Rome's Assunta Madre restaurant to open London outpost

The ex-fisherman's second restaurant, his first outside Rome, will open its doors on Blenheim Street in London in the middle of February where he plans to recreate some of the classic dishes that have become popular at his Campo di Fiore site. 

Fish and seafood will be flown in daily from Rome via the city's fish market Terracina and used to create dishes such as tuna tartare and shrimp gnocchi while an iced fish display and an aquarium allowing diners to make their fish selection will be present in the main dining room. 

Main courses will start at £20 with the restaurant's wine list starting at £25 for a bottle. 

London calling​

Micalusi, who will come to London to oversee the creation of the 90-cover restaurant and appoint a head chef to run it for him, said London was the 'only other city' he wanted to operate in other than his native Rome. 

"Clients have asked us for years to open in London and so it really was the only other city we wanted to be in," he said."Restaurants are loved here and we are excited to become a part of the industry here."

Micalusi said he was keen to replicate the quality at his original restaurant and would source produce from Rome with the potential to source from the UK in the future if he found the right suppliers. 

"Terracina means tradition and quality," he said of the market he sources from. "The fishermen have a strong culture and know how to deal with the product with real expertise. 

"We only serve the finest fish we can catch or buy, at the right time of year to ensure the quality."

Assunta Madre in Rome opened in Rome five years ago where it has become known for serving a selection of fresh fish and seafood dishes to a well-heeled clientele. Famous fans of the restaurant include Robert Di Niro, Quentin Tarantino, Woody Allen, Rafael Nadal and Giorgio Armani.