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Tucked away on the picturesque Avery Row — just moments from the bustle of Grosvenor Street —Sparrow Italia introduces a modern take on Italian fine dining in the heart of Mayfair. This stylish retreat is a seamless blend of rustic charm and metropolitan sophistication, offering a menu that’s both indulgent and thoughtful. The atmosphere is quietly luxurious, with an eye for detail that makes every visit feel special.
Begin your evening by stepping into the softly lit brasserie on the ground floor before ascending to the more intimate dining room above. With crisp white walls, dark wood panelling, and velvet drapery in deep blue hues, the space exudes refined comfort. A sprig of rosemary in each napkin adds a homely yet elevated touch, hinting at the sensory experience that awaits.
Service That Stands Out
Exceptional service at Sparrow Italia begins the moment you arrive. The team is polished yet approachable, striking that rare balance between attentive and unobtrusive. Staff members are eager to share their insights on the menu and recommend dishes to suit your tastes, all while making you feel genuinely welcome. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply exploring, their guidance elevates the entire dining experience.
The Menu: Italian Comfort Meets Mayfair Sophistication
Sparrow Italia’s menu is designed to be savoured and shared. It offers a rich tapestry of classic Italian flavours, interpreted with finesse and flair. Each dish showcases high-quality ingredients, meticulously prepared to honour tradition while embracing creativity.
Hot Plates
The hot dishes are bold, comforting, and perfect for sharing:
- Crispy Arancini are golden, light, and filled with wild mushroom risotto, served with a luxurious truffle aioli for an aromatic finish.
- Grilled Octopus is charred to perfection, served atop spicy baby potatoes with garlic crema and briny capers, creating a satisfying balance of heat and texture.
- The Braised A5 Wagyu Meatball is rich and hearty, complemented by silky whipped ricotta and fragrant basil.
For a decadent treat, try the Pane al Tartufo — grilled focaccia topped with truffle ricotta, sweet honey, and exquisite Périgord truffle shavings. Each mouthful is a masterclass in balance and indulgence.
Cold Plates
The cold offerings bring a lighter, elegant contrast to the hot dishes, yet remain just as flavourful:
- The Wagyu Carpaccio features delicately thin slices of marbled beef with pickled mushrooms, pine nuts, umami aioli, and a dusting of black truffle — a true showpiece.
- The Ahi Tuna Tartare is bright and textured, thanks to truffle ponzu and crispy onions.
- The Bluefin Otoro, simply dressed with lemon, EVOO, and chives, highlights the purity of its premium cut.
- For an extra touch of indulgence, the Caviar Service offers either white sturgeon or beluga, served traditionally with crème fraîche, chopped egg, and buttered toast points.
Seasonal Salads and Elegant Vegetables
Not just an afterthought, Sparrow’s vegetable-forward dishes are stars in their own right. These selections bring freshness, contrast, and a burst of colour to the table.
- The Heirloom Caprese is reimagined with sweet shallot marmalade and a nutty pine nut pesto, elevating a classic favourite.
- The Sparrow Chop Salad combines crunch and spice—radicchio, chickpeas, provolone picante, pistachios, chilli, and shallot vinaigrette make for a vibrant medley.
- The Chopped Kale Caesar offers familiar comfort with an upscale twist, thanks to roasted garlic and a generous focaccia crumble.
Additional highlights include the Burrata di Andria drizzled with balsamic honey and chilli flakes, and the Artichoke & Parmigiano Salad, brightened with rocket and lemon-chilli vinaigrette.
Pasta Dishes to Linger Over
Pasta at Sparrow Italia is a centrepiece of the dining experience—comforting, generous, and beautifully prepared. Each dish is a testament to the kitchen’s respect for Italian culinary heritage, elevated with modern technique.
- The Lobster Acqua Pazza linguine impresses with its bounty of British Isles lobster, brought together with lemon-parsley butter and a scattering of toasted breadcrumbs.
- Mikey’s Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka is bold and creamy, infused with Calabrian chilli for a satisfying kick.
- The Bone Marrow Cappelletti, filled with braised beef cheeks and served with a rich Barolo reduction, is indulgence at its finest.
- For a brighter, greener alternative, the Pistachio Pesto Spaghetti is fresh and nutty, while the Vegan Puttanesca delivers a punch of umami with olives and capers.
Signature Cuts and Seafood Specialties
For those who appreciate expertly prepared meat and seafood, Sparrow Italia’s mains deliver on all fronts. These dishes are robust, luxurious, and designed to impress.
- The Calabrian Chilli-Rubbed NY Strip (300g) offers a fiery depth of flavour.
- The Prime Fiorentina (1100g), grand in both size and taste, is a dish best shared.
- The Kagoshima A5 Wagyu Ribeye, sourced from Japan, is melt-in-the-mouth tender and served with confit garlic and a rich red wine jus.
Seafood and poultry dishes are equally thoughtful:
- Grilled Branzino, finished with Sicilian pistachio and herbs, is crisp and delicate.
- The Monkfish Livornese, with clams and cavolo nero in a robust tomato broth, offers bold Mediterranean flavour.
- Chicken Paillard, enhanced by black garlic and a caper beurre blanc, brings richness without heaviness.
Sides That Steal the Show
No detail is overlooked at Sparrow Italia, and the side dishes are proof of that. Each option complements the mains while adding its own distinctive flair.
- Truffle Mash is impossibly smooth and richly aromatic.
- Crispy Baby Potatoes arrive golden and seasoned to perfection.
- For lighter accompaniments, opt for the Classic Polenta, Sautéed Spinach, or Sautéed Mushrooms with sweet datterino tomatoes.
- The Broccolini with Breadcrumbs and Pepperoncini delivers texture and a gentle hit of spice.
A Refined Classic in the Making
Sparrow Italia combines the soulful essence of Italian cuisine with the understated luxury of Mayfair. From its welcoming ambiance and elegant service to its exquisite menu, every detail has been crafted with care. Whether you’re stopping in for a casual yet indulgent lunch or a special evening out, Sparrow Italia promises a dining experience that feels both personal and exceptional.
Is it destined to become a Mayfair staple? Without a doubt. A refined classic, beautifully in the making.
Location: 1-3 Avery Row, London W1K 4AJ
