9-15 Pavilion Road, London, SW1X 0HD
Harden's survey result
Summary
Changing the guard was always going to be a challenge at this Knightsbridge trattoria – an “institution” established in 1974 – where long-established staff sustained a madcap vibe for decades. Since it was taken over and refurbished in early 2023, some still applaud an “unchanging, noisy and crowded Italian”, but other old fans feel let down, saying: “what a disappointment! It’s deadly dull compared with when it was family-owned”; and with the odd incident of “pushy” service. New owners the Thesleff Group have other high-performing properties, so hopefully feedback will settle with time.
Summary
Retired maître d’ Tony and his team created an atmosphere that was “mad, crowded, noisy yet still great fun” at this fifty-year-old Trattoria (est. 1974), long known for providing relatively good value for somewhere not far from the back door of Harrods. In February 2023, it was taken over by The Thesleff Group, whose press release promises ‘a revitalised energy and subtle changes’ to this old groover, which includes a trendified menu. No reports from the old regulars as yet on the new regime so we’ve left it un-rated for the time being.
Summary
“Never lets you down… always fun… always noisy… always great food” – this “buzzy longstanding trattoria” (est. 1974), a short walk from the rear of Harrods, is “always a favourite” for a very loyal fan club, serving a long and traditional menu. “Ideal for date night” too.
Summary
“Unchanged forever”, this old-school trattoria a few steps from Harrods shows remarkable staying power as it closes in on its half-century. With its impeccably “noisy Italian atmosphere”, regulars are happy to rate it “my favourite restaurant in London” – “it always makes for a wonderful evening, with delicious food and perfect, attentive service”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Sale e Pepe?
Owner's description
Generations have come to rely on this traditional Italian trattoria just two minutes' walk from Harvey Nichols and Harrods in Knightsbridge. Guests love the consistently good cooking, using fresh ingredients, the great atmosphere and the familiar faces of the friendly Italian staff who haven’t changed much in all the years Sale e Pepe has been open. Manager for over 35 years, Toni knows everyone and everyone knows Toni. Sale e Pepe is famous for its fresh dover sole, calves liver and veal chop. The pasta dishes are highly recommended too with excellent specials changing daily. The cuisine will remind you of your favourite meals in Italy.
We are open every day from 12 noon to 11:30pm, perfect for leisurely lunches, early dinners and post theatre dining making Sale e Pepe the ideal place for any occasion.
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £28.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.50% |
Restaurant details
9-15 Pavilion Road, London, SW1X 0HD
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Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
