It honestly felt like we’d stepped into a little slice of Italy right in the middle of London.
The rooftop was glowing with golden light, the warm breeze adding a dreamy touch to the evening.
With olive trees, hanging lights, a lemon theme and chic white furnishings all around, the setting was absolutely beautiful – perfectly romantic without trying too hard.
The restaurant menu works as a sharing concept, with a recommendation of four to five of the small cicchetti plates per couple.
The mozzarella was creamy and soft, and the tomatoes were full of flavour—not always a guarantee in London.
For mains, we shared the penne pomodoro and the baked Norma.
The pasta was simple but done exactly how you’d hope—al dente, comforting, and with a rich, sweet tomato sauce.
The Norma, named on the menu as one of the most popular dishes, was a lovely surprise, with the baked aubergine had a smoky depth that worked so well with the creamy ricotta and tangy tomato.
The salt baked seabass arrived next, and it was a showstopper. Delicate, flaky, and seasoned just right. It felt luxurious without being over the top.
It would have been rude also not to have tried some zucchini, which I think the San Carlo group does exceptionally well.
Of course, we couldn’t skip dessert.
The tiramisu with pistachio was the highlight for me – light and creamy with a subtle nuttiness that made it stand out from your usual tiramisu.
We also went for the chocolate bomb, which melted at the table under a warm sauce reveal. Dramatic and delicious.
The service was attentive without being overbearing.
Everyone we interacted with was friendly and happy to offer recommendations.
There was a relaxed elegance to the whole evening – the kind of place where you can linger over wine and conversation without ever feeling rushed.
Honestly, it was one of those rare dining experiences where the food, atmosphere, and company all clicked.
If you’re looking for a romantic spot with great Italian food and a view to match, Alto is absolutely worth it – especially if you can catch it on a warm evening as the sun goes down.
