It isn't often that a restaurant manages to open in the middle of Soho in a fashion that's so completely under the radar we have to wait for a reader to let us know about it. But that's the case with Grasso which threw open its doors on Dean Street just before Christmas. Even rarer, this is a restaurant that's entirely independent and family-owned.
The family in question are the McCaffreys. Seanie runs the restaurant, James and Maud are doing the marketing while brother Ralph has supplied a painting for the wall and the name for one of the cocktails.
Grasso's food reflects the family's origin story - the family came from Syracuse in Sicily before they moved to London and New York in the 1950s. They are particularly proud of their meatballs which are a third-generation recipe served with spaghetti al pomodoro. Other dishes on the New York Italian-focused menu are chicken Parm, a Big Caesar salad and a vodka sauce pizza.
The space itself used to be a Wagamama and has had a total transformation. It runs across two floors with private dining rooms, a DJ booth and two bars where you can enjoy drinks like a Cherry Coke Long Island iced tea.
"Soho has such a rich history, with Italian communities settling in the area more than 100 years ago," says Seanie. "So it feels fitting to follow in their footsteps, and to open an independent restaurant with a family feel.”
Thanks to Hot Dinners reader Ebony for the tip off.
More about Grasso
Where is it? 81 Dean St, London W1D 3SW
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @grasso_soho
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