London's hidden gem restaurants are usually hidden in the obvious ways: a basement, a back street, a door with no sign. ALBA is hidden in a different way. It sits on one of the busiest pavements in the city, directly opposite Harrods, and most of the people walking past have no idea it is there, because the restaurant is on the first floor and the ground floor is a furniture showroom.
The Showroom Door
The address is 70 Brompton Road. At street level that is YDF, an interior design showroom with its windows full of furniture, and there is nothing at the door that says restaurant. You walk into the showroom, and at the back a black marble staircase takes you up to the first floor. That is the entrance. There is a lift as well, for buggies, luggage and anyone who would rather not take the stairs.
It catches people out the first time, which is part of the pleasure. The second time, you walk through the showroom like a regular.
What's at the Top of the Stairs
The room at the top runs the length of the building, and its windows run the length of the room, looking straight across Brompton Road at Harrods. On a winter afternoon, when the lights come on across the road, it is one of the better views in Knightsbridge, and it is the view every window table gets.
The restaurant is Amalfi-inspired: the colours of the coast, citrus trees in the room, and a menu that leans on fish, lemon and the sea - the lobster linguine, the raw bar, the wood-fired pizzas and the truffle tagliatelle. At the back of the room is the pass, in full view, with the wood-fired oven beside it; in the centre, a cocktail bar; and along the window, ALBA's ten-seat omakase counter, where a Japanese chef-led menu runs on its own seatings. Three quite different evenings, one staircase.
The interiors were designed by the studio YODEZEEN and realised by YDF's own team, which is why the showroom downstairs and the room upstairs feel like two chapters of the same book. The London Economic's review of ALBA has more on the room.
When to Come
Doors open at midday every day. Weekday lunch has a set menu from noon until 4pm, Aperitivo Hour runs from 3pm, and dinner goes late. If you are coming for the view, ask for a window table when you book; if you are coming for the counter, book the omakase seating directly. Either way, the hardest part is finding the door, and now you know where it is.
Book a table online, or ring +44 (0)20 3985 4992. ALBA is at 70 Brompton Road, London SW3 1ER, a minute from Knightsbridge station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is ALBA London?
At 70 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, directly opposite Harrods. The restaurant is on the first floor, above the YDF interior design showroom.
How do I get into ALBA?
Through the YDF showroom at street level. A black marble staircase at the back of the showroom leads up to the restaurant, and there is a lift.
Is ALBA part of YDF?
No. YDF is an interior design showroom on the ground floor of the building; ALBA is the restaurant on the floor above it. The two share the address and the entrance.
Does ALBA have a view of Harrods?
Yes. The dining room's windows run the length of the room and look straight across Brompton Road at the store. Ask for a window table.
