Cantinetta Antinori is a Florentine wine-making family’s new gem of a London restaurant
Cantinetta Antinori opens in Knightsbridge, offering excellent Tuscan cuisine paired with the family’s storied wine
Discover a Florentine gem set in the heart of Knightsbridge – Cantinetta Antinori is a new London restaurant where excellent Tuscan food is offered alongside outstanding Italian wine made by the renowned Antinori family. They have been making wine for more than six centuries, and stand behind some of Italy’s most prestigious wines. Their story began in 1385, when Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member of the Florentine Winemakers’ Guild. Since then, the family business, Marchesi Antinori, has passed from one generation to the next and is now led by the 26th generation: sisters Albiera, Allegra and Alessia Antinori.
Take a seat at Cantinetta Antinori in London
The new Cantinetta Antinori is the family’s first London outpost (following openings in Zurich, Moscow, Vienna and Monaco) and occupies three floors of a building tucked away on Harriet Street, just off Sloane Street. The interior, by architectural firm Archflorence, was inspired by the first Cantinetta Antinori, founded in 1957 by the sisters’ grandfather Niccolò Antinori, at the family’s 15th-century Florentine home, Palazzo Antinori (one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in Florence).
The vibrant decor reflects the family heritage, featuring classic Florentine motifs and unique pieces from the family collection. A striking painting of the family tree takes pride of place by the bar, which is adorned with handcrafted brass vine leaves. The London Cantinetta is both opulent and intimate, comprising a series of inviting spaces hued in rich, jewel-like tones, including the bar on the ground floor and various private dining rooms. It gives a wonderful sense that you've wandered in from a Florentine side street, rather than Knightsbridge. Fittingly, the restaurant looks out onto the shining shopfronts of other noted Italian brands, including Gucci and Bottega Veneta, adding to a pleasing feeling of being immersed in Italian luxury.
Allegra Antinori remarks, ‘In Florence, beauty and harmony are in our DNA. We produced the most beautiful churches, duomos and palazzos. Now we produce wine. When you are surrounded by beauty growing up, you develop a taste for it.’
The restaurant offers an array of Tuscan cuisine, with dishes that highlight both traditional and contemporary recipes, made from the finest seasonal ingredients. There is a delectable selection of cured meat, including Wagyu proscuitto; a dedicated truffle menu; as well as handmade pasta such as lobster linguine and cacio e pepe; and of course, the magnificent bistecca all fiorentina. Those with a sweet tooth may indulge in pistachio tiramisu – served table-side with a Florentine flourish.
The food is beautifully complemented by celebrated Antinori wines from an extensive cellar, including a collection of exclusive vintages from the family estates, and with knowledgable sommeliers at hand you may be sure of a perfect pairing. The bar area is open for all-day dining, and presents a wonderful place to slip into at any time to enjoy delicious food with a glass or two of something special.
Cantinetta Antinori is also somewhere you can learn about elite Italian wine and food, at wine events and tastings, and every Friday and Saturday it hosts live music evenings with an evolving roster of Jazz musicians and bands.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Allegra Antinori says, ‘Cantinetta Antinori has been part of Florentine city life since 1957, motivated by the desire to have people experience a taste of typical Tuscan hospitality, with perfect pairings between our wines and the traditional cuisine. Still inspired by the same passion, we are excited to begin our new story in London and welcome the community with our heartfelt Tuscan hospitality.’
Melina Keays is the entertaining director of Wallpaper*. She has been part of the brand since the magazine’s launch in 1996, and is responsible for entertaining content across the print and digital platforms, and for Wallpaper’s creative agency Bespoke. A native Londoner, Melina takes inspiration from the whole spectrum of art and design – including film, literature, and fashion. Her work for the brand involves curating content, writing, and creative direction – conceiving luxury interior landscapes with a focus on food, drinks, and entertaining in all its forms
-
Shigeru Ban wins 2024 Praemium Imperiale Architecture Award
The 2024 Praemium Imperiale Architecture Award goes to Japanese architect Shigeru Ban
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Stone Island and New Balance team up for this year’s most sought-after sneaker
Part of Stone Island’s monochromatic ‘Ghost’ line, the collaboration is inspired by both brand’s longtime links with British subculture
By Jack Moss Published
-
Step inside Apple Park Observatory, the tech giant's new hub for events and innovation in Cupertino
Apple Park Observatory, unveiled in Cupertino, adds to the tech giant's expansive campus by Foster + Partners in California
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Yauatcha’s bespoke mooncakes mark the start of delicious celebrations for Mid-Autumn Festival
Yauatcha, London’s Chinese dim sum teahouse, celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival (17 September) with three flavours of limited-edition mooncakes
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Why bread is back on the menu
Gone are the days of carb-avoidant diets dominating restaurant menus. Food Critic, Leonie Cooper, celebrates the return of pillowy, inventive bread as London's stand-out dish
By Leonie Cooper Published
-
Birley Chocolate hits the sweet ’n’ chic spot in London’s Chelsea
The new Birley Chocolate shop, a sibling to Birley Bakery, is a confection of colour as delicious as its finely crafted goods
By Melina Keays Published
-
The London tequila bars well worth a shot
Our resident spirits writer Neil Ridley explores London’s best places to enjoy the finest agave-based spirits
By Neil Ridley Published
-
Eight of the best Chinese restaurants in London right now
Our food critic's picks of the best Chinese restaurants in London, serving up a wealth of regional wonders in the chicest of contemporary surroundings
By Ben McCormack Published
-
Lavazza’s Wimbledon afternoon tea is a game, set and match
Ahead of Wimbledon, starting 1 July, Lavazza’s London flagship delivers Centre Court atmosphere, offering sweet and savoury treats with a tennis-inspired menu
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Tuck into Ruinart and Silo’s new zero-waste supper series in London
The Ruinart x Silo: Savoir (Re)Faire Supper Series sees the champagne house partner with the zero-waste restaurant, and centres on the new Ruinart Blanc Singulier cuvée
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Enjoy rosé on the terrace at Villa Minuty, the Rosewood's new summer restaurant
This summer, rosé wine estate Minuty brings the French Riviera lifestyle to the heart of London at the Rosewood Hotel, whose terrace has been transformed into Villa Minuty restaurant
By Melina Keays Published