Reviews of Tentazioni

I was at the restaurant celebrating my birthday with a group of friends hoping to have a good evening. Unfortunately the service was severely lacking in quality as was the food. The manager and the staff handled the situation in a manner which not only was poor for a restaurant but was deeply offensive. The food was absolutely appalling and we could not bring ourselves to even touch the main course. The customer service was completely abysmal and our problems were made worse by the atrocious staff members including one which muttered profanities at us as we left. The evening left us with an everlasting memory: but one which was not in the restaurant's favour. I would leave a profanity but I'd leave that to their staff. Thank you.

I realise that I pop up every couple of years or so to say what a great restaurant Tentazioni is - so here I go again.

Went on Saturday night at 8pm for son's birthday. We 4 were the only diners - and the staff were mostly new, our first choice wine selection out of stock and the sous chef out of action thorough a kitchen accident. Not an encouraging start! By the end of the evening, however, the place was brim-full and the staff, gamely struggling through adversity, had covered themselves in glory.

But most impressive was the food : I had the 3-course £29 Parmigiano Reggiano set menu: orzotto (pearl barley "risotto"); carpaccio of beef with parmesan and truffle; the "Zinna di Maria Antonietta” (from the main menu, since my selection from the set menu was unavailable). All absolutely full-flavoured and delicious.

The service was elegant, charming and attentive - although it would have helped if I could speak just a little Italian !

We were all delighted with the cooking, the service and the ambience.

I love the sensuality of Tentazioni's food - rich and shameless - it makes a great contrast to the precision and zest of Zucca. With both of these sensational Italian restaurants just a stroll away from me in SE1, I count myself " un uomo fortunato" indeed.

I have already posted here in praise of Tentazioni's food and service. Here I go again!

The food at their "Opera Night" (a couple of these a year) was top-notch, with the waiters and waitresses zipping around the strolling soprano adding a nicely surreal atmosphere.

We all ordered different starters and main courses and shared a fine tiramisu between 4 to finish. My risotto (Franciacorta Wine and Caviar Risotto Served with Pan Fried King Scallops) was highly flavoured, but delicate and delicious. The pork and mushroom (Pork Fillet with Parma Ham, Parmesan Cheese and Mixed Wild Mushrooms and Marsala Sauce) was tender and the flavours well-balanced.

Don't get me wrong - this is not cutting-edge cuisine, just superbly executed and smartly served Italian food - with a Spanish soprano thrown in for free.

Our friends were amazed that Tentazioni was not full at 8pm (it was by 9pm!) and vowed to make the trip from deepest Essex to come again soon.

Bravo, Tentazioni !

My wife and I have been twice in last 8 days. Can't believe I've not been here before. Great food, great place and great service.
Probably the best Italian I've been to in London (if not Italy!)
Tasting menu is to be savoured.
I still (and probably will forever) miss Arancia. But, now, we have somewhere else to eat.

My wife and I had a great dinner at Tentazioni.

The texture and flavours of my starter of pearl barley, wild mushroom and rich cheese sauce was superb and my wife's main fish course was quite delicious. Also enjoyed a basic steak thereafter, with truffle shavings offered as a freebie option.

The cooking just seems to hit the right note and the service is elegant and thoughtful.

I left saying that we must return more frequently (only our second visit, the first was just as good).

Only thing was that we were the only souls there on a Monday night, until after 9.00pm, when another couple arrived. So the "romantic" atmosphere which the space undoubtedly has when full was somewhat diminished. But I think that it is even harder for a kitchen to cook seriously good food with very few customers - so my praise for the cooking is fulsome indeed.

I would urge any SE1/SE16 ers to give this excellent restaurant a try(especially those who found the ghastly Guiseppe's Borough High Street Italian experience as unbearable as I did - see earlier reviews on this site).

I rate Tentazioni as one of the best in the area - and a rare treat. Go, go go !

Looking for somewhere new to take friends on Saturday night and came across this place on the forums - what a lucky find! Faced with so much choice we all decided to go with the taster menu and it proved to be a great decision. All of the courses were excellent (the ravioli and the ostrich being particular favourites)and the portions of both food and accompanying wines were very generous.

The staff were helpful and attentive without being intrusive and the atmosphere was comfortably relaxed. The only surprise was that it wasn't busier on a Saturday night. This one is definitely going on the regular list!

Tentazioni is highly recommended. Italian food at its best and a long way from the cliched chains that are so prevalent over London. The menu is interesting with a good selection of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. venison carpaccio, roasted duck breast and ostrich fillet were all fresh and flavorsome. Presentation is superb and the staff professional and attentive. While Tentazioni isn't cheap it is somewhere to go for a special treat or occasion. And btw the chocolate ecstacy is exactly what is says on the tin!

I can't believe mine is the first review of this amazing restaurant.
I went with my partner yesterday night, after reading good things on various websites and we weren't at all disappointed. The place was empty when we arrived, with the exception of two other diners, not unusual for a Monday I think. The waiters were very friendly and polite, and the food is truly outstanding. We had scallops wrapped in parma ham and foie gras for starters, and veal and seabream for main courses: all delicious. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the old fashioned italian tunes in the background brought back childhood memories. It is quite pricey but both the quality of the food and the overall experience make it worth to pay a bit more. I highly recommend Tentazioni for special occasions. Shame it doesn't have the views Pont de la Tour offers, because anything else is far better and less pretentious.