QP LDN Restaurant Review: A Taste of the Amalfi Coast in the Heart of Mayfair at QP X LDN

If there were one cuisine I could eat for eternity, it’s Italian. Delicious salads, pasta, meat and seafood – plus such a vast mix of rich, healthy and sweet. Not to mention some of the best wines in the world. Italian food is becoming even more interesting these days too, with restaurants turning Italian classic and creating modern interpretations of them. There’s something for everyone. I however am still firmly set in my Italian favourite ways and like the simple, regional dishes which come from the heart or family traditions which have been passed down over the years. With all that in mind we recently found our way over to QP LDN in Mayfair. A fine dining Italian restaurant on Dover Street.

Homemade bread to start arrived on a double tier, scattered with a lovely bread selection. Foccacia, farmhouse and breadsticks were the favourite – but the starters really made the impression. The burrata Pugliese with a rocket and cherry tomato salad was a stunning showcase of what Italy has to offer. The burrata was incredibly fresh, creamy in the middle and with that trademark sour finish to it. The sweet ripe tomatoes and luscious balsamic drizzle were every bit as good as we’d hoped for too. My crab and avocado salad was lovely too. Sweet juicy crab meat and fresh avocado – what more could you ask for?

Main courses were a bit of a mixed bag if I’m honest. Flicking between, good, bad and sometimes great. My sliced rib–eye of beef with rocket and Parmesan was a nice enough plate of food, but priced at £31.50 it needed to be great – especially given the meaty competition close by. Cooked very well but lacked any meaty depth or noticeable seasoning. The rocket with Parmesan and panznella salad on the side however was lovely. As was the side dish of zuchini fritte.

That taste of the Amalfi coast really came into full swing with our platter of grilled red prawns, langoustine and fillet of wild sea bass. You could taste the freshness and the quality in every bite and everything was cooked to sheer perfection. The kitchen really know how to cook their fish – doing the Amalfi coast very proud. The side of grilled mixed vegetables were a fantastic accompaniment too. All juicy and all smokey.

The one thing I will say about QP LDN, is for a restaurant branding itself as fine dining, the desserts weren’t presented very finely. The classic tiramisu was served rather interestingly, wrapped in a blanket of thin chocolate, which given its thinness arrived cracked around the edges. Flavour wise it was all lovely. The warm orange tart with bitter chocolate ice cream was nice, but given the 15 minute wait (it’s cooked fresh to order) I was expecting something greater. Suspense can sometimes leave expectations high and that’s exactly what happened in this case. The accompanying ice cream was perfect.

We had an enjoyable meal at QP LDN and while it’s not the best Italian restaurant in Mayfair, it’s a good choice if you’re in the area. The biggest problem I have with QP LDN is mainly with the prices and the service. While it’s not going to break the bank, it’s overpriced given the type of meal you’re eating. It’s classic Italian food, with a few risks taken which aren’t quite perfected on the plate. Service needs to become more personal too as it felt very distant. I’d come back to QP LDN for lunch and a plate of seafood, washed down with a few good glasses of wine – but perhaps I’d save any special occasion for somewhere else.

NB: I was invited to review and elements of my meal were complimentary. All views are as always, my own. My views are not influenced by anyone other than my own palate and slightly poor eyesight.