Bocca di Lupo

The story

Bocca di Lupo London: Regional Italian Cooking Meets Schlemmer Atlas Recognition

The Kitchen and Philosophy

Bocca di Lupo in London builds its Italian cuisine around the specific traditions of twenty distinct regional dialects. Jacob Kenedy and Victor Hugo opened the doors in November 2008, treating the menu as a living archive that changes twice daily. The kitchen prepares its own pasta, breads, and pickles while sourcing the remaining ingredients directly from Italian producers. This approach keeps the cooking honest and tied to seasonal shifts across the country.

Standout Dishes and Awards

The dining hall frequently highlights truffle tagliatelle, salmon dressed with Pommery mustard, or dorade swimming in lobster cream. Critics who awarded the restaurant a 1.5 ladle rating from the Schlemmer Atlas noted these precise pairings during their 2026 visit. Head chef Gareth Saywell structures the plates under Kenedy’s direction, balancing bold flavors with careful technique. Guests often order multiple small plates to sample the full range of regional Italian fare served that evening.

Room and Atmosphere

Marble countertops line the open kitchen where guests sit on high leather bar stools. The walls feature a permanent triptych and window garfish painted by Haidee Becker, Jacob Kenedy’s mother, who grew up in a Roman palazzo frequented by Federico Fellini. A separate private dining space displays wild mythological murals by artist Stewart Helm. Patrons sometimes finish their meals by playing Posso, a fast-paced rummy game brought to the table by a Franciscan nun in California.