On a cold frosty December evening the walk along the Thames Path on Fulham Riverside is bracing to say the least. But then we catch a glimpse of the brand new Maria G’s– a modern, elegant Italian restaurant on the ground floor of a smart exclusive development, shining bright in the grey London drizzle.
Inside the welcome and the atmosphere is warm and vibrant. Maria G’s Fulham opened in early December, and is sister to Maria G’s in Kensington which is run by the same team of Robin Gill (The Dairy Clapham, The Zebra Riding Club, The Bermondsey Larder) and Exec chef Aaron Potter.
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The restaurants are inspired by the time Robin spent in southern Italy and in particular his love for the fishing village Marina Del Cantone.
The mood at Maria G’s Fulham is sophisticated with warm green décor, walnut coloured chairs and an elegant high arched ceiling.
Even on a dull evening the view across the river from the huge windows to Battersea is cheering, although we resisted the temptation to sit on the pretty terrace, saving that treat for a future visit in warmer days.
There is an open kitchen and separate raw bar which showcases the fresh fish and seafood that is delivered here each day. There is a distinct emphasis on seafood, celebrating both the dishes of the Amalfi coast and the waterside setting of the Fulham restaurant.
We started with a glass of fizz for me and a very tasty mango negroni for my husband which set the right mood for what proved to be an exceptional Italian dining experience.
We ate the hand dived scallop crudo with green mandarin, chilli and coriander from the seafood bar which had a fresh, lively taste and we also had a plate of salami and pickles.
The waiter brought some moist fresh focaccia, which he told us was flavoured with herbs picked from the small garden at the front of the restaurant.
We resisted the Primi course to make room for the Secondi, but the squid ink linguini and delica pumpkin and chestnut agnolotti did sound tempting.
I chose the roast Cornish Pollock which came served with pine nuts, minestra nera and golden raisins while my husband ate a mouth-watering huge pork chop with lovely winter vegetables.
We were persuaded to try the dessert of Fior di Latte Gelato, la Ferre Olive oil and sea salt. It actually tasted a lot nicer than it sounds with a surprisingly welcome tasty kick after the main courses. Traditionalists could opt for the green mandarin sorbet or the Amalfi lemon maritozzi.
Our fellow diners were a mixture of young professionals and local residents and the restaurant has a smart cosmopolitan feel. There is a pretty bar which would be ideal for cocktails before dinner or an intimate meet up with friends.
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We went back into the cold bleak night feeling we had enjoyed a little taste of Italian sunshine on the banks of the Thames.
This area near Sands End is an often overlooked part of London but we would definitely recommend making the journey to discover Maria G’s Fulham.
Address: 20 Central Avenue SW6 2QE
Website: mariags.co.uk
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