Ciro's Pomodoro

London’s Knightsbridge is the birthplace of the legendary Ciro’s Pomodoro, beloved the world over as an Italian restaurant and pizzeria that is unparalleled in atmosphere, and always packed out as a result. Founded by Ciro Orsini way back in the halcyon days of the late 70s, the Ciro’s Pomodoro empire has spread across the world, trailing A-list endorsements and a horde of happy diners in its wake. People flock to the original Ciro’s on Beauchamp Place for the same reasons diners flock to any one of Ciro’s global outlets – for the food above all, but also the music and the energetic, buzzing sociability of this instantly recognisable Italian culinary embassy.

Right round the corner from the famous Harrod’s department store is another London institution, in this case the original incarnation of an Italian restaurant and pizzeria chain that has taken the world by storm. Starting out here on Knightsbridge’s Beauchamp Place in 1978, Ciro Orsini has grown an empire dedicated to pizza and Italian cuisine (and a distinctive Italian lust for the good life). Hanging on the walls are innumerable snaps of the celebrities and A-listers who have enjoyed Ciro’s cult of personality and ambience, as well, of course, as some of the best pizza and Italian around. It helps that Ciro’s Pomodoro also mentors bands, who play out live in the many Ciro’s Pomodoro restaurants around the world – adding a truly electric vibe to an already atmospheric dining experience.

Ciro Orsini hails from a long line of Neapolitan nobles, so its no wonder that the mastermind behind Ciro’s Pomodoro knows his pizza – Naples is, after all, the birthplace of what is perhaps Italy’s most famous culinary export. But Ciro also brings to bear his native Italian energy and passion at each of his famous restaurants. It’s infectious. Whether or not you’re a well-heeled celebrity, to dine at London’s original Ciro’s Pomodoro along Knightsbridge’s Beauchamp Place (or at any other Ciro’s, for that matter) is to feel part of a very famous family. Book a table now – but don’t be afraid to share it with strangers, that’s part of the fun – and come and experience what all the well-deserved hype is all about.