RestaurantsLondonPimlicoSW1
61-63 Lower Sloane Street, London, SW1W 8DH

survey result

Summary

£73
  £££
2
Average
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Still as popular with its regular clientele as ever” – this “civilised old-favourite” near Sloane Square “doesn’t change much”, to the relief of its massive, silver-haired following (“you could do away with the menu, as all the customers know exactly what they will order before they arrive. It’ll be the same as they’ve been ordering for the last 25 years!”). The traditional, “comfort-Italian” food is “reliable”, but it’s the “extremely courteous service and wonderful greeting” that really carries the day. Top Menu Tip – “best calves’ liver in London”.

Summary

£75
 ££££
3
Good
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Just part of Chelsea’s culinary ‘furniture’!” – this “always enjoyable Italian stalwart” (est 1994), south of Sloane Square, is an “old favourite” for a dedicated silver-haired following, who’ve patronised it for many years. “The same friendly faces (albeit sometimes masked! in the Covid months)” provide “courteous and amiable service” of “reliable, traditional dishes” (“certainly not cheap but good quality”).

Summary

£71
  £££
3
Good
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“An old mate who you love to see!” – this “civilised”, “comfortable” and “buzzy” Italian, south of Sloane Square, remains a huge favourite, and even though its heartland is Chelsea residents, fans come here from all points of the compass. “It is still the staff who make the place”“everyone is greeted so enthusiastically” – but the “old-fashioned Italian cooking” is “always of a high standard” too (and there’s also a “nice outside terrace”).

Summary

£62
  £££
3
Good
5
Exceptional
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“The maitre d’ remembered me from over 10 years ago and treated me like I’d given them my patronage every day of those 10 years!” – this “neighbourhood” stalwart trattoria is “a staple of the area” south of Sloane Square: “unchanging from year to year” and “like a home from home” for its many (generally silver-haired) regulars. “The menu may not have changed in years, but who cares?” – it’s “always reliable, and well-priced for the locale” – and its USP is its “wonderful staff”, who “treat you like royalty” and are so “friendly” (“they knew exactly how to banter with my grumpy daughter and exactly when to point out a good wine on the list”). “Heaven help us when it finally changes hands…”

For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).

Have you eaten at Caraffini?

Owner's description

We were founded in November 1994 by the extraordinary combination of Paolo Caraffini and Frank di Rienzo. Even at that stage they had more than 60 years of shared experience in the restaurant business — and in the Italian restaurant business in particular.

Together, they built a talented, professional team that is second to none. And that team now continue to provide excellent Italian food and wine with friendly service to match in a smart but informal and warming ambience.

Invariably buzzing with its impressive and interesting clientele, Caraffini's popularity make it imperative that you book your table a few days ahead. As well as a generous welcome, excellent service, good food and fine wine, all at a very competitive price, the Caraffini team will also provide a memorably happy and relaxed experience.

Prices

Traditional European menu

Starter Main Pudding
£16.10 £25.90 £8.25
Drinks  
Wine per bottle £35.00
Filter Coffee £3.75
Extras  
Service 12.50%

Restaurant details

Highchair,Menu
Yes
No dress code
72

Caraffini Restaurant Diner Reviews

Reviews of Caraffini Restaurant in SW1, London by users of Hardens.com. Also see the editors review of Caraffini restaurant.
Paul P
Another fine meal. Another fine chit chat ...
Reviewed 11 months, 27 days ago

"Another fine meal. Another fine chit chat with old friends on the service staff. "

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61-63 Lower Sloane Street, London, SW1W 8DH
Opening hours
Monday12:15 pm‑2:45 pm, 6:30 pm‑10:30 pm
Tuesday12:15 pm‑2:45 pm, 6:30 pm‑10:30 pm
Wednesday12:15 pm‑2:45 pm, 6:30 pm‑10:30 pm
Thursday12:15 pm‑2:45 pm, 6:30 pm‑10:30 pm
Friday12:15 pm‑2:45 pm, 6:30 pm‑10:30 pm
Saturday12:15 pm‑2:45 pm, 6:30 pm‑10:30 pm
SundayCLOSED

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2024 Hardens London Restaurant Guide

"User friendly in price, size and outlook"

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