Chef Mazzei set to open new Italian restaurant in Islington: Radici

This April, celebrated chef Francesco Mazzei will open Radici, an authentic Italian trattoria in Islington, the area of London he has made his home. Radici translates as “roots”, and will reflect the Calabrian cuisine of Francesco’s heritage, as well as incorporating dishes from the southern Italian areas of Campania, Basilicata, Puglia, Sicily and Sardinia.

An ever-evolving menu will offer a carefully selected range of charcuterie and cheeses, as well as many of Francesco’s favourite dishes from his homeland, such as Umido di Baccala (salt cod with potatoes, tomato sauce, onions, capers and black olives); Ferrazzuoli (eggless pasta with southern Italian lamb, pork and beef ragu); and Involtino di Fegato (calf liver stuffed with pancetta, garlic and sage, served with smoked potato mash). Furthermore, fresh pizzas and bread will be baked in a traditional wood-fired oven in the heart of the trattoria, and in true Italian style, families will be able to enjoy a feasting menu every Sunday. The kitchen will be run on a day-to-day basis by Antonio Mazzone, who has been Francesco’s right-hand man for over decade.

Speaking of his new restaurant Francesco Mazzei said: “With Radici, I am so excited to bring the food of my childhood to my London home. I have lived in Islington for over 20 years, and I hope that this relaxed neighbourhood restaurant will soon become a part of the local community and a go-to venue for authentic southern Italian food in London.”

The laid-back, modern interiors of Radici will be created by David d’Almada of Sagrada studios, with the rustic design perfectly evocative of the sunbaked, rugged landscapes of Francesco’s native Calabria. The space will be filled with clean organic shapes, natural colours, and the iconic Italian tuff stone, while hints of blue in the furniture and crockery will run throughout. This understated design will enhance the relaxed atmosphere and versatility of the space at Radici, with the main restaurant and bar leading on to a Wine Room, private dining room, and through to an al fresco terrace on Almeida Street.

 

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Radici, 30 Almeida Street London N1 1AD, is set to open in April 2017.