Step off the bustling Chiswick High Road, push through an elegant gate, and you might just forget you’re in London. Instantly, you’re transported to a Tuscan courtyard, complete with grape vines, and the promise of authentic Italian hospitality.
This is Villa di Geggiano, the London sibling of a 500-year-old wine estate from near Siena. But can a restaurant on a busy West London street truly deliver the magic of Chianti? I went to find out. And yes it more than delivers.
From the moment we walked in it was a dream of a restaurant that has everything. I would go just for the decor and art too to be honest. The staff, the food, the atmosphere are all wonderful and I dare say it is the best UK based Italian Restaurant I have had the pleasure of dining in.
More Than a Meal: The Centuries-Old Story Behind Villa di Geggiano
Ever wondered why that beautiful Italian spot in Chiswick feels so… authentic? It’s because it’s not just an imitation; it’s a direct descendant.
The story of Villa di Geggiano doesn’t begin on a busy London high street, but in the sun-drenched, rolling hills of Tuscany, just a few miles from Siena.
The original Villa di Geggiano is a magnificent 16th-century estate that has been the cherished home of the Bianchi Bandinelli family since 1527.
For nearly 500 years, this family has cultivated vineyards, olive groves, and a celebrated tradition of hospitality. The estate is so historically and culturally significant that it’s recognised as an Italian National Monument.
Its romantic gardens, complete with an 18th-century open-air theatre, are so iconic that they were featured in Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1996 film, Stealing Beauty. This isn’t just a farmhouse; it’s a piece of living Tuscan history.
So, why Chiswick?
The London restaurant was born from the family’s desire to create an authentic extension of their Tuscan home. It’s a passion project designed to share their specific heritage with the world.
They bring their own organic wines and olive oil directly from the estate, ensuring a direct lineage of flavour from their soil to your table. The chefs were trained in the kitchens of the Tuscan villa, learning family recipes and a philosophy of cooking that honours simplicity and the quality of the ingredients above all else.
So when you dine at Villa di Geggiano in Chiswick, you’re not just eating a meal. You are stepping into a story and tasting a legacy of hospitality that has been refined over half a millennium.
A Full-Bodied Dining Experience
Atmosphere
Finding a slice of Italian countryside in the area of Chiswick sounds unlikely, but Villa di Geggiano manages it wonderfully. Set back from the main road, its gated courtyard is an immediate oasis.
In fact it is within the courtyard you get a flavour of the Tuscany Villa. It is adorned wonderfully by vines and grapes from the aforementioned Villa.
How they get them growing so well in a bustling London is a marvel. Outside, dining under the vine-covered terrace feels like a genuine holiday.
Inside, the decor is an eclectic and glamorous mix of classic Italian style and contemporary art. In fact you can see the massive fusion of art in every room you enter and it is fabulous. More on that shortly.
I took a glimpse into the larger of the private dining rooms. Beautifully laid out and decorated with art.
It’s spacious, with a really comfortable lounge for a pre-dinner cocktail and a grand piano that hints at atmospheric evenings. It feels special from the moment you walk in.
And it was a special occasion being Zoe’s big 50th birthday.
The Food
With its Tuscan heritage, the focus is on authentic, high-quality ingredients, many imported directly from Italy.
We looked at the menu and wanted to try all of it. Eventually we narrowed it down to good choices we must say.
Starters: Well it was off with a bang. The flavours come through amazingly. I had the Tomato Bruschetta and Basil which was extremely delicious and Zoe went for what looked and sounded like a gorgeous mix of tastes, Fried Corgette Flowers with Ricotta, Anchovies and capers, oh and that’s with a Bloody Mary Sauce!
Mains: We love Italian food and especially pasta dishes. A treat we love from our Italian Adventure Retreat. Here at Villa di Geggiano it was all cooked to absolute perfection. Don’t you love it when pasta is served how pasta should be?
