A New Culinary Destination in Fitzrovia
Fitzrovia has welcomed an exciting new addition to its dining scene with the arrival of Motorino, a substantial glass and concrete establishment that seems to have emerged suddenly in this part of central London. The restaurant, which opened its doors in late November 2025, brings a distinctive aesthetic that combines elements of a Stanley Kubrick film set with the polished appearance of a contemporary tech startup headquarters.
The Vision Behind Motorino
If Motorino appears familiar to some London diners, there's a good reason for that. The restaurant represents a carbon copy of Town in Covent Garden, another venture created by restaurateur Stevie Parle earlier in the same year. The resemblance extends throughout the establishment, from the sophisticated dark wood finishes to the provocative, futuristic interiors reminiscent of A Clockwork Orange. The culinary approach also mirrors its sibling restaurant, focusing on modern Italian-inspired small plates that diners can find just an 18-minute walk away on Drury Lane.
Culinary Excellence from a Michelin-Starred Chef
What truly distinguishes Motorino from its Covent Garden counterpart is the talent working in its kitchen. The restaurant has secured the expertise of Luke Aherne, one of London's most sought-after chefs who recently departed from Lita in Marylebone. Aherne played an instrumental role in helping Lita achieve a Michelin star less than twelve months after opening, though the reasons for his swift departure remain unknown. He has brought his exceptional Southern Mediterranean cooking skills to Motorino's kitchen, resulting in some remarkable dishes.
The culinary journey begins with an exceptionally indulgent focaccia that achieves the perfect balance of salty and sweet, crispy yet soft, generously accompanied by a vibrant rosemary balsamic. A selection of pickles and ferments might appear simple at first glance but delivers complex flavours that defy expectations.
Among the standout starters are grilled Cornish sardines artfully arranged over thinly sliced winter tomatoes, creating a dish of both beauty and grace. Another notable offering is the bluefin tuna carpaccio, wrapped with melty corno pepper fronds and presenting a magnificently meaty texture that resembles steak tartare.
Signature Dishes and Dining Experience
The pasta selection features some daring creations, including an agnolotti carbonara that traditional Italian purists might question, but which diners should undoubtedly sample. This inventive dish features delicate pasta pockets that release hot, cheesy juice when bitten, topped with a substantial piece of guanciale.
For main courses, the emphasis leans toward chops and steaks. While the ribeye with peppercorn and accompanying chianti sauce proves satisfactory, the slow-cooked Peposo beef cheek stew with polenta emerges as a more compelling choice for future visits. Side dishes include Pink Fir potatoes in herb butter with porchetta spice, though these could benefit from a crisper texture.
The dessert menu presents both successes and curiosities. The raspberry sorbet delivers a perfectly tart, taste-bud awakening experience, while the deconstructed lemon meringue pie divides opinion with its crumbled base and conventionally prepared topping.
Atmosphere and Additional Offerings
Motorino establishes itself as a glamorous statement dining destination within Fitzrovia's rapidly developing landscape. The restaurant describes its culinary philosophy as 'London-Italian,' featuring fish-focused starters, a substantial pasta selection, and numerous meat-oriented main courses.
The beverage programme includes cocktails created in collaboration with Satan's Whiskers, offering five varieties of Campari, three Negroni options, and four martini selections – with the nutty La Noce standing out as a particular recommendation.
The establishment also boasts a spacious bar area that functions as a legitimate drinking destination rather than merely a waiting area for restaurant patrons. This makes Motorino an excellent choice for post-work drinks in the Fitzrovia neighbourhood.
Motorino is located at 1 Pearson Square, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3BF, and continues to serve its modern Italian-inspired menu to London diners seeking both culinary innovation and dramatic atmosphere.
