July 22, 2025 |
It’s an early Saturday evening in London, and down the ever-busy, ever-glamorous Brompton Road, you’ll find a slice of Italy: Alba. As the sun begins to dip below the skyline, casting golden reflections off glassy skyscrapers, there’s no better place to spend a summer evening in the capital than gathered with friends over Italian cuisine – which is exactly what my partner, two friends and I did.
Located directly opposite one of London’s crown retail jewels, Harrods, Alba opened its doors in February 2025, right in the heart of Knightsbridge. Here, you can savour Italian delicacies – from crispy, golden Fritto Misto to the sweet nuttiness of a Pistachio Cannolo.
I stepped out of the cab, my Gucci square-toed slingbacks clicking against the pavement, my white linen co-ord catching the warm breeze. For a moment, it felt like we were in Positano. As the glass doors of Alba opened, we entered a soft, elegant escape from the city’s bustle. The foyer was chic and minimal, reminiscent more of a luxe Milanese furniture showroom than a restaurant – sleek veined grey and black marble, bright white bubble lights suspended above and a dramatic black spiral staircase drawing the eye upward.
We glided up the stairs to the first floor and were welcomed by a warmer hue of lighting and the beaming smile of the hostess. Venetian-style terrazzo floors – flecked with vibrant green and yellow – met dark walnut panelling, echoing the curves and polish of a classic Italian yacht.
At the bar, giant bowls of lemons and fragrant floral arrangements adorned the counter, behind which bartenders shook cocktails with rhythmic precision. Every seat was full, the air humming with laughter, ice and the rich aroma of fresh produce. It felt like being in my Nonna’s kitchen – only sleeker, shinier and with more Campari. Even the drinks rested on custom logo mats – a detail that made me smile. But enough admiring; I was thirsty.
As we were guided to our table, we passed a gleaming fresh fish counter tucked into the corner of the open kitchen. Resting on crushed ice was a dazzling display of seafood – from glistening John Dory to ruby-red Gambero Carabineros. The open kitchen buzzed with energy, chefs carefully crafting dishes in full view. Butter hissed in hot pans, tomatoes were finely diced at speed and the air was thick with the scent of lemon zest and herbs. A sensory overture to the evening ahead.
We were seated by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Harrods, now glowing in the dusky light. Crisp white linens, delicate glassware catching the last of the sun and an olive tree overhead created a dreamy Mediterranean scene. The menus – orange-hued with a whimsical, Matisse-like dinner illustration – set the tone. A curated playlist by the in-house DJ blended classic tracks with modern rhythm, adding to the easy, stylish vibe. The room buzzed with conversation, and so did we.
Soon, the scent of warm focaccia wafted towards us. Our waiter poured a golden stream of olive oil onto our side plates – as if fresh from a traditional oleificio – ready for dipping. We opened our menus in quiet anticipation.
Cocktails arrived swiftly – inventive, modern takes on the classics. Tommy’s Calabrita, served playfully in glass ice cream cones, was both chic and fun. A vibrant blend of Casamigos Blanco, Italicus Bergamotto and sesame syrup, finished with a rim of chilli salt that hit just right. The Amalfi Spritz was summer in a glass: crisp, sunny and subtly sweet, combining Ciroc vodka, Prosecco and Limoncello. With every sip, it felt like we were steps from the sea.
As we sipped, our eyes were drawn to a stunning wall of vintage wines and champagnes – a quiet promise of what lay ahead.
Our starters arrived. First, a bronze pan of bubbling Aubergine Parmigiana, its mozzarella topping golden and crisp. Then a trio of tartare – tiger prawns, mazzancolle and sweet pink prawns – plated in perfect circles and dressed simply with olive oil and sea salt. A spoonful of Amalfi Spritz, a breath of fresh air and we could’ve been on the coast. A creamy sphere of Burrata followed, perched on sweet heritage tomatoes with fragrant basil. Uncomplicated, elegant – proof that the best ingredients need little else. In no time, our plates were spotless.
For mains, we began with Alba’s signature Tagliatelle. Silky ribbons of handmade pasta coated in a light butter sauce and topped with delicate truffle shavings. The aroma was intoxicating, the flavour rich and earthy, balanced by the buttery lightness of the sauce. Then came the Amalfi Lemon Tagliolini, topped with raw Mazara pink prawns and dusted with shaved bottarga. Bright, citrusy and fresh, it arrived coiled like a sculpture on a yellow and white floral Ginori 1735 plate – as beautiful to look at as it was to eat. Each bite was a harmony of sharp lemon, sweet prawn and umami-rich roe.
And then, dessert – the true finale.
The Grand Gelato Ferrero Rocher was nothing short of a spectacle. A gilded guéridon was wheeled to our table, carrying an 8kg orb of hazelnut gelato infused with Frangelico, wrapped in a shell of dark chocolate and praline. At 28cm across, it was bold, theatrical – and wildly indulgent. The maître d’ sliced it ceremoniously, plating it with dark chocolate ganache and a scattering of hazelnuts. Decadent doesn’t begin to cover it. This was la dolce vita, spooned up in glossy bites.
Whether you’re in search of timeless Italian flavours or modern flair, Alba captures the spirit of the Mediterranean with effortless confidence. It’s an all-day dining destination where tradition and creativity meet – and where every detail, from the first sip to the last spoonful, feels like a celebration of coastal Italy, right in the heart of Knightsbridge.
Photography courtesy of Alba.
