Clos Maggiore, London

Clos Maggiore has been on my 'hit list' of restaurants for a good few years. So, this year when my husband asked what I wanted to do for my birthday, I knew exactly where I wanted to go. 

Earlier this year, Secret London (www.secretldn.com) blogged that Clos Maggiore might be ‘the world’s most romantic restaurant’. A bold statement you might say, but as soon as you step foot into the magical conservatory, you may just believe it.

But let’s take a few steps back before we get to the pièce de résistance.

Before you make your way to the conservatory, you pass through a cosy seating area and the bar. The sumptuous deep colours and snug walkway make you feel as though you have been transported to a little French restaurant, which may leave you wondering whether you're still in London. Once you have made your way through the restaurant, you are greeted by the most magical sight. The conservatory.

A canopy of cherry blossoms hang over head making the room feel tranquil and intimate, while the large stone fireplace adds an element of grandeur. You can only imagine my delight as we were seated in the central table. When I booked the table around 4 months previous, we had originally planned to have dinner at Clos Maggiore. However, with no dinner reservations available, we settled for lunch and I can tell you, it was not a disappointment.

 

We opted to eat from the set menu which had the option to include a half bottle of wine per person. Perfect. For my main, I selected the Roasted Ricotta Gnocchi & French Girolles and my husband went for the Pan Roasted Chicken Breast, Pancetta & Parmesan Crumble. To accompany our mains, we chose Triple Cooked Chips and Seasonal Green Leaves & Herbs with Truffle Vinaigrette.

When my main arrived, I was quite surprised to see that the Gnocchi was in three large pieces, rather than the smaller chunks one would expect. But looks aside, the flavour was sensational. The selection of mushrooms with the casserole had the most sublime taste when consumed together. They complimented each other in ways I can hardly describe. So full of flavour, every mouthful was pure perfection.

Ricotta Gnocchi & French Girolles with Pea & Morel Casserole

The Chicken was also a treat to behold. The meat itself was so succulent that you could have eaten it without teeth. The moist chicken against the texture of the crumble was divine. Normally when my husband picks chicken for main, I comment that he is ‘being boring’ as we can have chicken at home any time. I can honestly say that, on this occasion, I was actually a little bit jealous. Don’t tell him though!  

 

Pan Roasted Chicken Breast, Pancetta & Parmesan Crumble
with Etuvée of Autumn vegetables, sauce Supreme  

After our perfect mains, Clos Maggiore had some high expectations to live up to as we moved on to desserts. As per normal, I thought the best idea would be to pick two,  put them in the middle and share. I’m not sure my husband always agrees that this is the best way to order dessert, but hey, it was my birthday so that’s what we did.

As soon as I see the works ‘chocolate’ and ‘peanut’ on a dessert menu, I am sold. So, within seconds of looking at the menu (which by the way, I always try and do at the start of meal. I need to know what space I need to save!) I knew that I was having the Caramelized White Chocolate ‘Dulce De Leche’ with Crystallised Peanuts & Raspberry Sorbet...and by ‘I’, I of course mean ‘we’ in this sentence.  

Being the kind-hearted wife I am, I let my husband decided on the second option for dessert. Slow Cooked Pink Lady Apple, Autumn Berries with Granny Smith Sorbet was not something that I would not have ordinarily picked myself. However, when you are eating at somewhere like Clos Maggiore, you can be 99% sure you are going to like whatever dish is placed in front of you. It wasn’t too much of a risky move at least.

The Dulce De Leche, I believe, is a traditional Argentinian dessert made by caramelizing sugar in milk which, on this occasion, was pipped onto what I can only describe as a ‘biscuit base’ (if anyone who is a chef reads this they are most likely going to be having a ‘face palm’ moment with this statement).

Technical bits aside it tasted delicious and the chocolate and peanut combination I so adore ticked all the boxes. The surprise for me was in the slow cooked apple. As I mentioned above, it would not have been my first choice of dessert but I was proven wrong, once again, during this meal. The blend of tart and sweet flavours were unbelievable and I found myself craving more of the apple dessert than of the chocolate! Who’d have known? Not me that’s for sure!

 

 

Caramelized White Chocolate ‘Dulce De Leche’ with Crystallised Peanuts & Raspberry Sorbet

 

 

Slow Cooked Pink Lady Apple, Autumn Berries with Granny Smith Sorbet

Alongside our desserts, we were also presented with an adorable ‘happy birthday’ plate with a selection of little truffles to enjoy.

I had the most wonderful experience at Clos Maggiore. The food was delicious, and the beautiful surroundings made the meal feel even more special. The staff were all lovely and I honestly cannot wait to visit again. Next time, I will be sure to be even more organised than usual so that I can book an evening meal. A bientôt Clos Maggiore!

(All pictures taken & owned by SistersDineOut)