Tozi Grand Café Battersea
Tozi Grand Café Battersea
The dining scene at the stunning Battersea Power Station has just become even more exciting with the opening of Tozi Grand Café Battersea on 12 December. On the ground floor of the new Art’otel, this smart Italian restaurant is a welcome addition. By Angela Zaher
With floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the Grade II* Power Station, the double height restaurant has a modern, elegant and artsy feel. The interior has been designed by Spanish artist Jaime Hayon; his contemporary tapestries are dotted along the windows. They are beautiful and uplifting as is the massive Míro inspired mobile with light fittings which hangs from a central steel tree-like structure. The other side of the restaurant is framed by a striking red bar and several more Hayon paintings which are reminiscent of Magritte. Fans of these iconic artists will be thrilled in this space.
The preview dinner I attended included many menu highlights and featured incredible Italian produce exquisitely prepared by head chef Lee Streeton (various Caprice Holdings restaurants, Hix Mayfair, Art Yard) and his team. After a creamy burrata and crispy chicory and pear salad for antipasti came the cicchetti dishes. Each of these Venetian small plates was delightful; rosemary focaccia, veal and pork meatballs, huge baked scallops with ‘nduja and my favourite, sage wrapped salted anchovies in a light batter. Different fresh pastas, all cooked perfectly, made up half of the secondis, from trofie (Ligurian short, thin and twisted pasta) to beautiful ribbons of pappardelle with a wild boar ragout and a luscious buffalo ricotta ravioli generously topped with black truffle shavings. A sugar pit bacon chop (from Peter Hannah’s esteemed butchery in Ireland) was a feast for the eyes and palate- sweet, succulent meat with a crispy edge. The king of fish, halibut was served on the bone with a tangy salsa verde.
The dolcis were a divine quartet: a regal pistachio tiramisu, gianduiotto tart (particularly heavenly), cloud-like pannacotta and then, served with a flourish, Tozi affogato; a scoop of vanilla ice cream drowned in espresso.
The wine list is all Italian and those we did try over the course of dinner were delicious and complemented the dishes. The Ruggeri prosecco and olive oil negronis served on arrival made for a refreshing and optimistic start.
“Tozi” means group of close friends in Venetian slang, this impressive restaurant is a great venue for such a meet up and likewise for other gatherings of aficionados of Italian food. Wherever you are seated, there will be interesting art to look at and lovely food to indulge in.
