61-63 Lower Sloane Street, London, SW1W 8DH
Harden's survey result
Summary
“A stalwart that never fails to please” say the many silver-haired fans of this enduring “old-style Italian” just south of Sloane Square, founded in 1994 by Paolo Caraffini and Frank di Rienzo and run to this day by their sons and daughters. That the surroundings are “comfortable and calm”; and that service is “so friendly and caring”; and that a meal is “always such good fun” is what keeps it busy (it’s “an unreconstructed monument to the days when eating out was actually going for a meal out, rather than an act of prostration in a temple of vanity”). Regulars “know the menu by heart” – “plain, solid and reliable” fare “of a decent standard but not too fancy”. Top Menu Tips – “Don’t tell anyone, but it’s the only place I’ve found in London where you can get a good sgroppino (look it up), which is hard enough to find in Italy outside the Veneto”; “loved the plate-sized Escalope a la Milanese, and, since it was so big, so did my dogs...!”
Summary
“They know their clientele” (most of whom are of a certain age), and “really look after them” at this “absolutely classic Italian” south of Sloane Square, founded 30 years ago by Paolo Caraffini. “The food feels like pure 1960s-style London/Italian and is very competently cooked”. “There’s always a great welcome (when they get to know you!), it’s not over-expensive and has a warm and bubbly atmosphere”.
Summary
“Still as popular with its regular clientele as ever” – this “civilised old-favourite” near Sloane Square “doesn’t change much”, to the relief of its massive, silver-haired following (“you could do away with the menu, as all the customers know exactly what they will order before they arrive. It’ll be the same as they’ve been ordering for the last 25 years!”). The traditional, “comfort-Italian” food is “reliable”, but it’s the “extremely courteous service and wonderful greeting” that really carries the day. Top Menu Tip – “best calves’ liver in London”.
Summary
“Just part of Chelsea’s culinary ‘furniture’!” – this “always enjoyable Italian stalwart” (est 1994), south of Sloane Square, is an “old favourite” for a dedicated silver-haired following, who’ve patronised it for many years. “The same friendly faces (albeit sometimes masked! in the Covid months)” provide “courteous and amiable service” of “reliable, traditional dishes” (“certainly not cheap but good quality”).
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Caraffini?
Owner's description
Together, they built a talented, professional team that is second to none. And that team now continue to provide excellent Italian food and wine with friendly service to match in a smart but informal and warming ambience.
Invariably buzzing with its impressive and interesting clientele, Caraffini's popularity make it imperative that you book your table a few days ahead. As well as a generous welcome, excellent service, good food and fine wine, all at a very competitive price, the Caraffini team will also provide a memorably happy and relaxed experience.
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £23.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.75 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
Restaurant details
Caraffini Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Good, reliable, Italian. Nice, good value, wine list. Waitstaff which makes everyone feel great and enjoy their meal."
"another reliably good italian and not badly priced. Only really go at lunchtime but always fun and good"
61-63 Lower Sloane Street, London, SW1W 8DH
Opening hours
| Monday | 12:15 pm‑2:45 pm, 6:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12:15 pm‑2:45 pm, 6:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12:15 pm‑2:45 pm, 6:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12:15 pm‑2:45 pm, 6:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12:15 pm‑2:45 pm, 6:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12:15 pm‑2:45 pm, 6:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
