By Sophie Weir, Senior Editorial Assistant, Luxury Hospitality Magazine.
Como Garden, an authentic Italian tapas concept founded by twins Alberto and Arian Zandi, is one of three luxury hospitality ventures the brothers operate in London. It is spearheading the culinary innovations of Kensington’s vibrant and upscale dining scene. As the name suggests, this refined hotspot very much brings the shimmering essence of Lake Como to the heart of the city.
Inspired by the dramatic scenery of Northern Italy, Como Garden’s biophilic interior maintains an airy affinity with terrace-like verdant walls, softly lit pendant lighting, Maiolica (traditional tin-glazed Italian pottery) on display, and a striking central olive tree illuminated as the restaurant focal point. Botanical elements are complemented by classical statues, arches, columns, and marble textures, evoking the grandeur of Italian Renaissance architecture. The interior’s structural symmetry creates a curated sense of harmony, reflecting the Lombardy region beyond the menu through luxury and Italian craftsmanship.
Upon arrival, Como Garden combines classical and contemporary conventions of Italian dining. Through family-style tapas, the experience mirrored traditional Italian meal structures while using a distinctive interior to evoke heritage rather than archetype – perfectly complementing the food and its inspiration. Here, Como Garden offers a unique expression of classical storytelling and timeless cuisine.
Following this traditional structure, the meal commenced with an aperitivo, featuring a selection of curated cocktail creations. We opted for the signature No. 1 Cupido, which offered a sweet and romantic flavour profile – a blend of rum, amaretto, strawberries, lemon and sugar. Saccharine yet balanced, the almond aroma made this tantalising cocktail a thoughtful introduction to the palate.
Others opted for the No. 3 Lago Amaranto, combining gin, limoncello, and blackberries into a tangy, purple-hued drink with a frothy finish. The cocktail’s layered complexity – from the botanicals to citrus zest – served as a refreshing gateway into Como Garden’s curated world of taste.
The next phase of the experience introduced the apericena, a modern Italian take on the aperitif and light evening meal. We began with a classic bruschetta, offering comfort in the form of rustic Italian sourdough topped with finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil and a peppery garnish of rocket. A personal highlight followed: fried zucchini, lightly salted and crisped in olive oil with notes of oregano, served with a creamy basil mayonnaise – an elegant nod to Italian simplicity elevated by finesse. In this immersive setting, we could almost imagine ourselves on the shores of Lake Como, sun glinting off the water. Every detail whispered luxury and refinement.
At every stage, Como Garden’s evolving essence felt deliberate and thoughtfully curated. Each ingredient was individually selected and adroitly prepared to showcase maximum flavour with minimal intervention. A standout dish was the singular, sculptural arancini in the shape of a pyramid, generously sized and filled with Parmesan and fontina cheese atop a bed of truffle cream. Crisp to the bite with perfected rice, the dish reimagines a classic in both size and presentation. Served on a hot cast-iron skillet – a flourish usually reserved for meat dishes – it offered a vegetarian-friendly showstopper.
Next was the primo piatto, the black truffle Parmesan wheel, consisting of homemade tagliolini infused with 24-month-aged Parmesan and freshly shaved black truffle. Presented tableside by the chef, the pasta was tossed in the hollowed Parmesan wheel before us, offering a theatrical and luxurious touch. Cooked to an ideal al dente, the pasta carries the richness of truffle balanced with garlic and butter – a celebration of high-quality Italian ingredients. This was served alongside oven-roasted potatoes, skin on and fluffy, infused with rosemary, and house focaccia served with Parmesan butter – earthy and aromatic, echoing the comforting simplicity of a lakeside trattoria.
Honouring the Italian dining sequence, the insalata course followed. We sampled a Sicilian caponata – aubergine slow-fried with tomato and roasted pine nuts – and a Sicilian orange and mixed leaf salad with olives and hazelnuts. These offered a refreshing contrast to the richness of the previous course, highlighting Italy’s regional culinary diversity. The agrodolce flavour profile of the caponata balanced sweet, sour, and umami notes with added texture from the pine nuts, while the citrus elements of the salad cut perfectly through the depth of the dish.
Before dessert, a carafe of both red and white vino was offered, elevating a standard wine pairing into a more ceremonial close to the meal. For red we enjoyed a 2018 Sangiovese Rubicone from Emilia Romagna – medium-bodied with a fresh, clean finish and refined aromas. The white selection was a 2020 Pinot Grigio Tenuta Civranetta from Veneto, offering vibrant floral notes and a light, elegant body.
For the dolci, we concluded with tiramisu, a delectable finale. The espresso liqueur saturated the savoiardi to perfection, a difficult balance to achieve. Rather than the expected lasagne-esque layering, the cream was hand-piped individually, offering a thoughtful take on the classic.
The Como Garden experience is one of humble indulgence. Even the simplest of ingredients were treated with reverence, transformed into elegant statements of Italian gastronomy. The interior lends itself to multiple occasions – not just romantic evenings, but also family gatherings and vibrant social meals, evidenced by the diversity of guests dining around us. A welcoming team and uplifting music added to the overall warmth of the experience.
Como Garden goes beyond traditional expectations of Italian dining. It brings personality and flair into every dish and detail – an extension of the Zandi brothers’ vision, merging authenticity with innovation in a way that is both memorable and meaningful.
For more, please visit the Como Garden website and get in touch with the team: https://comogarden.co.uk/
