StyleNest checked out Fitzrovia’s hottest haunt, In Parma by Food Roots for an authentic Italian dining experience in the heart of London.
Located down a cobbled mews behind the bustling food haven of Charlotte Street, In Parma is an authentic Italian restaurant which serves high quality produce from small producers.
As we entered we were warmly greeted by owner Christian who settled us in with a bowl of In Parma’s famous sparkling wine – no glasses in this rustc joint. Crisp and refreshing, this bowl of fizzy dry red wine called Labrusco served in the traditional fojeta was just the tipple we needed on a cold and bitter evening.
Initially from the province of Parma, Christian Pero, founder of Food Roots and owner of In Parma, is where the restaurant gets its name. As we quickly begin to warm up from the delicious wine, Christian explains to us the heritage of the restaurant. In Parma is the first restaurant introduced by Food Roots, the only entity dedicated to European Protected Designation of Origin products selecting the best small producers. With protected products from fruit and cheese to vegetables to meat, these have been awarded the seal of PDO and PGI. Handpicked to the highest quality, Food Roots ensures preservation of European produce as well as guaranteeing the authenticity of flavour.
To start, the sharing platter of charcuterie is suggested accompanied by three cheeses. All from Parma, the wood board filled with mixed meats including Prosciutto di Parma, Salame di Felino and Culatello di Zibello as well as a selection of other melt in your mouth cheeses were presented and before we knew it the board was empty. After, we sampled the In Parma cheese board with a selection of different ages and types of precious cheese from Parma: 12 month old, 24 month old, 36 month old Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Parmigiano from Red Cows (of course the red cows was our favourite).
A complete dining experience, In Parma educates you about what’s on your plates whilst feeding you to the max. And it didn’t stop there, in between courses we were brought amuse bouches such as the Lardo di Colonnata, a melt-in-the mouth bite of melted charcuterie served on a slice of toasted bread. One of the most delicious things we’ve ever eaten, the Lardo di Colonnata is our new favourite Italian dish. Next up, we were brought one of Christian’s Grandmother’s recipes in true Italian style – pasta. Creamy ravioli with a filling of ricotta, spinach and parmesan – delizioso. Then we sampled Christian’s gluten free homemade polenta with rich ragu’ di chianina, the perfect option for diners who have a gluten or wheat-free diet.
Charming and intimate, In Parma has a rustic feel with exposed brickwork, wooden tables and rustic light bulbs dangling from the ceiling, giving you the feeling that you are in rural Italy. Nestled down a cobbled side street, you forget you are in the heart of London as you are transported to a miniature Parma with meats and wines adorning the walls.
Just when we thought we couldn’t feast on any more food, dessert arrived with zabaglione with cantuccini and slices of chocolate salami. The perfect finish to a delicious banquet – we ate like Kings and we were treated like Princesses.
Ideal for a business lunch, early family bite, romantic date or catch up with friends, In Parma is a truly unique dining experience. From the moment we clinked our bowls to the moment we tucked in our chairs, In Parma by Food Roots,
In Parma is located at 10 Charlotte Place, London, W1T 1STH
For more information visit www.inparma.co.uk.