Ten years ago, Pachamama Group disrupted the London dining scene with a series of Peruvian-rooted culinary concepts that quickly gained traction. The opening of Zēphyr in Notting Hill in 2022 marked the team’s first pivot towards a Greek-inspired offering. Now, in a similar vein, Pachamama introduces Bottarga in the heart of Chelsea, occupying the former site of its second London restaurant, Chicama. The concept stems from a series of research trips across the Aegean islands over recent summers, and brings in the fresh, earthy flavours so beloved in the Mediterranean.
Wallpaper* dines at Bottarga, London
The mood: a quirky bistro-style setting
As a sequel to Zēphyr, Pachamama describes Bottarga as its ‘younger and more casual sibling with a homely offering’. The setting leans into a quintessential bistro aesthetic, with wooden floors, wall panels and chairs, and narrow tables dressed in white cloth and illuminated by candlesticks. A series of contemporary paintings by art director Lunara Bramley-Fento – featuring scribbled figures and messages – adds a playful contrast to the nostalgic décor. Meanwhile, crockery has been selected by brand director Yaroslava Malkova from local antique markets. Mixtapes curated by Greek DJ Georgios Kalamotousakis provide the soundtrack.
The food: a taste of the Aegean
Open for lunch and dinner, Bottarga is a collaboration between the group’s founding chef, Adam Rawson, and Greek executive chef Tzoulio Loulai, who has drawn inspiration from the flavours of his childhood. The menu opens with a basket of freshly baked pita, grilled bakehouse sourdough, and crackers – best enjoyed with dips like tzatziki. The mezze selection features hot and cold crowd-pleasers, from saganaki tapioca bites coated in sesame, thyme and honey, to kolokithokeftedes (Greek-style zucchini fritters). A selection of raw plates offers a nod to the site’s Peruvian past while providing a refreshing interlude.
For mains, you get to choose between land and sea, with highlights including the signature Bottarga orzo and UK ex-dairy ribeye on the bone from Txuleta, grilled over charcoal and served with a bone marrow stifado jus. When it comes to dessert, staff will likely steer you towards the chocolate burnt cheesecake, but for me, the orange pie with kumquat and orange cream was the perfect finish to an all-round lush Mediterranean meal.
Bottarga is located at 383 King's Rd, London SW10 0LP; bottarga.london
-
How was Carlo Ratti’s ‘Intelligens’? Wallpaper* editors discuss the 19th Venice BiennaleHaving visited ‘Intelligens’, the 19th Venice Biennale's main show by curator Carlo Ratti, the Wallpaper* editors discuss what they saw at the world's biggest global architecture festival
-
Remembering Koyo Kouoh, the Cameroonian curator due to lead the 2026 Venice BiennaleKouoh, who died this week aged 57, was passionate about the furtherance of African art and artists, and also contributed to international shows, being named the first African woman to curate the Venice Biennale
-
Huma Bhabha and Alberto Giacometti share an emotional connection in dialogue at the BarbicanThe Barbican's new series, Encounters, sees Alberto Giacometti's work paired with a series of artists
-
Fin-to-gill sophistication awaits to Tom Brown at The CapitalExpect ambitious cooking from the country’s most creative seafood chef
-
A first look inside Josephine Marylebone, a bistro-licious French restaurantFollowing the success of Claude and Lucy Bosi’s first restaurant, in Chelsea, Josephine Marylebone is the second outpost, fitted with an oyster bar and a focus on classic French cuisine
-
The Kerfield Arms is south-east London’s hot new gastropubIn Camberwell, this stripped-back haunt comes courtesy of the team behind The Baring in Hoxton
-
Premium patisserie Naya is Mayfair’s latest sweet spotHeritage meets opulence at Naya bakery in Mayfair, London. With interiors by India Hicks and Anna Goulandris, the patisserie looks good enough to eat
-
One Club Row is London’s answer to the Lower East SideLocated at the site of the former hotspot Les Trois Garçons, One Club Row brings back noughties glamour with 19th-century interiors, gourmet bites, and jazz nights
-
Marylebone restaurant Nina turns up the volume on Italian diningAt Nina, don’t expect a view of the Amalfi Coast. Do expect pasta, leopard print and industrial chic
-
Wallpaper* checks in at Treehouse Hotel Manchester: you may not want to leafTreehouse Hotel Manchester offers a nature-infused biophilic sanctuary amidst the city’s ever-growing architectural canopy
-
Dining at Pyrá feels like a Mediterranean kiss on both cheeksDesigned by House of Dré, this Lonsdale Road addition dishes up an enticing fusion of Greek and Spanish cooking
