All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Some places don’t just serve meals; they curate experiences. Sette restaurant at the Bulgari Hotel London is one of them. Located in the heart of Knightsbridge, on Knightsbridge Green just moments from Hyde Park and Harrods, this sleek yet welcoming restaurant brings the bold energy of Manhattan and the timeless charm of Italian cuisine together in a way that feels completely effortless. It’s the place to go when you want an evening to feel a little more considered, where even a simple plate of pasta is elevated with quiet confidence.
Knightsbridge: A Neighbourhood That Lives and Breathes Luxury
Knightsbridge is where London expresses luxury with ease. Home to some of the city’s most sought-after addresses, alongside Harrods and Harvey Nichols, it remains one of the capital’s most refined enclaves for shopping, dining, and discreet indulgence.
Elegant terraces, embassy-lined streets, and the open expanse of Hyde Park just around the corner give the area a sense of balance that few neighbourhoods manage. It feels polished but never overstated. Sette fits naturally into this setting, bringing a distinctly New York perspective to an already sophisticated dining landscape.
The Bulgari Hotel: Understated Opulence
Step into the Bvlgari Hotel London and the tone is set immediately. Clean architectural lines, rich materials, and Italian craftsmanship define the space, creating an atmosphere that feels composed rather than showy.
The hotel remains one of Knightsbridge’s most exclusive addresses, with a spa, private cinema, and expansive suites that prioritise both comfort and design. Recent additions to its wellness offering, including advanced recovery and fitness facilities, reinforce its position as more than just a place to stay.
Sette sits comfortably within this world, reflecting the same balance of precision, discretion, and contemporary luxury.
The Bar: A Prelude to a Perfect Evening
A great evening here still begins at the bar, but not in a rushed or perfunctory way. It’s a space designed for lingering, where the drinks list leans into Italian aperitivo culture with a modern, New York-informed edge.
Cocktails such as the Negroni Mediterraneo or Amalfi Martini set the tone, alongside a broader aperitivo selection that feels considered rather than excessive. During weekend brunch, champagne becomes part of the ritual, with Ruinart labels offered at a more relaxed pace, reinforcing the sense that time is meant to stretch here.
A Space That Feels as Good as It Looks
Sette’s interiors strike a careful balance between polish and warmth. The room feels intimate without being enclosed, with a palette and layout that nod subtly to its Italian roots while maintaining the cosmopolitan ease associated with its Manhattan counterpart.
It works equally well for celebratory evenings and quieter dinners, where conversation flows easily over a well-chosen bottle of Barolo or something lighter from the wine list.
The Menu: Simple Ingredients, Flawlessly Executed
Sette stays true to Scarpetta’s philosophy, elevating Italian classics through technique and ingredient quality rather than unnecessary complexity. The menu feels focused, allowing each dish to stand on its own merit.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Scarpetta’s Signature Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil – The restaurant’s defining dish. San Marzano tomato, basil, and perfectly executed pasta come together in a way that proves simplicity, when done properly, is more than enough.
- Lobster Tagliolini – A richer, more indulgent option, served with acquapazza, tomato, and basil breadcrumbs, balancing sweetness, acidity, and texture with precision.
- Ravioli Cacio e Pepe – A refined interpretation of the Roman classic, paired with charred leek, brown butter, and sage for added depth.
- Short Rib & Bone Marrow Agnolotti – Deeply savoury and satisfying, finished with garlic chip and horseradish to bring contrast to the richness.
- Black Cod with Caramelised Fennel – Delicately cooked and thoughtfully paired, this dish brings a lighter, more composed counterpoint to the pasta-led menu.
Weekend Brunch at Sette
Weekend brunch at Sette feels considered rather than theatrical. Served on Saturdays and Sundays, it offers a structured yet relaxed format, with two or three courses available and champagne woven naturally into the experience.
Brunch Highlights:
- Starters: Creamy polenta with mushrooms and truffle, burrata with aubergine, or salmon crudo with almonds offer a strong opening, alongside options like braised short ribs for something more substantial.
- Egg Dishes: From frittata with taleggio and wild mushrooms to scrambled eggs, carbonara, and avocado on toasted sourdough, the menu leans into comfort with a refined touch.
- Pasta: The Scarpetta spaghetti remains a constant, joined by dishes such as ravioli cacio e pepe, mezze rigatoni amatriciana, and lasagna bolognese.
- Mains: Roast fore rib of beef, salmon fillet, or a wagyu beef burger provide more substantial options, each plated with the same attention to detail seen across the menu.
- Desserts: A selection that ranges from sticky toffee pudding and lemon meringue tart to dark chocolate profiteroles and classic Italian cheeses, closing the meal on a balanced note.
A Lunch Worth Lingering Over
Weekday lunch at Sette is quietly confident, offering a streamlined selection that suits both business and leisure without feeling constrained.
Top Favourites for Lunch:
- Starters: Vitello tonnato, burrata, or the farmer’s market salad with truffled pecorino provide fresh, well-balanced beginnings.
- Pasta & Risotto: The signature spaghetti remains a highlight, alongside lobster tagliolini and saffron risotto made with carnaroli gran riserva rice.
- Main Courses: Black cod with caramelised fennel, monkfish wrapped in Parma ham with braised lentils, or the pastrami rib-eye all reflect the kitchen’s measured approach to flavour and execution.
- Desserts: Options typically include composed plates such as peach charlotte, cappuccino mousse cake, or a selection of ice creams and sorbets.
Service That Feels Like a Warm Welcome
Service at Sette leans towards the intuitive rather than the overly formal. Staff is attentive without being intrusive, and recommendations feel considered rather than rehearsed.
It creates an atmosphere where guests feel genuinely at ease, whether settling in for a long evening or a more focused meal.
The Verdict: A Restaurant Worth Returning To
Some restaurants impress in the moment. Others stay with you, drawing you back for another plate, another glass, another evening that unfolds just as it should.
Sette belongs firmly in the latter category. It brings together Italian tradition and New York perspective in a way that feels natural rather than forced, all within one of London’s most polished hotel settings.
For those who appreciate a restaurant that delivers across flavour, atmosphere, and consistency, Sette at the Bvlgari Hotel London remains a compelling choice.
Location: 4 Knightsbridge Green, London, SW1X 7QL
