June 26, 2025 |
What’s one to do on a Saturday night in the middle of June? Well, in the throes of a British heatwave, a vibrant dinner in the heart of Knightsbridge – somewhere air-conditioned, elegant and deeply delicious, where the interior dazzles and the cosmos keep on flowing – is the only logical answer.
Enter La Maison Ani by Chef Izu, located in the Jumeirah Carlton Tower at Cadogan Place. Inspired by the timeless allure of Paris, the restaurant takes you on a chic and culinary journey inspired by French-Mediterranean cuisine, with Escargots de Bourgogne being not just a classic, but a highlight on the menu. With the knowledge of what was to come, the mouths of myself, partner and friends, were already watering.
As we slipped out from our black cab and into the restaurant, my eyes were immediately drawn to my feet. Not only to admire my bamboo Gucci by Tom Ford mules (although, let’s be honest, they deserved a moment of their own), but to take in the intricate mosaic flooring that sprawled out from under them. Spelling out ‘La Maison Ani’ in delicate tile, it felt like a quiet introduction to the magic within – there’s nothing like the finer details.
Then, we were whisked through the walnut double doors and into the main dining room where my gaze was pulled upward to the impressively elegant chandeliers that dangled from the ornate ceiling, casting a soft, golden glow across the room. Light danced off the red and pale-pink seating, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance. Nearly every table was full – families, couples, and friends, all immersed in a flurry of flavour and good conversation. It was the kind of atmosphere you can’t fake. After all, is there anything better than the sound of laughter shared over a great meal?
As we passed the bar on our way to the table, it was clear no corner had been overlooked – lush forest-green plants, rustic clay vases and perfectly lit wooden shelves stacked with spirits from Beluga Gold Vodka to Clase Azul Mezcal. At either end of the bar, mixologists shook, stirred and poured cocktails on the rocks with effortless flair.
Seated beneath the chandelier, on a white-clothed table in the beating heart of the room, the first thing we did was check out the cocktail and wine list, ordering a bottle of Bianchello Del Metauro white wine that came accompanied by a pink and white fabric-laden basket, filled with freshly-baked, still-warm bread. The light, fruity wine paired perfectly with olive bread dipped in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt flakes.
Next, a selection of starters arrived – perfect for sharing between the four of us. A vibrant beetroot salad with goat’s cheese and a crunchy lentil salad with perfectly cubed pickled vegetables were both citrusy and refreshing, the perfect start to a summer evening. We then cut into a ball of creamy burrata surrounded by ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. Warm prawns in olive oil and basil followed – light yet satisfyingly meaty.
We were just admiring our plates when a rich scent of truffle wafted our way. Enter: the four-cheese pizza. Brie, Comté, Gruyère, and Emmental, all melted together and topped with paper-thin shavings of truffle. It was almost too good to share – almost. As we finished the last bites, still sipping wine, anticipation built for our mains.
Then they arrived – shiny copper oval platters filled with fresh pasta. One was pillowy gnocchi topped with parmesan and fresh basil, coated in a smoky tomato cream sauce with a subtle sweetness that was moreish after just one mouthful. The other: spaghetti alle vongole, the shells wide open, the pasta delicately coated in garlic, olive oil and just a hint of chilli for a gentle kick. If I closed my eyes, I could almost imagine myself on a beach in Saint-Tropez, salty breeze in my hair, forkful of this unforgettable pasta in hand.
Just when we thought it couldn’t get better, it did. A 700g Dover sole arrived, cooked in lightly browned butter, lemon juice, and parsley. The maître d’ deboned the fish tableside, plating each tender fillet with care, finishing it with toasted almond flakes. It melted in the mouth like the butter it was bathed in. Accompaniments included creamy potato gratin and vibrant ratatouille.
Then, tender lamb cutlets marinated in herbs, served atop soft pita slices with spiced aubergine. Perfectly pink in the centre, the lamb was delicious on its own – but paired with the aubergine spread, it was next level.
To close the evening, we cracked through the caramelised sugar top of a silky vanilla crème brûlée. The saffron milk cake was airy and rich, soaking up its fragrant, golden sauce. On top, a melting scoop of mascarpone ice cream made for the perfect, palate-cleansing finish.
La Maison Ani… we will be back, save us a table!
Photography courtesy of La Maison Ani.
