Five minutes with… Nino di Costanzo

The head chef at IT Restaurants talks about the group’s new London restaurant, Enzo Ferrari and bringing a touch of Ibiza to Mayfair

Food and Drink 13 Aug 2021

Mezzi paccheri cacio e pepe con gamberi at IT London
Gambero rosso, bufala e arancia
A signature IT pizza

IT London has just opened its doors on Dover Street, bringing a slice of sun-drenched and salubrious chilled Ibiza vibes to Mayfair. The latest outpost from the acclaimed IT Restaurants Group, which was established in Ibiza in 2015, the restaurant promises a world-beating menu from the group’s two Michelin-star head chef Nino di Costanzo, DJ sets, incredible cocktails and a fun crowd. Here, Brummell spoke to Nino di Costanzo about his expectations for the restaurant, his experience as a chef and his life outside of food and drink.

What can we expect from IT London?

Italian cuisine, great quality products, lots of tradition, in London’s most beautiful district.

Risotto limone e crostacei
Risotto limone e crostacei

Do you have a signature dish at IT London?

Spaghetto ai 5 pomodori, the dish that every Italian chef should have on their card – both in Italy and abroad. 

Which elements and influences of Ibiza will you be bringing to IT London?

The idea of Spanish tapas, of eating an Iberian ham (we use Italian) in the Spanish tradition.

What lessons have you learned from the past year that you will take with you into the future?

That professionally there is always room for improvement and comparison.

Crostatina al limone, gelato al gin lemon
Crostatina al limone, gelato al gin lemon

What ingredients can you not live without?

Pasta, tomatoes and freshly caught fish.

What are the biggest influences on your cooking?

I want to bring to the table the flavours and dishes of the past while respecting the raw materials, tradition and Italian gastronomic culture.

What are your biggest passions outside of food and drink?

Art and vintage cars.

Who from history or the present day would you most like to cook for and what would you make them?

Enzo Ferrari, I would cook Neapolitan dishes for him, including pizza fritta.

IT London is open now, 28/29 Dover Street, W1S 4LX; itrestaurants.com