Jamie’s Italian

The Italian restaurant group finally comes to Bangkok
By Kelly Harvey                                   

THE Italian restaurant group led by British chef Jamie Oliver arrived in Bangkok in late 2016, with the official opening held on November 29. Soon after it launched, much to everyone’s disappointment, the restaurant was slammed with negative comments and poor feedback from customers.    
    
Now, after five months in operation, with Alex Barman running the kitchen and Sarah Smith leading the front of house, public opinion has swiftly changed thanks to a drastic improvement in service.
    
As for the prices, much to our delight the Italian restaurant offers modest prices and value for money dishes that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Signature dishes

An Italian restaurant wouldn’t be complete without antipasti. First up was the Classic Meat Plank – fennel salami, mortadella, prosciutto and wagyu bresaola, mini mozzarella, aged pecorino and chilli jam, pickles, olives, and rainbow salad (B1180++); and followed by crispy squid served with garlic aoili (B270++).
    
As for the pasta, servings come in two sizes and are priced between B260-B360++. The Prawn Linguine is a definite must-try; the dish is from Jamie’s original menu and is found at every Jamie’s Italian throughout the world. This signature dish will set you back B300++ for a single portion and B390++ for a large portion big enough to share.
    
For something on the lighter side, the Classic Super Food Salad – with avocado, roasted beets, mixed pulses and grains, sprouting broccoli, pomegranate and spicy seeds with harissa dressing and ricotta (B360++ or add salmon for an extra B120++).
    
For mains, the Chicken Al Mattone – half a free range marinated chicken with a creamy wild mushroom sauce, lemony rocket and parmesan (B520++).
    
Among the desserts the Wobbly Panna Cotta (B210++) and the Amalfi Lemon Meringue Cheesecake (B240++) were the clear favourites.

Atmosphere

Although set inside a shopping mall, the restaurant is warm and vibrant. Cured meats and garlic are hung from the ceiling and tinned tomatoes cans can be seen on almost every table, giving Jamie’s Italian that traditional home-style environment feel.

Parking

Parking is available at Siam Discovery.

Jamie’s Italian. Siam Discovery Ground Floor. 989 Rama I Road, Bangkok. 02 255 5222. jamiesitalian.co.th