Bianchetto
Joe Vargetto is blending old-school Italian sensibilities with contemporary cool at this trendy Kew spot.
Overview
Joe Vargetto moved Mister Bianco to a much bigger site in Kew in 2023, and has since also opened a cocktail and wine bar next door. Compared to its neighbouring sibling, Bianchetto projects similar cool and sophisticated vibes, but with the lights turned down even more. Most of the 42-seat bar's lighting comes from the small table lamps and black-and-white 1960s Italian films projected on the wall.
Feel your way to one of the leather benches, kicking things off with a signature Americano. For this classic Italian cocktail, the team wheels a trolley over to you and makes it tableside.
But it's not all about the look and feel. And the theatrics are minimal.
Award-winning bartender and owner of Loro, Orlando Marzo, has been brought on to ensure the cocktails are next-level. Marzo is a master, so expect each creation to be that extra bit special. He's mostly reworked classic European cocktails for Bianchetto, like the Sicilian Sour made with marsala, tomato and lemon.
Either pop in simply for some bevs before hitting Mister Bianco, or fill your table with enough snacking plates to make a proper meal out of the whole affair.
Vargetto has, of course, designed the food menu here, offering up his signature take on contemporary Sicilian cuisine. Pair your wine and cocktails with plates like nduja-stuffed olives, toasted mortadella sangas, and zucchini flowers with black truffle honey.
End the night with an olive oil martini or Australian bergamot negroni paired with a few scoops of amaro gelato and a whisky and chocolate cigar.
As he does at the restaurant, Vargetto cooly blends old-school Italian sensibilities with contemporary flair at Bianchetto. His trio of drinking and dining spaces is yet another reason to head over to Kew, which is becoming quite the destination for foodies these days.
Find Bianchetto at 26–28 Cotham Road, Kew, open Tuesday–Saturday from 6pm–late. For more information, head to the venue's website.
Images: Arianna Leggiero
Information
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