‘Bellissima’ springs to mind, when day dreaming of a particularly delicious brunch at new modern Italian dining spot Bernardi’s last weekend. Opening in September last year, Bernardi’s sits across two floors of a beautifully restored Victorian property in the Portman Village. We were lucky enough to be invited down to check out the new brunch offering from founders Gabriel and Marcello Bernardi’s restaurant and safe to say it did not disappoint.
In the heart of Marylebone, the contemporary space is beautifully lit with natural sunlight streaming through the windows. Colours are muted. Leather seating sits around marble tables laid with pristine glass wear and perfectly placed cutlery. Sat in a leather clad booth next to the exposed pains we watched the world go by as we waited patiently for brunch to arrive.
A trio of dishes arrived for us to sample and swap across the table, starting with the Scrambled Eggs, Cornish Crab & Parsley on fresh sourdough. A warming, comforting plate of food, nothing beats eggs for breakfast right? Followed by French Toast, Orange & Mascarpone which quickly became the stalwart of the morning. Drizzled in an orange syrup, it was a super sweet, super soaked French toast, one of the best we’ve tasted yet.
Intermittently we snacked on Pizzetti, this is a must try on all Bernardi menu’s including brunch. We opted for the Confit Leak, Taleggio & Celery Pizette. Others to try include the Potato, Scamorza & Red Onion and the Spinach, Egg & Wild Mushroom or if sweet tooth checks in the Chocolate & Hazlenut is your quick fix. All served on wooden boards they’re deliciously compact and great sharers.
Washing it down were juices to die. Particularly the Apple and Sorrel juice, fluorescent green in colour, tasted fresh as though picked from a tree that day. The bar is stacked with liqueur and with that, leaves plenty to the imagination in the form of refreshments. To inspire, delicate cocktails sat temptingly on the menu, the Tappeto Magico – Cachaca, “Rare” Jasmine tea, lime juice, agave & whites and the Petalo – Hendricks gin, Yellow Chartreuse, Cocchi Rosa, rose & fresh lemon teased with their light flavours and subtle essences.
A sophisticated, dining accomplishment from the Bernardi brothers, Bernardi’s really is as delectable as it sounds.
