OPENS 25 JUNE 2021
French restaurant group Big Mamma first burst onto London’s dining scene in 2019 with the over-the-top Italian trattoria Glora in Shoreditch, which instantly became an Instagram fixture and made its way onto many a discerning Londoners ‘to dine’ list. Big Mammas’ second London site, Circolo Popolare, received similar acclaim when it opened in Fitzrovia later that same year and now the group is going for a hat trick with the launch of Ave Mario.
The third London location for Big Mamma is the group’s biggest yet, spanning three separate spaces and 7,000 square feet. While the restaurant’s listed address makes it seem like Ave Mario has taken over the space of restaurant Frenchie and hotel Henrietta, this is not the case. Instead, it occupies what was formerly two buildings on Maiden Lane, with the entrance on Henrietta Street.
Upon arrival, expect to be greeted by one of two outdoor terraces, before making your way into the grand dining room, which is as extra as we have come to expect from the Big Mamma clan. Green and white striped walls seem simple enough, but head past the stand alone bar and its feature wall of 3,500 bottles and you’ll soon remember where you are. Towards the back of the space, you will find an indoor courtyard which opens out onto the second outdoor terrace. There’s also a basement dining space covered in mirrors and with counter dining so that guests can watch the piazzolos at work.
As for Ave Mario’s menu, it is headed up by chef Andrea Zambrano (who is 23...yes, we’re feeling rather unaccomplished too). His menu is a slight departure for the group (you won’t find any Big Mamma signatures here), but you can still expect plenty of Italian indulgence - think a carbonara ravioli and a 60cm tall stracciatella ice cream cake.