Dining Alfresco (hurrah!) at Harry’s Dolce Vita

The unthinkable happened a week or so ago, and I found myself hopping on the tube and trundling down to Knightsbridge, to meet a dear pal for lunch (lunch!) at Harry’s Dolce Vita – the Mayfair haunt where those in the know meet for cocktails, schnitzel and gorgeous, glamorous dinners.

Over the road from the casual shop we know as ‘Harrods’ and a stone’s through from Knightsbridge Station, the sun always seems to shine on Harry’s Dolce Vita. It’s a little slice of holiday and a kiss from Italy. Right on the smackers.

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My pal arrived looking gorgeous – she always does. She possesses a kind of effortless movie star quality, which just wasn’t in the recipe when they made me 😉 She’s a special one. And we were both VERY EXCITED about lunch, about being outside, about seeing a friend, about sunshine and about the delicious menu.

Harry’s Dolce Vita has taken its inspiration from the influences of the original Harry’s Bar, which opened in 1979 as a private members’ club – soon becoming one of the most desirable dining haunts in town. 

Today, they celebrate their early traditions of style, cocktails and Italian food with their own Harry’s Dolce Vita twist, which I can vouch for wholeheartedly.

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Their Executive Chef has created a menu full of unfussy Italian classics bursting with tonnes of flavour. He has sourced all the ingredients himself, working directly with Italian suppliers and importers, which has resulted in some very special products. For example, their special blend olive oil is from organic olives grown on an agriculturally sustainable estate in the hills of Maremma, where the olive trees are tended with the greatest of care.

And if you saw my eyes glaze over, it’s because dessert arrived…

The whole meal was faultless. It was casual dining with a side of glamour and Italian romance. I will never forget this meal. Not just because it was the first time I’d eaten outside of my home since lockdown, nor because I got to share it with my friend… but because it was an Italian holiday. In London. On the sunniest day I’d seen since the Summer before.

The stars aligned and Harry’s Dolce Vita was exactly that – the sweetest life. And I went home listening to the below track at full blast on my headphones. And I suggest you all do the same.

Harry’s Dolce Vita
27-31 Basil Street, Knightsbridge
London SW3 1BB

We were guests of Harry’s Dolce Vita