Known for its aesthetically pleasing interiors, viral pasta dishes and decadent ‘Chocogasm’ mousse, Big Mamma Group has quickly become one of London’s favourite Italian picks.
In 2024, it ranked third in the 50 Top World Artisan Pizza Chains, with Instagrammable favourites including the likes of Jacuzzi and Circolo Popolare – and now, it’s opening up a brand-new location, this time inspired by the heights of 1970s Italian cinema.
Its next culinary adventure will be taking place in Canary Wharf – a location that’s long been synonymous with finance bros and sky-high architecture that wouldn’t be out of place in Manhattan.
And its home? The iconic YY Building.
Named Barbarella, the restaurant will give off a ‘tropical jungle’ vibe, with chocolate brown silk walls (just like the colour of its viral glossy dessert), a 70s chromed lounge, a mirrored glass bar, and an amber chandelier that towers at three metres wide. Bougie, or what?
What will be on the Barbarella menu?
Wanting to channel that classic ‘When in Rome’ sentiment when it opens in June?
The menu will still offer beloved favourites familiar to Big Mamma Group aficionados, including thinly sliced Culatello (an Italian cured ham) and super-creamy burrata from the depths of Puglia.
There’ll also be a few new kids on the block, with new menu additions including a caramelised Italian tomato tatin topped with Parmigiano cream, buttered Cornish lemon sole, and of course, a pizza selection that’ll be changing daily.
Thinking about your wine pairings? There’ll be a choice between 50 rich Brunellos, transporting diners back to the heyday of Rome’s famous Cinecittà Studios, where the likes of Roman Holiday (starring Audrey Hepburn), Gangs of New York and La Dolce Vita were shot.
And for the all-important dolci, there’ll be a waterside terrace serving up a selection of gelati, with flavours including white chocolate, pistachio, and chocolate. Is this the stuff of dreams?
Big Mamma Group reckons the ‘show is on’ – and Barbarella is ‘here to steal hearts.’
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It’s safe to say that foodies are already losing it over the announcement, as over on Instagram, @kristyjlewis labelled it ‘so exciting.’
For @cooper_miniwoofie, it sounded ‘delish’ – and they ‘can’t wait to try,’ while @susannah_crawshay penned ‘bring it on!’
Founded in 2015 in Paris by entrepreneurs Victor Lugger and Tigrane Seydoux, there are now 28 Big Mamma Group restaurants across Europe.
UK’s ‘prettiest’ restaurant with world’s best pizza is opening a second site
With its wisteria-covered ceiling, walls lined with countless bottles of booze and cosy little booths, Big Mamma Group’s Circolo Popolare is frequently dubbed ‘London’s prettiest restaurant’.
The picturesque Fitzrovia-based eatery, described as a ‘Sunny Sicilian trattoria’, is unsurprisingly a TikTok sensation.
Hundreds of influencers have declared it a ‘must-visit’, with most raving about its signature gooey carbonara – served straight from a giant wheel of pecorino.
And now, the much-loved restaurant, owned by Big Mamma Group, is making its way to Manchester – and the northern debut will be part of the St Michael’s development in Deansgate, set to open in June.
The new Canary Wharf location will certainly be in good company, as it’s set to join the ever-flourishing list, alongside Gloria’s in Shoreditch, Ave Mario in Covent Garden, Jacuzzi in High Street Kensington, Circolo Popolare in Fitzrovia, and Carlotta’s in Marylebone.
Jacuzzi was previously dubbed by TikToker @westkengirl as the ‘perfect girl dinner spot,’ while Circolo Popolare was branded the ‘prettiest’ restaurant in London by @wherealexeats.
That’s not all, though. There are currently eight Big Mamma Group locations in Paris, and smaller trattoria-style eateries in Lyon, Lille, Birmingham, Monaco, Brussels, Milan, Madrid, Munich, Hamburg, Berlin, Marseille, and Bordeaux.
So, shall we see you by the docks for an Aperol Spritz this summer?
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