Dante London brings European tasting menu and whole-animal cookery to Islington Arts Club

Dante London, a new 27-cover restaurant offering a European tasting menu, has opened its doors at the Islington Arts Club. The venue, which began service this month, is the latest project from chefs Louis Korovilas and Taylor Sessegnon-Shakespeare, who previously worked together at Michelin-starred Pied à Terre in 2016. The pair are now collaborating again to deliver a weekend-only dining experience rooted in French and Italian culinary traditions.

The restaurant operates from Friday evening through to Sunday lunchtime and features a weekly rotating menu. According to the chefs, the dishes are inspired by their classical training and experience in high-end kitchens (including Locanda Locatelli). The offering features seasonal plates such as Broad Bean Orzotto with Glazed Chicken Wing, Aubergine Scarpece with Clam Bagna Cauda and Crispy Palourde Clams and Beef Carpaccio with Oyster Mayonnaise and Baby Artichokes, as well as desserts including Seasonal Financiers.

Korovilas and Sessegnon-Shakespeare will be in the kitchen each weekend, preparing a menu that places emphasis on nose-to-tail cookery and lesser-known cuts. Dishes such as whole suckling pig belly for two reflect their intention to use entire animals rather than pre-prepared parts. “We’re using time-honoured techniques and bold, contemporary flavours to create a dining experience that we both feel incredibly proud of,” said the chefs in a joint statement.

The intimate setting and evolving menu are likely to appeal to diners seeking a curated and seasonal culinary experience. While this new venture is still in its early stages, the combination of its founders’ fine-dining backgrounds and hands-on involvement in the kitchen has already drawn attention from London’s food community. Currently, Dante London offers one dinner sitting per evening on Fridays and Saturdays, with a more flexible schedule on Sundays. Reservations are required in advance, with pre-paid bookings rewarded with an additional off-menu course.

Food Desk

To book a table at Dante, Islington Arts Club, 235 Upper Street, London N1 1RU, visit the booking page here. For further information about Dante London, visit the restaurant’s website here.