This is the third London restaurant for swish Italian brand Chucs and its sixth site in the capital overall (the other three are billed as cafés), with locations spanning Chelsea, Mayfair and Notting Hill.
At this Belgravia outpost, you can expect to find an intimate dining room that effortlessly achieves Chuc’s signature air of easy elegance – wood-panelled walls and art deco-inspired light fixtures are complimented by ocean blue banquettes and mustard-hued tub chairs, while an indoor tree in the centre of the room helps to bring the outside in, although those who prefer the real thing can always head out onto the wraparound terrace for a cocktail in the sunshine.
Open all day (and for brunch on the weekends), Chucs Belgravia is well equipped to cater to diners’ every whim. The menu follows the traditional four-course Italian format and is replete with luxury touches – an avalanche of truffle acts as a topping for everything from fries to pizza. It’s not all so decadent though, with lighter options balancing out the comfort food, and health-conscious diners able to opt for a Cobb salad topped with salmon or a colourful Mediterranean salad.
On our lunchtime visit, we chose indulgence all the way. A portion of warm crumb-coated arancini flecked with black truffle shavings provided an appropriately luxurious start, while linguine topped with sweet and zesty Cornish crab is given a crunchy edge via a handful of pangratata (sautéed breadcrumbs). A side of moreish zucchini fritters in a lacy batter also impressed.
We were too full for dessert, but the likes of warm hazelnut madeleines with Frangelico ice cream are enough to tempt us back to sample the puddings. If you’re heading to see a show at the Victoria Palace, Chucs also offers a pre-theatre menu at £25 for three courses – not bad value in this part of town.