Velluto Private Dining Room & Events

I ended up here after a realisation that the Gazebo is closed for the next few months for renovation– it’s tucked on a side street and the signage isn’t very visible from the main road so you might very well miss it (I did! I ended up walking around the block!!).
It’s a small space and had a cozy and relaxed vibe. The music is great– think Norah Jones mixed with Van Morrison.
I stuck with a glass of wine, and we opted for a couple of nibbles. The sliders are VERY tiny and not really shareable in my opinion. Three of them would be literally three bites and you’re done!
The only fault was that it was pretty hot inside. This could have been because I was on a first date, but at one point I swear I felt a bead of sweat form on my forehead. Not cool.
If you’re in the cross and looking for a low-​key place that probably won’t be that crowded I would definitely recommend this joint!

You know how you have those places you mean to try out and just kind of never get around to trying? (Like, say, the gym…)
Velluto’s been on my hit list for a while. Poor thing, it must have felt like the Sword of Damocles was hanging over its head, vaiting und vaiting for me to finally try it out. Well, try it out I did, and in style — for a shooper spesh Valentine’s Day degustation menu. We rocked up for the early session at 7pm and the place is small but just beautiful, really understated and relaxed and classy, like. Black, dim lighting, Old Master-​style paintings on the wall, splendid crepuscular light coming in from the El Alamein fountain area outside, and barmen and wait staff garbed in demure black and dapper to the last.
Upon arrival we were given glasses of Pommery Springtime Rose. The first plate was a jelly-​topped pâté served in a peel-​back sardine can, with cornichons, fresh baguette and a deliciously smoky onion jam. The next was Lady Finger filo with minced duck, arancini and mushroom balls tinctured with truffle oil, and gravlax of cured ocean trout with a dark mustard seed sauce. Dessert was a cup of sensual peach-​infused panacotta accompanied by rosewater-​flavoured chocolates. Delightful all, and while they were small portions it was the perfect amount of food. Special shout-​out (holler) to the staff, who were engaging and personal without being overbearing.
Really, really, REALLY wanna go back to try their martinis, as this is their signature drink and they pour it in the Rule of Three — three ounces pours, three garnishes, three sips. And the do my all-​time fave, a Filthy Dirty martini. Brine me up!