It’s starting to feel like ‘Antipodean-influenced’ needs to be a whole new subgenre of restaurants, such is its rise in London launches. Belsize Park is now home to a modern Italian restaurant that champions its Antipodean inspiration. It’s called Terra Moderna and comes to you from Italian head chef Mirko Pisano (previously Senior Chef Partie at Apex Temple Court Hotel) and founder Jeffrey Young, who has an Australian background.
What does this Italo-Aussie fusion bring? The dynamism of Australia’s cuisine combined with the simplicity and quality of Italian cooking techniques, they say. See for yourself; they offer seats on the outdoor terrace (perhaps when it warms up a bit) or at the tiny bar, where you can enjoy a pre-/post dinner drink. There’ll be an Italian Sunday Roast on the weekend, and highlights from the à la carte menu include the following.
- Octopus carpaccio with lemon emulsion and rucola
- Beef tartare, slow-cooked egg yolk, crispy focaccia
- Parsley gnocchi, Gorgonzola sauce, walnuts and parsley crumb
- Grilled ribeye steak, bone-marrow butter and fries
- Sardinian seafood stew with fregola and parsley
Desserts range from the TerraMisu (we see what they did there) and the pavlova with passion fruit, mango and sable biscuit.
The wine list also features a strong showing from Italy, Australia and New Zealand, with a few little detours to France. In terms of cocktails, there’s a short selection of spritzes, Limoncello-influenced numbers, and, of course, a Negroni. Obviously, flat whites are on the coffee menu.
More about Terra Moderna
Where is it? 2B England’s Lane, London NW3 4TG
When does it open? Open now
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @terramodernaldn.
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