9-15 Pavilion Road, London, SW1X 0HD
Harden's survey result
Summary
Just off Sloane Street, this stalwart trattoria has been a feature since 1974, and its crowd of old-faithful diners are slowly warning to the new regime, who refurbished and relaunched it in 2023. Reports are still not as numerous as during its heyday, but after last year’s dip, its ratings are improved and feedback focuses on the traditional virtues that have made it such a keeper: “a solid Italian. We experienced one ‘off day’ before Christmas, but otherwise have found it consistently good”, particularly the “wonderful and friendly” service.
Summary
Changing the guard was always going to be a challenge at this Knightsbridge trattoria – an “institution” established in 1974 – where long-established staff sustained a madcap vibe for decades. Since it was taken over and refurbished in early 2023, some still applaud an “unchanging, noisy and crowded Italian”, but other old fans feel let down, saying: “what a disappointment! It’s deadly dull compared with when it was family-owned”; and with the odd incident of “pushy” service. New owners the Thesleff Group have other high-performing properties, so hopefully feedback will settle with time.
Summary
Retired maître d’ Tony and his team created an atmosphere that was “mad, crowded, noisy yet still great fun” at this fifty-year-old Trattoria (est. 1974), long known for providing relatively good value for somewhere not far from the back door of Harrods. In February 2023, it was taken over by The Thesleff Group, whose press release promises ‘a revitalised energy and subtle changes’ to this old groover, which includes a trendified menu. No reports from the old regulars as yet on the new regime so we’ve left it un-rated for the time being.
Summary
“Never lets you down… always fun… always noisy… always great food” – this “buzzy longstanding trattoria” (est. 1974), a short walk from the rear of Harrods, is “always a favourite” for a very loyal fan club, serving a long and traditional menu. “Ideal for date night” too.
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Have you eaten at Sale e Pepe?
Owner's description
Generations have come to rely on this traditional Italian trattoria just two minutes' walk from Harvey Nichols and Harrods in Knightsbridge. Guests love the consistently good cooking, using fresh ingredients, the great atmosphere and the familiar faces of the friendly Italian staff who haven’t changed much in all the years Sale e Pepe has been open. Manager for over 35 years, Toni knows everyone and everyone knows Toni. Sale e Pepe is famous for its fresh dover sole, calves liver and veal chop. The pasta dishes are highly recommended too with excellent specials changing daily. The cuisine will remind you of your favourite meals in Italy.
We are open every day from 12 noon to 11:30pm, perfect for leisurely lunches, early dinners and post theatre dining making Sale e Pepe the ideal place for any occasion.
Prices
 Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
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|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.50% |
Restaurant details
Sale e Pepe Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Another great lunch at Sale & Pepe, where I've been coming for over thirty years now. After a bit of a slip when it changed hands, it's back on form. I'm not sure I like the darker dining room, but I suppose in the winter evenings it works. There is definitely some price creep, to the point where most of the items on the three-course £38 prix fixe menu have significant surcharges, but this is not a cheap part of town. We had a delicious lunch of spaghetti Congolese e bottarga (I've never seen so many clams in a dish!) and a simple cacio e pepe pasta. £125 per person ended up being quite a bit, but I put that down to too many pre-lunch (excellent) negronis, since a £90 white wine seemed wasn't the chief offender. Professional and warm service."
9-15 Pavilion Road, London, SW1X 0HD
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Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
