I’m back again, at London’s finest department store – Harrods! That might be a bold statement as I’m sure you all have your favourite places to shop – but this has always been mine. It’s close to home, ever evolving, spectacular at every turn and oozes so much luxury you feel (and smell if you pass through the perfume department) like a million dollars.
Just in case you hadn’t read my review from the last visit to this astonishingly beautiful Dining Hall, Harrods has been undergoing an extensive two-year transformation and this Dining Hall is just one of the results of that. The stunning Roastery & Bake Hall is a real favourite of mine and The Sushi Bar, another dining outlet located in this hall is the stuff of dreams. As is the decor which surrounds it all.
Whilst we reminisced of that and done our best people watching, we took a seat at The Pasta Bar and tucked into a chilled glass of rose Champagne. The best way to start any Harrods experience.
Whilst we got to know the menu and settled into our surroundings, we ordered something to start our Italian gastronomic experience and it may well be the best £5 you’ll ever spend. A huge and thick piece of focaccia, smothered in 10-year-old balsamic vinegar and sprinkled with lashings of pecorino. You could feel the calories piling on with each bite, but it’s so good you won’t care.
If I had to pick my favourite dish, it would be one of the very first out from the kitchen. Smoked tuna carpaccio, topped with salted almonds and a little olive oil. Simply prepared, but beautifully executed and that smokiness really came through in the tuna adding just another delicious depth to this plate of food.
Knowing that all of the ingredients which go into the food here is all sourced in-house, you know the quality is going to be excellent and that was exactly the case with this dish. Juicy, de-skinned chunks of San Marzano tomatoes, topped with some very creamy La Latteria Burrata, drizzled in olive oil and sprinkled with pine nuts and basil. We paired it with a glass of refreshing Italian rosé wine and it all went down a treat.
As for the pasta dishes, it’s another part of the menu which isn’t to be missed. Portions are very generous and overall prices here aren’t too dissimilar to your local Italian. Special of the day was the lobster spaghetti in a chilli and fresh pomodorini sauce and topped with basil. It was good. The sauce was excellent and the pasta cooked the right side of al dente, however a little bit more lobster wouldn’t have gone a miss.
Winner of the two pasta dishes for me was this gorgeous artichoke ravioli in a brown butter & sage sauce. Again, lots of calories here, but completely worth it. The artichoke filling was generous and sweet. The pasta cooked perfectly and the butter sauce – utter heaven. I struggled to finish this dish, so hopefully that gives you an idea of just how plump and generous these pieces of ravioli were.
To finish, probably the best tiramisu you’ll likely to find in town and I’m not exaggerating when I say that. It might even be worthy enough to come here solely for it – after some solid retail therapy of course. Rich, indulgent, creamy – but surprisingly it didn’t feel too heavy on the stomach. In true Harrods style – it’s topped with a small gold edible leaf.
I’m completely obsessed with the new Dining Hall at Harrods and think it’s one of the best things to arrive in this department store in years. If you haven’t visited, you must and if you have – there is plenty more to explore. Pasta, sushi, steak, Indian or even the central wine bar which is the beating heart of the Dining Hall – offering over 100 wines by the glass. Would we come back to The Pasta Bar? Yes! Next stop – The Grill (so check back soon for my latest review!).
If you fancy exploring more of what Harrods has to offer. Read my (many) restaurant reviews from this incredible department store HERE
