Creating a coastal culinary tradition into the centre of London is always a bold move, but ALBA London at 70 Brompton Road makes the transition look seamless. Located directly opposite Harrods, the space channels the lightness and produce-driven cooking of the Amalfi Coast right into Knightsbridge. This September, the restaurant expands its reach even further with the arrival of an intimate Omakase counter.
Step off Brompton Road and the noise of Central London recedes quickly. Rather than adopting the heavy, dark interiors common to many high-end dining rooms in Knightsbridge, ALBA’s design leans into coastal warmth and natural light.
Designed with input from superyacht specialists Yodezeen, the space combines Venetian terrazzo floors, soft terracotta, olive green, and warm lemon tones. Potted olive trees frame the room, while bookshelves and residential touches soften what is otherwise a generous floor plan. The attention to detail extends into every corner, right down to the bathrooms stocked with Acqua di Parma.
Head Chef Cristian Ianni, who honed his craft across notable London kitchens including Bocconcino and Margot, brings an ingredient-focused approach to the menu. Rather than relying on heavy sauces, the kitchen relies on exceptional sourcing, vibrant Mediterranean tomatoes, pristine cold-pressed olive oils, and fresh catches displayed prominently on ice.
The menu balances coastal Italian classics with luxurious, contemporary twists:
Fresh Seafood: Pink prawn carpaccio, raw langoustine, and octopus alla Luciana.
House Pastas: Glossy Lobster Linguine and rich crab ravioli.
Signature Pizzas: Including the popular Pizza Diavola and a signature pie topped with soft-scrambled egg, fior di latte, and optional caviar.
Meat Specialties: Heartier cuts such as Filetto di Bosco finished with fresh black truffle.
Dessert: Grand Gelato, Hazelnut Praline
Complementing the food is a cellar with substantial depth. Beyond accessible Italian regional pours, wine enthusiasts can request prestige vintages ranging from Masseto to Dom Pérignon. As day turns to night, DJ sets and live acoustic performances gently elevate the room’s energy, creating an ideal setting for long, leisurely dinners.
The most intriguing development for ALBA is set for September 2026. The restaurant is introducing a dedicated ten-seat Omakase Counter alongside a broader Japanese à la carte menu, bringing two distinct culinary cultures under one roof. The concept, framed around the motif Two Coasts. One Sea, links raw Italian crudo with Japanese sushi craft. Both styles share a reverence for seasonal seafood, minimal intervention, and knife skill.
”Trust the chef, trust the catch.”
The guiding mantra behind ALBA’s new Japanese counter experience.
Sitting counter-side, diners will experience two chef-tailored tasting menus prepared in real time. Operating a Japanese counter inside an established Italian seafood destination is an ambitious format, but given the kitchen’s track record with raw preparation, it promises to be a compelling crossover.
ALBA London has built its reputation on delivering an authentic, elevated taste of Southern Italy in one of the capital’s most competitive addresses. With Chef Cristian Ianni overseeing the kitchen and the Omakase launch adding a new dimension this September, ALBA will become one of Knightsbridge’s most versatile dining destinations.
ALBA London, 70 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW3 1ER.
Two Coasts, One Sea, The Omakase Counter and Japanese dining concept launch September 2026.
The Luxe Resident 