Mezzogiorno by Francesco Mazzei to open at the Corinthia London

Chef Francesco Mazzei is set to open Mezzogiorno by Francesco Mazzei in the former site of the Northall restaurant at the Corinthia London next month.

The announcement comes roughly a year after the former D&D London chef revealed plans to open the Italian restaurant.

The restaurant is inspired by his Calabrian heritage and takes its name from Mazzei’s cookbook, Mezzogiorno.

Dishes will include Scottish crab with Tuscan panzanella, Umbrian white truffle tortelli, the four pastas of Rome (cacio e pepe, gricia, carbonara and amatriciana) and a ‘Massive Marsala tiramisu’.

The majority (70%) of ingredients will be sourced seasonally from across the UK and showcase regional Italian flavours.

The restaurant has taken design cues from the Baroque palazzos of southern Italy and has been fitted out with terracotta tones.

Mazzei said: “Opening Mezzogiorno is about sharing the way we eat in Italy. It’s generous, it’s lively, just like the south. I want people to sit down, eat, drink, laugh and feel like they’re part of my family.”

Charlotte Weatherall, general manager at the Corinthia London, added: “We wanted to work with Francesco Mazzei to create something joyful, vibrant and rooted in family traditions; something that resonates deeply with us as a proudly family-owned hotel. We are delighted to welcome him as a new chef partner and look forward to guests experiencing the warmth of his Calabrian hospitality here in the heart of London.”

Mazzei trained in Rome before moving to London to work at restaurants including L’Anima in the City of London, Fiume in London’s Battersea and Sartoria in London’s Mayfair.

Mezzogiorno by Francesco Mazzei joins chef Tom Kerridge’s Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, ‘The Maestro’ Salvatore Calabrese at Velvet, and the Crystal Moon Lounge, which serves afternoon tea.

The Corinthia London is located in Whitehall and offers 279 guest rooms, including 55 suites and seven penthouses.