This November, Francesco Mazzei will launch Fiume, a modern Italian restaurant at Circus West Village in the eagerly anticipated Battersea Power Station development. The restaurant is the third venture to be launched by Mazzei in partnership with D&D London.
Fiume, which translates as ‘river’, is situated right on the bank of the Thames, with stunning views over the river and a large piazza-style terrace for guests to enjoy the rustic, traditional recipes of Francesco’s homeland.
The restaurant will pay homage to the Mezzogiorno, the Southern area or ‘the boot’ of Italy, that holds a special place in the heart of Calabrian native, Francesco. ‘Mezzogiorno’ means ‘noon’, ‘half-day’ or ‘lunchtime’, but for Francesco, the word evokes a sense of home with wholesome, hearty recipes made with the fresh, vibrant ingredients from the Mediterranean.
Mezzogiorno has a rich culinary heritage encompassing eight different regions, all with their own traditional recipes and identities. Each will be featured in Fiume’s menu. A tempting selection of cicchetti and antipasti will include Saffron and mozzarella supplì di riso and Octopus with cannellini beans alongside freshly-made breads from the restaurant’s oven.
Handmade pastas will follow such as Burrata tortelli with hazelnuts and sage, Lamb ragout fettucine, and Cacio e pepe style pasta, while ‘Secondi’ will include Beef tagliata and classic Aubergine parmigiana. In addition, Francesco will be bringing his signature dishes such as Zucchini Fritti, Seafood Fregola and Tiramisu south of the river.
At weekends, families will be welcomed to join a relaxed Italian-style brunch, offering Eggs purgatorio; “The Italian Job”; and Frittata alongside the à la carte menu, all served in a relaxed atmosphere that reflects the laid-back Italian way of life, with guests welcomed throughout the day for lunch, dinner, light bites, and weekend brunch.
A striking bar of flamed black granite will be a focal point of the restaurant, offering both classic and contemporary Italian cocktails from renowned mixologist Simone Caporale, alongside a bespoke list of the finest Italian wines. Throughout the year, Fiume will host interactive events for the local community including wine tasting dinners, and exclusive cookery classes with Francesco Mazzei.
During the warmer months, the restaurant’s large terrace will be perfect for al fresco dining. Filled with lemon and olive trees, and rustic terracotta pots planted with aromatic rosemary and lavender, the space is set to transport guests to the sun-baked Mediterranean landscapes that have inspired the restaurant.
Francesco Mazzei will oversee Fiume as Chef Patron, while Head Chef Francesco Chiarelli will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, the pair having worked together for many years at both L’Anima and Sartoria.