Martino’s Opens on Sloane Square

Martino’s, the elegant new trattoria from restaurateur Martin Kuczmarski, has opened on Sloane Square – quietly, assuredly, and already with the hallmarks of a modern classic. In a room of lacquered whites, polished terrazzo and beautifully burled wood, the mood is “buzzy, not loud”; the welcome, as reviewers have noted, instinctively human. The all-day menu is democratic in price and exacting in detail, served on fine bone china with crystal glassware, embodying a high‑low philosophy that champions quality without pretension.

The opening aligns with the Square’s recent transformation, a programme funded by Cadogan and delivered with Kensington and Chelsea Council to widen pavements, introduce heritage-inspired street furniture, increase planting and enhance lighting. Hugh Seaborn,  CEO of Cadogan, comments “ “Sloane Square deserves to be one of the most glamorous London squares – somewhere that buzzes all day, where you want to linger and soak up the atmosphere. We are nearing completion of a £60m public realm investment to Sloane Street and Sloane Square to make them more beautiful, welcoming spaces and are now focusing on bringing the most exciting hospitality concepts who will ensure it quickly becomes London’s hottest destination to eat, drink and be inspired. Martino’s is an important part of this vison. We seek out operators who really contribute to what makes the neighbourhood so special. Martino’s embodies this, bringing creativity, flair and a frisson in the air which makes the area feel fresh and exciting.”

Critics have been emphatic. The Times hailed Kuczmarski’s “quiet confidence” and his refusal to trade on hype, favouring good drinks, good service and good food at good prices. The Evening Standard called Martino’s a new favourite, praising its jaw‑dropping fit‑out and exacting attention to comfort and The FT  commented – “I’d happily drag myself there over broken glass, through a hail of bullets, to lick the plate of the last man who ordered the vitello tonnato”.

Martino’s sets a high bar for what’s next. As further restaurants join the revitalised Square in the months ahead, the ambition is complementary rather than competitive: a richer mix that serves locals, culture‑goers and visitors alike.