Italian Wine Discoveries and Chef’s Menu at Motorino

Motorino arrives in Fitzrovia with a sense of momentum and polish. Set just off Goodge Street, the room immediately signals its intent: a neo-mid-century space alive with bright colour, glossy surfaces, and playful nods to 1960s and 70s British motoring culture. Model cars, glitzy cladding and sculptural furniture sit beneath a hum of energy, while the open kitchen anchors the far end of the dining room, drawing the eye and reinforcing the sense that everything here revolves around craft in motion.

Under the direction of Michelin-starred Luke Ahearne, the cooking respects classical Italian structure while confidently stepping sideways from tradition. For this five-course Chef’s menu, the snacks lead into starters, primi flow naturally into mains; the dishes are bold but uncluttered, built around a small number of exceptional ingredients, allowing technique and seasoning to do the heavy lifting. There are flashes of Ahearne’s refined touch from his time at Lita.

At the centre of the experience is a sommelier-selected pairing of Italian hidden-gem wines, chosen to mirror the menu’s spirit of rediscovery and reinterpretation. Rather than leaning on famous appellations, the wine journey explores lesser-known regions, indigenous grape varieties, and small producers whose bottles offer personality and freshness. Each pairing is designed to complement the flow of the chef’s choice menu, enhancing richness where needed, cutting through with acidity, or adding aromatic lift to more delicate plates. The sommelier guides guests through the selections, offering context without ceremony, making the wines feel like discoveries shared rather than lessons delivered.

Motorino reveals itself as both a serious restaurant and a deeply enjoyable one. The sound system hums, the room glows, and the rhythm of service feels relaxed yet purposeful. Food and wine move together seamlessly, reflecting the restaurant’s broader philosophy: simple but bold cooking, confident design, and a sense of fun that keeps everything from becoming too precious.