The Big Momma Group has taken the London Italian food scene by storm to rave reviews, and as such, it was impossible to get a table at any of its restaurants. When I got one at Ave Mario, I was ecstatic. Was it any good? Time to find out...
Ideal for:
When you want a quick bite to eat before catching a show or a night out.
Hosting a birthday party as the menu is diverse enough to cater for all.
When you want to impress your date without it killing your wallet.
Ambience & Décor
Ave Mario was an Instagram hit and it was clear to see why (see left). The décor was quirky with eye-catching, thick, black, and white straight lines that ran parallel across the floor and ceiling, which then reverted to parallel, arch-shaped line on the walls to go around the several arch-shaped mirrors, finally changing back to thick black and white horizontal, parallel lines along the back walls where the aesthetically pleasing circular bar area was. This was the design highlight as the bar and shelves were lit up to showcase the different coloured liquids of various shapes and sizes. To contrast the black-and-white, Ave Mario furnished the tables with plush, bright, and unbelievably striking red velvet upholstered booths. Overall, this polarising, mad, décor appealed to me. The restaurant was its usual packed self; hence it was a vibrant dinner.
Service
I was amazed at how efficient and quick the service was. Ave Mario nailed it by hiring many waiting staff and chefs that could facilitate quick turnover. It was impressive watching all the staff do their craft in such a cosy space.
Food
Back to Black (see left) was a beautifully cooked linguine with a fresh cuttlefish and burnt datterini tomato ragù. Atop the ragu was a generous helping of squid ink sauce and bottarga (salted and cured fish roe). The portion was generous and at £18, presented great value. All the ingredients fused brilliantly. The rich, flavourful, and smoky ragu complemented the salty, zingy, and fresh cuttlefish (like squid) and bottarga. I rarely advocate fish dishes because they let me down, but this was a winner. Be warned, this dish was rich and dense - I wish I could finish it. To cleanse my palate and give me relief, I had the heavenly, light, and fluffy Il Tiramisu (see above) that was served tableside. If you are on a date, I suggest splitting a main and dessert. I also had a mulled fashioned (festive old fashioned) and Dancing with the Tsars (Virgin Moscow mule served in a cup with breasts on the front – bonkers!) and both were delicious.
Overall, I can see the hype around Ave Mario. The quirky décor may not be to everyone’s liking, but I loved it. The food was exquisite, drinks were bonkers and the service exceptional. I will come back again if I can ever get another booking, but walk-ins are accepted. This was a slam dunk A rating.
Photos of Ave Mario and more can be found on Instagram here.
Final grade: A
Final comment: Amazing Italian at great value set in a bonkers venue – must try!
Hashtags: #A #MidRange #Italian #Authentic #AveMario #BigMomma #CoventGarden #London #Rustic #GoodPortions #Casual #ChillOut #Dates #AllOccasions #CatchUp #CheapDrinks #Drinks #Quirky #Tsars #MoscowMule #Passionfruit #Lemon #Mint #GingerBeer #Chianti #Wine #Orange #Spices #Bourbon #Whisky #Chocolate #ChocolateBitters #Linguine #Pasta #Seafood #Cuttlefish #Tomato #Ragu #Squid #SquidInk #Bottarga #Tiramisu #Mascarpone #Marsala #Biscuit #MustTry #BrilliantDecor #Cocktails #GreatService
Comments