Zafferano
| Company type | Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality, Food service |
| Founded | February 1995 |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Italian cuisine |
Zafferano is a restaurant located in London, initially operated by Giorgio Locatelli under the management of A–Z Restaurants until 2005. It was awarded a Michelin star in 1999 and maintained this distinction until 2012.
History
Established in February 1995 in Knightsbridge, London, Zafferano specialized in Italian cuisine. The venture was financially supported by prominent investor Claudio Pulze through A–Z Restaurants. Locatelli’s remuneration was linked directly to the restaurant’s overall success.
The restaurant received a Michelin star in 1999 and further acclaim came when Locatelli was honored as Outstanding London Chef in 2001. Nevertheless, he departed shortly afterward due to conflicts with Giuliano Lotto, the new leader of A–Z Restaurants. Andrew Needham, who had served as Locatelli's sous chef, took over as head chef.
After A–Z Restaurants entered administration in 2004, Locatelli showed interest in purchasing Zafferano. Subsequently, the group including Zafferano was reacquired by Pulze along with new partner John De Stefano. In 2007, Pulze sold his share to De Stefano, and that same year the restaurant expanded its offerings by launching a delicatessen.
Menu
The culinary offerings at Zafferano were influenced by Locatelli’s previous work at The Savoy Hotel and Olivo, emphasizing traditional Italian peasant foods. At its inception, the menu featured set-price options that changed monthly, with minimal butter usage—only one dish from 1995, pappardelle with chicken livers and sage, included butter. Desserts have showcased creations such as strawberries paired with 60-year-old balsamic vinegar, alongside a signature tiramisu presented inside a tuile. Although saffron threads were incorporated into the bill holders, the expense prevented their use on menu covers. Between 1997 and 2005, the average cost of a meal increased by 65%, rising from £34 to £56.
Reception
In 2003, Matthew Norman of The Daily Telegraph described Zafferano as "one of the best restaurants around," while also commenting on some staff attitude concerns. By 2013, Time Out remarked that the restaurant "has some way to go to rediscover its glory days." The establishment earned three AA Rosettes in 2009 and was ranked 55th among the UK’s top restaurants by The Good Food Guide in 2011.