The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2021 - Issue 29

bitecuisine ItalianTapasExperience Como Garden Jada Brookes experienced tapas-style Italian cuisine at Como Garden in High Street Kensington, London. W alking into Como Garden in High Street Kens- ington is like entering a botanical haven of plants and leaves, with decoration on the ceiling, walls and panels, and a show-stopping olive tree in the middle with three circular booths surrounding it. The off-white decor cele- brates exquisite comfy baguette seating with dusty pink cush- ions, marbled-top tables, padded chairs, tiled flooring, a male Romanesque statue inspired by the story of David & Goliath, and an unnamed female, with both their modesties covered by leaves. Como Garden is an Italian tapas restaurant run by Spanish twin siblings Alberto and Arian Zandi. The restaurant com- bines the most popular dishes from all regions of Italy, pre- sented in a design setting inspired by the glorious gardens of Lake Como in Italy. Like their Spanish tapas restaurant Zuaya London next door, Como London is delivered in tapas-style. The menu is designed to cater to around three dishes per per- son to have a broader culinary experience. Co-owner Arian came to London at a young age and pro- gressed in his business management and computer science studies. Despite the pandemic, he and his brother took a risk in opening Como Garden, which has paid off. In the summer, the restaurant is a refreshing getaway from the hustle and bus- tle of London, and in the winter, it will turn into a cosy indoor garden. “Our glass walls are entirely openable, meaning we can convert the restaurant into an outdoor garden,” he told About Time magazine. The atmosphere in the restaurant was light, relaxing and spa- cious. A few diners were already in the facility when we arrived and it filled up even more as the evening went on, showing its popularity. You feel a sense of peace amongst the greenery that captures your attention everywhere you look, especially the fascinating centre-focused olive tree. The Romanesque statues are another focal point that make you feel like you’re in a mi- ni-exhibition and add character to the restaurant. We were looked after by Jaune, the manager, who suggested we try their Como signature Italian cocktail Lago Amaranto with gin, limoncello, blackberries, egg white and sugar. We also had the Bianco Tropicale mocktail with coconut cream, lychee juice, lemon juice and passion fruit syrup. The cocktail Restaurant Review