinner.
Osteria by Bocconcino, at 366 Strand in Covent Garden, adopts a more relaxed approach, with a bright dining room, open kitchen and a menu celebrating regional Italian cooking. Its proximity to the West End theatres also makes it a convenient option for pre-theatre dining.
Bocconcino’s Place in London’s Dining Scene
With three distinct London locations, Bocconcino has developed a strong identity around Italian cuisine and convivial hospitality. The original Mayfair restaurant remains particularly appealing for its elegant surroundings, extensive wine collection and varied dining experiences.
Whether visiting for a relaxed lunch, an evening of Italian cooking or a lively weekend celebration, Bocconcino Mayfair offers a polished yet welcoming experience in one of London’s most established dining neighbourhoods.
Location: 19 Berkeley St, London, W1J 8ED
