What: Located on the former site of mozzarella bar Obicà in Kensington, Mozzasando has kept the Italian side of things but added a Japanese element, serving sandos based on breaded chicken and veal Milanese. Although you’d never know - its Instagram account has yet to post a photo and its website is currently inactive.
Who: Serial restaurateur Alan Yau is the man behind the project, which he says came about following a chat with Soho sandwich seller Frank Salvoni, who believed a Milanese sando concept could have legs.
The food: According to staff at the restaurant, the food offer is still being developed and is in a state of flux, but it seems unlikely that its sando selection is going to change. Three are on offer, its signature cotoletta Milanese - made with veal ribeye, truffle aioli, cucumber pickle, jalapenos and onion marmalade (£12.50); a ‘fake Milanese’ - baby chicken, kefir marmalade, butter lettuce, cucumber pickle, jalapenos, rocket pesto and anchovy aioli; and a ‘naked Milanese’ where the bun is replaced with the lettuce (both £9.50). There are also currently six cheese-based salads on the menu, including ones made with mozzarella, burrata, stracciatella, ricotta and gorgonzola (£8 - £12) and chargrilled wagyu, chutoro and otoro salads. The menu also features a range of salamis, proscuitto and chorizo, while dessert is cheesecake.
The vibe: The interior befits its posh Kensington location just round the corner from the Bibendum building, with smart counter seating that surrounds a bar and high-topped marble tables dotted around the room. As sandwich bars go, it’s pretty chic.
And another thing: Having already ‘retired’ from the restaurant industry about three times, Yau looks keen to continue to make his mark on the capital’s dining scene. He has plans to open three more restaurants this year, two in Canary Wharf and another at Westfield London.
96 Draycott Avenue, Chelsea, London