The brand new restaurant at the Mondrian, Isola Trattoria & Crudo Bar opened on 3rd August 2012. Replacing the seafood eatery Imperial No. 9, this new coastal Italian number will also take its place under the stunning greenhouse adjacent to the ground floor lobby. Native Sicilian chef Victor LaPlaca draws his inspiration from the Amalfi Coast, the Italian Riviera and from the cuisine he grew up on living on the Mediterranean's largest island. LaPlaca, who has spent the last 17 years opening up restaurants with Todd English, will be picking out the finest seasonal ingredients, the freshest market fish and the finest olive oils, salts, fruits and citruses for his modest, yet mouth-watering menus.
Alongside the food menus will be a highly considered beverage list put together by spirit aficionado Steve Olsen. His cocktail menu features, amongst others, several variations on Negroni, Aperol Spritzer and gin and tonic. He has also painstakingly assembled a wine list comprising 18 drops by the glass (from coastal Italy, Sicily, Greece, Spain and the south of France) and over 100 by the bottle. There will also be a selection of local and European beers served in chilled glasses known as cañas.
In terms of the space's design, there are two heavy influences: the lush landscape of the Bobboli gardens in Florence and the private Italian estates that line the country's coast. Suspended over the heads of diners will be a contemporary glass sculpture by artist Beth Lipman.
Isola Trattoria & Crudo Bar will serve all three meals, and stays open until 1am on the weekend.
Mr. H is the hotel's exclusive after hours bar, inspired by neighbouring Chinatown. Oriental carpets, multiple mirrors, bird cages and plush cushioned sofas are just some of the luxurious features of this highly selective spot, where even the guests are not guaranteed entry (something we strongly disapprove of). But if you do manage to get in (doorman's discretion) then you are sure to have a unique evening amongst some glamourous company.