Alfio Laudani’s Sotto Cucina & Bar brings Sicilian flavours to London’s Whitechapel

Sotto Cucina & Bar, a contemporary Sicilian kitchen and bar, is set to open its doors in Whitechapel on 14^th May 2024. Led by Sicilian executive chef Alfio Laudani, the restaurant brings together traditional Sicilian flavours and quality British ingredients to London.

With a rich background that combines his upbringing in the Catania region of Sicily and seventeen years of experience in top London restaurants, including The Rex Whistler and Cipriani, Chef Laudani is poised to offer a menu that reflects the essence of the cuisine hailing from the Mediterranean island. The restaurant will present a selection of contemporary Sicilian dishes, from a traditional Caponata and vegan Saffron Arancini, prepared with Datterino tomato jam and superstraccia, to Alfio’s signature baked pasta dish, Timballo alla Norma, with Sicilian Anelletti, tomato sauce, fried aubergine and ricotta salsa.

Sotto Cucina & Bar will welcome guest also to a vibrand art scene. The venue’s interiors, that can be described as a blend of rustic elegance and contemporary art, will feature murals from local London-based street artists and a series of sustainable artworks from students at Norwich University of the Arts. Additionally, a new piece by local street artist Sam Kerridge has been specially commissioned for the launch.

Located at Hyatt Place London City East, 45 Whitechapel Road, the restaurant aims to be a sanctuary from the bustling streets above, with a seventy-seater dining area, a deli bar, and an outdoor terrazza. The menu will highlight the freshness and quality of ingredients, with a focus on locally sourced produce from the UK, complemented by key Sicilian imports such as Etna olive oil and Etna lemons.

To celebrate the opening, Sotto Cucina & Bar introduces Sotto Scopa, an opportunity for diners to win their meal for free throughout May by playing a game of Scopa with their waiter. Inspired by the Italian game of Scopa, guests will win if the card on the cut deck is a match for the card on the table. Alternatively they can choose to donate the cost of their meal to a local charity.

Food Desk

For further information and bookings, visit Sotto Cucina & Bar’s website here