The team behind renowned Japanese restaurant Ukai in Notting Hill has annouced their new venture; Artisan - a contemporary Italian restaurant which will be located on Portobello Road, which will open early next month.
Executive Chef at Ukai, Alessandro Verros has alongside Artisan Head Chef, Roberto Vezzani, composed a menu influenced by their Italian roots, complete with a modern touch.
Steering away from the typical dishes already seen in London, Artisan gives guests an alternative taste of Italian where traditional ingredients are combined with flavours from across the globe.
Diners can expect the likes of tender grilled octopus with artichoke salad, squid-ink hummus and tarragon chimichurri, or an exciting take on Vitello Tonnato, with sous vide veal, a tart mayonnaise dressing and tuna tartar as well as signature dishes such as the Pancetta-wrapped hake with confit tomatoes and basil dressing, and the Yuzu mustard baby chicken with roasted vegetable panzanella.
All pasta is made in house by Head Chef, Roberto Vezzani and owner of an infamous pasta shop in Italy. Vezzani and Verros have carefully composed a selection of fresh pasta dishes including chittarra spaghetti with clams, and bonito flakes, and a saffron risotto with roasted bone marrow.
No Italian is complete without a fine selection of wood fired pizzas and Artisan doesn’t disappoint; expect the classic Napoletana and Diavola, as well as gourmet pizzas such as tiger prawns with pesto and sun dried tomato; rocket, parmesan, and truffle and the salsiccia, friarielli broccoli and chilli oil.
When it comes to drinks, Artisan has a carefully curated cocktail list which perfectly complements the menu. Bar Manager, Panos Klazidis, has 15 years’ experience, working in five star hotels and diverse cocktails bars.
Artisan innovations include the Italian Fizz, an olive oil washed gin with homemade bay leaf syrup, elderflower and prosecco, and The Noble Artisan with a careful blend of sherries, bergamot infused Cocchi Americano, finished off with homemade chamomile syrup. The wine list has a focus on Italian wines, plus a handpicked selection of premium international wines.
