Harden's survey result
Summary
Studiously old-school trattoria in the backstreets near Harrods, which “pleases a glitzy crowd with huge portions of yummy old-fashioned Italian fare” and “waiters who are always friendly and ready with a smile and a joke: it’s always packed”. “You’ll also be surprised how many celebs have visited”, as the dozens of colour snaps pasted to the wall testify. The formula is still thriving after more than three decades, to the extent that a Dubai spin-off launched in 2018. “Just know that it’s not cheap”… as no doubt you’ve already guessed.
Summary
“The diner is transported straight back to the 1960s, not least because of the breadsticks and very old-fashioned service” at this traditional Italian, close to Harrods. “No doubt because of the location, it’s not exactly a bargain” – the “pricey food, although good, does not quite live up to expectations” – but it’s popular (opening a branch in Dubai two years ago), and “when busy, it’s pretty much shoulder-to-shoulder”.
Summary
“The diner is transported straight back to the 1960s, not least because of the breadsticks and very old-fashioned service” at this traditional Italian, close to Harrods. “No doubt because of the location, it’s not exactly a bargain” – the “pricey food, although good, does not quite live up to expectations” – but it’s popular (opening a branch in Dubai last year), and “when busy, it’s pretty much shoulder-to-shoulder”.
Summary
“If you’re looking for a rock-solid, traditional Italian restaurant, then look no further”, say devotees of this “loud but great fun” outfit, just “a stone’s throw from Harrods”. There’s a “fabulous atmosphere” and the menu, which is “just what you would expect”, is “executed with complete assurance”.
For 31 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 Scalini?
Restaurant details
Scalini Restaurant Diner Reviews

"Fun loud and lively place. Reliable Italian staples. The Milanese is best in class. "

"Eye wateringly expensive for an Italian restaurant. Portions tend to be enormous however.If you can afford to eat here they assume your are starving.Great atmosphere and service."
Prices
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Wine per bottle | £36.00 |
Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
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Bread | £3.00 |
Service | 12.50% |
1-3 Walton St, London, SW3 2JD
Opening hours
Monday | 12:30 pm‑2:45 pm, 7 pm‑11:30 pm |
Tuesday | 12:30 pm‑2:45 pm, 7 pm‑11:30 pm |
Wednesday | 12:30 pm‑2:45 pm, 7 pm‑11:30 pm |
Thursday | 12:30 pm‑2:45 pm, 7 pm‑11:30 pm |
Friday | 12:30 pm‑2:45 pm, 7 pm‑11:30 pm |
Saturday | 12:30 pm‑2:45 pm, 7 pm‑11:30 pm |
Sunday | 12:30 pm‑2:45 pm, 7 pm‑11:30 pm |
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