Tempo Restaurant and Bar, London

Savouring the last sunny day in London we walked around Mayfair area of London, where we found Tempo Restaurant and Bar. At first it came across as a cafe which did not quite appealing to us. But then we looked again and we decided to give it a try.

Quite a small in size to be called a restaurant, but somehow they managed to have a separate area designated for private dining, which is ideal for local offices in the area. 

While enjoying Campari Orange and nibbling fresh baked bread with olive oil and chunks of Parmigiano Reggiano, we browse through the menu. Rather unusual Italian dishes on offer, we noticed. Not quite sure what to have we decided to order some familiar dishes and some new dishes. 

To start with we were going for Calamari Fritti (battered squid) and Crostino di N'duja (Calabrian pork sausage). Followed by Petto di Faraona (Guinea Fowl with spinach and truffle mashed potato) to be accompanied by a good bottle of Barolo Massolino. 

The Barolo was excellent as expected and the calamari was fresh, tender and well seasoned thoroughly. We were only got a little bit confused by the Crostini di N'duja as we thought it would be a pork sausage - according to the translation on the menu, but instead we got two pieces of crunchy toast with chili spread. Interesting.. And they were quite pleasant though. 

We didn't bother to clarify it with the waiting staff as by then we were happily intrigued by what's coming next? Whether or not our main course will be a real guinea fowl like it has been described on the menu...

And it was!! (Pffiiuhh)... In fact the guinea fowl turned out well exceeding our expectation! The meat was juicy, tender and full of of flavor. The truffle mashed potato and spinach and the jus were simply the perfect companions. And the portion was just right. We were truly and utterly pleased by that dish. So pleased, the mysterious Calabrian pork sausage that we were supposed to get as starter was easily forgotten.. :))

Still having some space for sweet ending, we ordered Sicilian Cannoli with fresh mint tea. We had better cannoli somewhere else we must admit, but the one at Tempo was not too bad at all. 

We definitely would not mind to go back there again, as the food were excellent, good value for money and service was satisfying too.. 

Tempo Restaurant and Bar

54 Curzon Street, London W1J 8PG

Phone: +44 20 7629 2742

Website: www.tempomayfair.co.uk