Breaking news
87 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8PH
Harden's says
Pam & Giuseppe re-opened the restaurant post-Covid in July 2020, for evenings only initially and – for the first time – for Sunday lunch.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“The personal touch is invaluable” at Giuseppe & Pamela Turi’s “thriving” and “very confident” Italian stalwart, which “has gone from strength to strength since moving from Putney to Pimlico in 2015, and is always full” (often of long-term customers, who “happily make the trek” into the centre of town). “If Italian wine is your thing, this is the place to go”: Giuseppe’s all-Italian list is a “masterpiece in its own right” and even if “a ton of money is sometimes required, the vintages are not expensive for what they are”. To match it: “refined cooking, with classics, specials, and seasonal variations, reflecting the team’s heritage”. It’s a “grown-up” and “very confident experience, without bowing to fashion” – “the Turis be found at the restaurant every day, and there is always a smile to welcome you”. BREAKING NEWS – In August 2023, the Turis announced their retirement, thus rendering the above entry otiose. A month later, just before we went to press, experienced restaurateur, Dominic Ford, and Liberty Wines owner, David Gleave, were announced as the new patrons. Much of the team remains in place, as does the cellar. But – as our read feedback clearly demonstrates – this whole enterprise has always been a supremely personal one and the Turis will be a hard act to follow. We’ve maintained its rating (but taking service down a notch, reflecting the very personal style of the founders).
Summary
Giuseppe & Pamela Turi’s “phenomenal” stalwart was “a long-time favourite even before they moved from Putney to Pimlico” in 2015 (at an age when some couples would be considering retirement). “A place of calm refinement”, they “rode out the pandemic with cheer and great service”; and by providing “precise northern Italian cooking with intense flavours”. The special attraction, though, is Giuseppe’s long term passion project: “one of the best Italian wine lists in London” offering a “to-die-for selection” that “starts at very reasonable price levels” (but “don’t forget your wallet” if you want to do it full justice).
Summary
“Putney’s loss a few years ago became Chelsea’s gain”, and Giuseppe and Pamela Turi’s long-established gem has shone even more brightly in its new location, providing “sophisticated Italian dining at its best.” “The premises are not huge, but cleverly laid out so you don’t feel crammed”. And “the fact that so many Putney loyalists are willing to make the longer journey to eat here is testament to how good the food and service are”. “Flavours are always spot-on” (and “their truffle menu is a gastronomic highlight”). “But it’s the wine list that blows you away”: “superbly curated by Guiseppe” and offering a “serious voyage through Italy but one that’s fair value. You can drink well at a very reasonable price… or go mad and take out an extra mortgage!”.
Summary
“Astonishing Italian wine list: bravo signor Turi!” – Giuseppi and Pamela Turi are “now firmly ensconced in Pimlico having successfully weathered the transfer” three years ago from a more neighbourhood-y site near Putney Bridge (which they inhabited for over 20 years) to this much posher postcode; and they have brought with them their “amazing” cellar, which is perhaps London’s most notable selection of Italian vintages. They have also replicated their “delightful” personal touch at this “comfortable” new venue, and fans say “the food has really raised its game since the SW15 days”: “simple dishes, beautifully prepared”. Its ratings slipped a fraction this year though, with quite a few gripes that it seems increasingly “pricey”.
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 Enoteca Turi?
Owner's description
Our menu is inspired by regional Italian cuisine which adapts traditional methods of cooking to the contemporary restaurant scene. One look will tell you that we have not compromised our dishes, and the unusual ingredients on our menu are not often seen outside their traditional region in Italy. The Proprietors, Giuseppe and Pamela Turi Giuseppe Turi, originally from Puglia, came to London in 1982, where he joined the Athenaeum Hotel, and became the Sommelier. Having moved to the Connaught Hotel in 1985 as Sommelier, he was later promoted to Maitre D’. He then rejoined the Athenaeum in 1987 as Restaurant Manager, and left to open Enoteca Turi in 1990. During this period, Giuseppe acquired the Diploma in Wine and Spirits from the WSET, and took part in the Sommelier of the Year Competition, gaining second place in 1987. On opening Enoteca Turi, Giuseppe immediately realised that being Italian did not automatically provide him with the knowledge of its complex food heritage, and understood that a lot of work would be needed to build the Italian restaurant he had envisaged. Pamela Turi, a qualified teacher, with a degree in Classics from Bristol University. joined Giuseppe in 1992, at a critical stage in the restaurant’s growth. Thanks to her invaluable managerial ability, Enoteca Turi was able to focus and grow as a business. Pamela’s role involves PR, Human Resources, research and writing restaurant literature and organising events. Restaurant Manager Cesare Papagna Cesare has had over 20 years in the hospitality sector, having worked both in Italy and in the UK. In his career, he has had wide managerial experience in establishments such as Cipriani Restaurant, Francos Restaurant and Novikov in Mayfair. As well as his strong work ethic, and pride in achieving results, he shows particular ability in motivating staff to perform to their maximum potential, and enjoys building lasting professional guest relationships. At Enoteca Turi, Cesare has been entrusted with the task of pushing forward the vision of excellent customer service to an even higher level. He has found the right environment to use his knowledge of the industry and undoubted communication skills. He shares Giuseppe’s vision of excellence and since he started in March 2015, has thrown himself into the challenge of getting to know our regular diners, and helping to make their experience a memorable one. In Cesare’s words: “As time unfolds, so do guest expectations and the desire to have a genuine experience. I enjoy hosting our guests at Enoteca Turi, ensuring that they experience conviviality in the truest sense of the word. Local neighbourhood restaurants are “hidden gems” playing an important part in their communities, They bring individuality and at the same time maintain integrity in an industry that is increasingly producing food to a formula.” Opening Times Monday - Thursday, Lunch 12.00 - 14.30, Dinner 18.00 - 22.30 Friday & Saturday, Lunch 12.00 - 14.30, Dinner 18.00 - 23.00
WINE LIST OF THE YEAR
Enoteca Turi wins Wine list of the Year from among shortlist of 4
Giuseppe Turi’s magnificent Pimlico Italian restaurant, Enoteca Turi won the award for London’s Most Interesting Wine List, thanks to Sig Turi’s “wonderful list, embellished by his own personal remarks”.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £54.50 |  |
|
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £19.50 | £36.50 | £7.00 | £11.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £27.50 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.75 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
Restaurant details
87 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8PH
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
