Riccardo’s Restaurant

Since opening in 1995, Riccardo’s has become a favourite both with locals and visitors.  Situated on the popular Fulham Road, this restaurant radiates a warm, Mediterranean welcome in a traditional Tuscan way. Particularly reminiscent of eating out in Italy is Riccardo’s garden terrace which seats 30 and is a perfect antidote on summer days to the crowded streets.  It is covered and heated in winter, giving it a cosy, warm atmosphere to escape from the cold outside.

A brilliant concept of Riccardo’s is that it has a list menu.  There are no sections for starters, main courses or puddings – all the delicious dishes are available in whatever order you wish to savour them.  The food, 95% of which is flown in each day from Italy, is made with the freshest of ingredients ensuring a true taste of Tuscany.  Italian farmers have consistently refused to allow GM experiments and much of their fruit and vegetables are grown without the need for artificial fertilizers so most of Riccardo’s food is organic. 

The wine list, together with well-known Italian wines, has a fully certified organic wine and there are ones from vineyards where biodynamic farming principles are followed.

All the pasta is freshly made each morning with golden semolina but they also have a selection of wheat-free and gluten-free pastas plus delicious vegan and vegetarian menus.  There is a detailed menu available that has every ingredient listed in case of allergies.   As you would expect from an Italian restaurant, children are welcomed and highchairs are available.   

One of the secrets in the presentation of Tuscan food is the starter size portions that allow one to taste a ‘little bit of everything’.  The menu (prices range from £4.95 to £15.95) is eclectic with dishes that fairly make one’s mouth water before one has even tasted them.  Gameroni Piccanti, made with luscious Pacific prawns, Insalata Di Pollo, a char-grilled chicken salad with roasted peppers, Salmone Marinato Con Asparagi, marinated raw wild Canadian salmon and fresh asparagus, Ribollita, rustic, thick vegetable soup, Linguine Alle Vongole, linguine with fresh clams, white wine and many, many more favourites. 

Writing this has made me hungry so I think I’ll pop along and sample some more.  It doesn’t come amiss that Riccardo Mariti, himself, will be there to welcome me.  This hardworking, handsome and charming owner is always at hand to lift one’s spirits and to help with seemingly impossible choices….

Riccardo’s
126 Fulham Road,
Chelsea,
London
SW3 6HU

Tel: 020 7370 6650
www.riccardos-italian-restaurant.co.uk