Test Driving Jacuzzi - Big Mamma goes extra extra in Kensington

Head for this flashing sign on Kensington High Street and you'll find Jacuzzi. 

What can you tell us about Jacuzzi?

It's the newest restaurant from Big Mamma, the restaurant group which has launched hit after hit restaurant - Gloria, Circolo Popolare and Ave Mario. Like those, this is an Italian restaurant that has taken the idea of being "extra" and really run with it. So expect a flamboyant room, huge portions of food and plenty of cocktails, all at a price that's much more reasonable than you might expect. 

Where can I find the restaurant?

Type "Jacuzzi Kensington" into Google and you might get lots of suggestions about hot tubs in the area - but it's actually pretty easy to find. Head to High Street Kensington tube station, turn right at the exit and you'll see it directly opposite at the nearest pedestrian crossing. Look for the flashing Antica Ditta sign. 

So, how does it look inside?

Big Mamma have a reputation for going all-out on their designs and this is no exception. The restaurant is split across three floors with flora coming out of every possible nook and cranny - there's even a huge tree planted in the middle of the ground floor.

In their previous opening, Ave Mario, it was clear that the place to be was on the main ground floor. Here it's harder to choose as every floor offers something different, so wherever you're seated you'll be in a wonderful looking space. Apparently, it used to be a bank, but you'd be hard-pressed to see that from the makeover they've given it. 

Here's how it all looks:

This is the ground floor with its massive tree planted in the middle. It's probably the most jaw-dropping of the rooms, and there is also counter dining towards the back of the room, looking into the kitchen. 

The mezzanine floor (this was where we were sat). The tables to the back of the room, behind the arches, are probably the best if you fancy a bit of privacy. This space will really come into its own at lunchtimes and in spring/summer thanks to that huge glass roof, which is retractable. 

Upstairs, there's more of that tree. If you want something that's maybe a little less full-on, this is a good space. Also - there are a lot of booths up here which are ideal for groups. 

And the food - what can we expect? 

If you've been to a Big Mamma restaurant before, you'll already have some idea. Portions are large and prices are pretty reasonable considering the size of them. You'll also find their own take on dishes that would be much more expensive elsewhere. Specifically, at Jacuzzi, you'll see a fair bit of caviar on the menu. So 10g of Transmontanus caviar will set you back £12 - a lot less than caviar normally would. Sure, it's not beluga, but it's still a good deal. 

Here's a look at some of what's on offer:

Crocchette Di Vitello Tonnato - croquettes with slow-cooked pulled veal, salsa tonnata and capers (£14). Vitello tonnato is one of our go-to dishes on any menu, so we had to try it in croquette form. And yes, it works very well. 

Crudo Di Gambero Con Caviale (£28) - 10g of Italian black Transmontanus caviar, Sicilian Gambero Rosso di Mazara ceviche, served in bufala milk with bisque reduction and citronette. A standout dish and one that showcases the caviar. If you're splashing out, this is something to aim for. It also goes very well with their own home-made focaccia.

Pizetta are also new to the menu. This is Bottega Veneta Pizzetta - Baby Roman flatbread with stracciatella, lemony butter, generous amounts of grated bottarga, lemon zest and parsley (£13)

A showcase dish from the Primi section is the new Lobster Linguine (£36). This is a seafood risotto made with cuttlefish ragù, filled with frutti di mare, including Cornish half lobster and clams (note - the clams weren't available when we visited). It's a good dish to share, with a deep flavour from that cuttlefish ragu.

Saltimbocca Alla Romana - English rosé veal, fior di latte mozzarella, crispy prosciutto crudo and sage, deglazed with Marsala sauce (£24). If all the carbs have got to you by this point, this is something that's well worth going for. 

Anything else to highlight?

It's a big menu - so there will be a lot we didn't get a chance to try like the spaghetti al tartufo for two (£23 per person) which sees truffled spaghetti prepared at the table in a pecorino wheel. There's also the new steak section of the menu where the highlight is the 850g T-bone Fiorentina (for 2) at £45 per person.  On top of that, there's a large pizza section. If you fancy even more caviar, the one to go for is the Pizza Al Caviale (£34) featuring 10g of caviar, burrata and mozzarella. 

What's it like for vegetarians?

All sections of the menu have plenty of vegetarian options, with the exception of the second course, which just has the Truffle Flower (roasted half cauliflower head, mushroom demi-glace, Parmigiano Reggiano sauce and fresh black truffle shavings, £19). So in general vegetarians are well catered for. Vegans less so - although there are seven options, including one of the pizzas.

And what about dessert?

Dessert is always a big part of any Big Mamma experience. Both the Tiramisu and the Limonmisu are served at the table and there's also a chocolate fondue for two. Here's what we opted for:

There's always a big dessert roaming the building at a Big Mamma restaurant and here it's a massive bowl of chocolate mousse covered with coffee praline (£10). This is what ended up in our own bowl. 

The huge profiterole has appeared on the menu in other Big Mamma restaurants but here it's filled with pistachio gelato, crunchy pistachio and topped with hazelnut and pistachio sauce (£11). We think it's the best version yet. 

And what about drinks?

The cocktails themselves seem a little less flamboyant than we've maybe seen before - the most out-there is actually a virgin cocktail that comes in a huge ceramic head. As for wine, fizz starts at £34 for some Lambrusco, while the entry-level wine is a  Sicilian chardonnay or Nero D Avola at £29 each. 

It's also notable, given the Kensington location, that there's also a much more pricey section of the wine list where you can pick up a 2013 vintage Tuscan Assicaia Bolgheri D.O.C for £525 among a selection of wines down the distinctly pricer end of the spectrum. 

The Mulled Fashioned - Chianti wine infused with orange and autumnal spices, Wild Turkey Bourbon and chocolate bitters (£11)

Overall thoughts 

Jacuzzi will be another massive hit for Big Mamma, without a doubt. The restaurant looks amazing (and, of course highly Instagrammable/TikTokable), plus we were impressed by the new dishes and the little extra touches of extravagance for the Kensington set do work well. It'll be hard work getting a table, but you should keep trying. Obviously the group has its naysayers, but if you're after a fun night out in London, you really couldn't do better right now.

More about Jacuzzi

Where is it? 94 Kensington High Street, London W8 4SH

Find out more: Visit the website and Follow them on Instagram @bigmamma.uk.

Hot Dinners ate as guests of Jacuzzi. Prices are correct at the time of writing.  

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