Piazza Italiana to host Italian cinema-inspired wine dinner

Piazza Italiana restaurant will host a themed wine dinner on Friday, 25^th July. Titled Una Notte di Cinema e Vino, the event will entail a five-course tasting menu inspired by iconic scenes from classic Italian cinema, each course paired with a selection of Italian wines. The dinner will take place in the venue’s Grade II-listed former British Linen Bank building, located on Threadneedle Street in the City of London, and known for its grand architectural features.

The menu has been created by Head Chef Aleksandr Sharuev, who has drawn on films such as La Dolce Vita, Il Postino and Cinema Paradiso for culinary inspiration. Each course will be accompanied by a wine pairing, and a live vinyl DJ will provide music throughout the evening.

The event opens with an amuse-bouche of Marinated Pineapple Carpaccio, inspired by the Trevi Fountain scene in Federico Fellini’s 1960 film La Dolce Vita. The bite will be paired with Plenio Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva White Marche 2022. The first course is Sea Bass with Watermelon Gel and Strawberries, a nod to the romantic themes of Il Postino, set in 1950s southern Italy, and is paired with Vecchie Vigne Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore White Marche 2022.

The second course is a Squid Ink Raviolo filled with Argentinian Prawn Mousse, served with prawn bisque and parmesan foam. This dish references the black-and-white dance scene in Fellini’s 1963 film 8½ and is paired with Historical Verdicchio White Abruzzo 2019. The main course, titled Stufato del Proiezionista or Projectionist’s Stew, is a slow-cooked beef cheek served with red wine jus and celery purée, inspired by the 1988 film Cinema Paradiso. It is accompanied by Campo San Giorgio Conero Riserva Red Marche 2018.

Dessert concludes the evening with Baked Apple and White Wine Mousse with Roasted Breadcrumbs, a reference to La Strada (1954), paired with Ferrari Perlé, Trento Doc 2017.

Tickets for the evening are priced at £165 per person, which includes the full five-course menu and wine pairings. This one-night only experience is limited to 12 guests, so early booking is advised.

Food Desk

For further information and reservations, visit Piazza Italiana’s website here.