A Little Bit of Italy in London

The contemporary dining room of Apsleys, in London.

Courtesy Lanesborough Hotel

A conspicuously Italian eatery known as Apsleys now holds court in London's venerable Lanesborough Hotel.

Despite Apsleys' English pedigree—not to mention the restaurant's Old Guard name (derived from the Duke of Wellington's former residence)—the Lanesborough brought in global talent such as Italian-trained chef Nick Bell (Zaferanno, Cecconi's) and New York–based designer Adam D. Tihany (Per Se, Le Cirque) to conceive an inventive menu and a contemporary decor, respectively.

Beneath oversized chandeliers suspended from an arched glass ceiling, stylish locals and hotel guests dine on updated traditional fare, like scallops saltimbocca with samphire and sauce vierge, while oenophiles savor the sixteen Italian wines offered by the glass. Hyde Park Corner, 011-44-20-7259-5599; apsleys.co.uk.