It had been a long time since I ventured into central London, but last weekend I had the perfect excuse, the opportunity to review the truly phenomenal Giotto London.
Nestled on New Oxford Street, right in the heart of theatreland, Giotto is just moments from Tottenham Court Road station and ideally located near the Shaftesbury and Dominion Theatres, as well as the British Museum. It’s the kind of location that works effortlessly for pre-theatre dining, a romantic date night, or a relaxed evening soaking up the buzz of central London.
From the moment we stepped inside, the first impressions were faultless. The restaurant instantly feels warm and inviting; cosy without being cramped, stylish without trying too hard. The interiors are beautifully done, with earthy tones, natural textures, and plants dotted throughout the space, creating a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. There’s something about the combination of soft lighting, greenery, and intimate table spacing that makes you want to slow down, unwind, and really enjoy the moment.
The service deserves a special mention. From the outset, the staff were attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming, the kind of hospitality that feels personal rather than transactional. As a family-run restaurant, there’s a real sense of pride in what they do, and it shows in both the service and the food. We were never rushed, yet everything flowed seamlessly, making the entire evening feel effortless.
I was lucky enough to treat my boyfriend to this experience, and we decided to fully indulge; starters, mains, and desserts were all very much on the agenda.
Starters That Set the Standard
For my starter, I chose the Gamberoni all’Aglio, tiger prawns cooked in olive oil with garlic and chillies. The prawns were perfectly cooked, tender and juicy, with a rich, fragrant sauce that packed just the right amount of heat. It was one of those dishes where you’re tempted to mop up every last bit of sauce.
My boyfriend opted for the Bruschetta al Pomodoro, toasted bread topped with tomatoes, onion, olive oil, and fresh basil. Simple, vibrant, and beautifully fresh, the flavours spoke for themselves. The colours were stunning, and it was clear that high-quality ingredients are at the heart of Giotto’s menu.
Mains That Truly Deliver
For my main, I went for the Spaghetti alla Marinara, featuring tomato, prawns, squid, baby clams, olive oil, and basil. This dish was genuinely beautiful, mouth-watering, comforting, and perfectly balanced on the palate. The pasta was cooked to perfection, and the seafood was fresh and generously portioned, with a tomato sauce that enhanced rather than overwhelmed the dish.
My boyfriend chose the Bistecca alla Griglia, a grilled sirloin steak cooked to his preference. It arrived exactly as requested, tender, flavourful, and expertly grilled. It was a classic done well, and a great option for anyone who wants something hearty yet refined.
Desserts Worth Lingering Over
Dessert was the perfect ending to an already exceptional meal. I chose the Chocolate Soufflé, which was nothing short of a masterpiece, rich, indulgent, and sweet, yet perfectly balanced and not overpowering. Light, airy, and deeply chocolatey, it was pure comfort on a plate.
My boyfriend went for the cheesecake, and of course, we had to share a bite of each other’s dessert because can you really call it a date if you don’t? 🙂
Final Verdict
From the warm, attentive service to the cosy interiors and beautifully executed dishes, Giotto delivers exceptional Italian cuisine at a very reasonable price point. It’s the kind of restaurant that makes you feel looked after, well-fed, and eager to return.
