Chef Francesco Mazzei to take over The Dorchester Rooftop with Italian-inspired pop-up

Following the successful launch of its first ever rooftop restaurant in April 2021, The Dorchester has announced that chef Francesco Mazzei will be taking over the helm from 31 May to 13 June, 2021.

The upcoming rooftop residency will focus on the flavours of southern Italy in the summertime, transporting diners along the coastlines of Amalfi and Sicily. Originally hailing from Calabria in southwest Italy, Mazzei is at home with the ingredient larder and flavour combinations of the region. He is also very familiar with the kitchens of The Dorchester where he worked as a senior sous chef 20 years ago.

From his upcoming menu, the chef has created dishes including Crudo di pesce – diver scallops, Mazara red prawns, yellowtail and tuna belly served with chilli jam, extra virgin olive oil; Amalfi lemon and salmoriglio; and vitello tonnato – slow cooked veal served with tuna sauce and pickles.

Following this, for the primi or pasta course, Mazzei’s selection features a fresh tagliolini with scampi and a spicy tomato sauce and acquerello risotto with franciacorta, morels, asparagus, summer truffle and fresh almonds. Moving to the secondi, guests can opt for one of Francesco’s signature dishes – a classic veal Milanese primavera served with rocket, tomato and tropea onion salad or wild turbot guazzetto with torpedino tomatoes, pantelleria capers, gaeta olives and saffron.

Finishing things off on a sweet note, desserts including josper charcoal pineapple, maraschino, mascarpone and vanilla or a traditional marsala tiramisu. There will also be daily specials added to the menu throughout the residency.

To complement the new menu, The Dorchester bartenders Lucia Montanelli and Matteo Torresin have created an exciting new list of Calabrian inspired signature cocktails. These include the Negroni del Capo with Whitley Neil gin, Amaro del Capo from Calabria, bitter Campari and artichokes liqueur; and The Prickly Bellini made using prickly pear, fennel and prosecco.

The Dorchester Rooftop will be open throughout summer to make the most of the longer days and sunsets across Hyde Park. The restaurant will be open daily for lunch and dinner, where guests can relax with a cocktail or glass of Veuve Cliqout Champagne whilst listening to a live band or DJ in partnership with Molto Music.

Mazzei is also chef patron of three London restaurants: Sartoria, fine dining in Mayfair; Fiume, a taste of the Italian Riviera in Battersea and Radici, a cosy trattoria in Islington.