The drinks providing will be in keeping with the Japanese-Italian concept, with a mixed drink menu curated by Nicholas Medicamento, previously bartender at The Savoy London: American Bar, including standard favourites alongside signature drinks such as the East to West Manhattan; Bourbon Angels Envy, Cocchi Torino, Shiraume Ginjo Umeshu, or Madame Butterfly, Belvedere Vodka, Italicus, Butterfly Pea Tea, Moët & & Chandon Brut Imperial Rose. There will likewise be No and Lo choices including Shine; NLL Midnight Sun, Darjeeling Chamomile Tea, Orange Flower and Silver and Ume Spritz; Shiraume Ginjo Umeshu, Junmai Ginjo Sparkling Sake, and Prosecco.
With interior decoration by Maria Morra, this will be an intimate dining space with 55 covers spread over one level. The white marbled floor covering and substantial skylight towards the back of the room will provide a sense of openness offset by the dark furnishings and gold accents. The art picked for the space will combine high-brow with genuine local skill– a large painting from Mayfairs iconic JD Malat Art Gallery will be hung in the centre of the room, whilst a Japanese inspired mural by local artist Evan Barlow will snake down the staircase to the kitchen area, connecting expertly into the theme.
Itaku will be a welcome addition to the Fitzrovia and Marylebone restaurant landscape, a dynamic characterful destination open for both lunch and dinner, with distinct charm.
The highly expected opening of Itaku on Great Portland Street has actually verified an opening date of February 17th 2022. This will be led by restaurateur and creator of legendary Cannes appear Cosy Box, Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini, and chef Ivan Simeoli, previously of The Royal Academy of Arts, The Wallace Collection and Michelin starred Osteria Francescana, who will devise a menu serving Italian food, making use of Japanese flavours and techniques.
Popular for his celebrated long standing Cannes movie celebration pop-up dining establishment Cosy Box, now in its 15th year, Jean-Bernard is set to bring his passion for hospitality and industry experience to this new endeavor. The central viewpoint behind Itaku will be the marrying of genuine Italian cuisine, with conventional Japanese techniques and flavours, to develop a diverse and sophisticated culinary journey.
Head Chef Ivan Simeoli has over 15 years of training in prominent London restaurants, from the Ambassador Hotel in Bloomsbury to The Royal Academy of Arts and The Wallace Collection. Simeoli will bring his infatuation for integrating Italian heritage with Japanese impacts to Itaku and has designed a menu concentrating on fresh, locally sourced active ingredients, broken down into 5 essential focuses:
Raw|Mazzara Red Prawn (Seasonal Truffle, Truffle Ponzu, Shiso), Grass Fed Beef (Kewpie, Parmesan, Sourdough), Carrot Tartare (Pickled Apple, Pickled Ginger, Beetroot Crisps, Karashi).
Pizzetta|Akami Pizzetta (Tuna Sashimi, Seasonal Truffle, Spicy Mayo, Spring Onion), Trout Guanciale Pizzetta (Brown Trout Guanciale, Parsley Mayo, Calabrian Chilli), Piennolo Pizetta (Piennolo Tomato Extract, Semi-Dried Tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella).
Primi|Truffle Carbonara (Spaghetto Mancini, Seasonal Truffle, Guanciale), Seafood Tempura Ragu (Handmade Paccheri, Mussels, Clams, Octopus, Tempura Squid), Black Cod Amatriciana (Rigatoni Mancini, San Daniele, Piennolo Tomato).
Secondi|Aged Soy Balsamic Chicken (Asparagus Robata), Dover Sole Milanese (Capers, Kombu, Yuzu), Wagyu Tramezzino (Mustard, Cavolo Nero).
Contori|Green Tomato Salad, Potato Millefoglie, Frijarelli, Chilli, Yuzu.
110 Great Portland St, London W1W 6PQ|itaku.co.uk|@itaku.
With interior design by Maria Morra, this will be an intimate dining space with 55 covers spread over one level. The white marbled flooring and big skylight towards the back of the space will supply a sense of openness balanced out by the dark furniture and gold accents. The art picked for the space will combine high-brow with genuine regional talent– a big painting from Mayfairs renowned JD Malat Art Gallery will be hung in the centre of the room, whilst a Japanese inspired mural by local artist Evan Barlow will snake down the staircase to the kitchen area, tying expertly into the style.
@itaku.
