If you want to travel the world or time hop without the need of a plane or time machine, you need only head to Kensington. You can cower from prehistoric dinosaurs, learn the future of medicine, and see relics from far-flung countries all in just one afternoon, thanks to the many museums in the area (most of which are free to visit). But where to next, as your stomach rumbles from your non-stop exploration? How about the Mediterranean? Well, just a stone’s throw from the museums, you’ll find MY&SANNÉ.
Nestled on Brompton Road between upmarket shops and salons, MY&SANNÉ is a stylish yet laid-back restaurant serving Mediterranean and Moroccan-inspired eats. Before you even step in the restaurant, the decor will make an impression through the large, front-facing windows. An Instagrammer’s dream, the interiors will simultaneously transport you to a sea-side trattoria and an elegant greenhouse. The ceiling and walls are covered with sweeping vines, faux flowers and twinkling fairy lights; it is truly enchanting. See if you can spot the robins…
We must start by telling you about the cocktails. They are ah-ma-zing. Not just for the flavours, but the presentation. If you opt for the signature My&Sanné, you’ll receive a drink with an impressive smoke bubble that sits atop the glass, plus pink gin, yuzu and cherry brandy. The Blue Bird comes complete with its own nest and blue feathers, served in a glass shaped like a bird. All the fun isn’t just for the alcoholic drinks either – the mocktail, smoothie and juice options read like a fairytale meets Mediterranean holiday. Beauty & the Beast is a particularly mesmerising mocktail, presented like the rose in the story.
The Mediterranean theme is not only present in the restaurant’s decor and drinks, but the dishes too. The winter warmer menu is hearty, perfect for fuelling up following a long day of browsing the museums, or nearby Harrods if that’s more your thing. Expect courses like burrata salad; chestnut and porcini mushroom risotto; and delectable steak. Our favourite was the spiced octopus spaghetti, with nduja, taggiascha olives and a garlic crumb; the flavours balance salt and spice perfectly, it was filling, and just utterly delicious.
As for the desserts, well, they are stand-out on their own. As you enter the restaurant, a gleaming white counter top displays row upon row of exquisite cakes, tarts and meringues, which you go and choose from yourself after your main meal. The options change every month or so, and the pastry chef uses a combination of seasonal themes and customer feedback to curate the display. The desserts are unique to MY&SANNÉ; even the classic recipes are given a MY&SANNÉ twist. We tried a few options, and can wholeheartedly recommend the large macarons, filled with fruit, a soft jelly-type filling and cream (genuinely, 10/10); and the walnut and honey cake. Pair the latter with a mint tea, and you’ll be transported to Marrakech in moments. If you can’t fit a long cosy lunch or delicious dinner in your schedule, be sure to grab a sweet treat to go.
All in all, MY&SANNÉ is a must visit if you’re in the area. The staff are friendly and more than willing to impart knowledge on their dishes and desserts, and the atmosphere – with a low hum of upbeat music – is sublime.