Londoners Magazine

An Italian restaurant on Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill, has relaunched – doubling its previous capacity.

Rossopomodoro, which means red tomato in Italian, reopened on 13 November after a four-week closure. One of the restaurant’s managers, Mario Ramano, 39, said: “We bought next door, so instead of having 89 seats, we now have room for 150.” The basement, which has 60 of the restaurant’s 150 seats, can be hired for private functions.

The split-level restaurant has kept its trademark minimalist red and cream decor, which would benefit from a couple more paintings. Yet carved wood, candles and subtle lighting soften the blank walls. Easy listening music also helps create an intimate atmosphere – although diners will hear the odd Napolitan pop song as well.

Still on the menu is Rossopomodoro’s classic pizza verace, or margarita pizza, which is made with fresh buffalo mozzarella flown in twice weekly from the Naples region, tomato sauce and basil, and made by Giovanni Scotto di Carlo. Served with a side of olive oil from Sorrento, the pizza is enjoyed as a starter or a main dish.

The rest of the menu changes four times a year, and was last updated at the beginning of this month. Yet it was disappointing not to see a surprise dish on the menu in time for the restaurant’s relaunch.

Rossopomodoro’s flagship restaurant opened in Naples in 1988 and is still going strong. The Notting Hill branch is one of three in London – the other two can be found on Monmouth Street, Covent Garden and Fulham Road, Chelsea. As for further expansion, Mr Ramano said: “We will focus on London for the next year. We are also looking forward to opening in Ireland as soon as the right opportunity arises.”

For more information, visit www.rossopomodoro.co.uk.