We both went for pasta dishes. I went for something that was really unique for me, Spaghetone Pasta served with Grouper Fish Ragu, with a Lemon and Tomato Datterini Confit. Oh my word, each and very one of thos flavours hit perfect.
Zoe went for a Bolognese dish and she absolutely loved it. Tagliatelle Pasta with Ragu. She loves her Parmesan too.
Desserts: As if that wasn’t nice and filling already, but the desserts looked too good to not have them.
I adored my Traditional Italian Tiramisu whilst Zoe had a perfectly made Peach Cake with Yoghurt, honey, ice-cream and pecan nuts.
The wine
This is where the decisions get harder still, in a good way. The wines. Of course you have all the choices from the Tuscany Villa Estate. The staff are amazing at helping you navigate the prestige and choices.
When we got to dessert we went another way. Staying in Tuscany they have a great selction from Sting & Trudy Styler, of Il Palagio winery. All seemingly aptly named. For instance we had Roxanne, but I am sure Message in a Bottle tastes delightful too.
Service & Staff
The service here strikes the absolute right balance between professional and warm.
From Angelica who greeted us at the door to Giuseppe and all the waiting staff, there’s a real sense of pride and enjoyment in what they do.
They were attentive without ever being intrusive, something that some places struggle with. But here it was great.
Every member of staff had genuine smiles and more than happy to offer recommendations and share stories about the food or the estate’s wine.
Nothing rushed yet nothing waited for. It felt like polished, old-school hospitality—a welcome change of pace.
A Feast for the Eyes: The Art at Villa di Geggiano
When you step inside Villa di Geggiano, you’ll quickly realise the menu isn’t the only thing curated with passion.
The restaurant doubles as a living art gallery, creating a vibrant and glamorous atmosphere that feels less like a commercial dining room and more like you’re having dinner in a chic private home in Florence.
The collection is a confident and eclectic mix, juxtaposing the rustic authenticity of the Tuscan cuisine with bold, contemporary art. The walls are adorned with pieces from talented contemporary artists, and the space is punctuated by striking sculptures.
There was a unique installation I just had to try. A banana shaped pool table!
What makes the experience unique is that the restaurant is a dynamic gallery. Much of the art is for sale, and the collection evolves with new exhibitions.
This means that each visit can offer a different visual feast, adding another layer of discovery to an already memorable dining experience. It’s a celebration of culture that is both ancient and thrillingly current.
Getting There
Villa di Geggiano is located on the main stretch of Chiswick High Road in West London, making it quite straightforward to find.
Full Address: 66-68 Chiswick High Rd, London W4 1SY
By London Underground (The Tube)
This is the easiest and most recommended way to get there. It is the way that we go.
- Nearest Station: Stamford Brook (District Line)
- From the station, it’s a pleasant and direct 8-10 minute walk east along Chiswick High Road. You’ll find the restaurant on your left.
- Alternative Station: Turnham Green (District and limited Piccadilly Line)
- This station is a slightly longer, 12-15 minute walk west along the High Road.
By Bus
Chiswick High Road is a major bus corridor, making it a fantastic option. Several routes stop practically on the restaurant’s doorstep.
- Look for buses 27, 190, 267, 391, and H91, among others. The bus stop is often closer than the tube station, so it’s worth checking your favourite route planner app (like Citymapper or Google Maps).
By Car
Driving in this part of London can be challenging. While there is some pay-and-display parking on surrounding side streets, it is very limited and most of the area is reserved for residents’ permits, especially in the evening.
To ensure a stress-free arrival, public transport is strongly recommended.
The Verdict and Final Thoughts
This is the perfect spot for a celebratory meal, a romantic date night, or for anyone wanting to seriously impress a client or friend.
The beautiful setting and high-calibre food and wine make any evening here feel special.
The whole journey from the entrance, the courtyad, to the staff, the food, wine and art is an absolute joy and I am sure we shall keep coming back for more.
Villa di Geggiano is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. It successfully delivers on its promise of bringing a slice of Tuscan decadence to London.
You leave feeling not just full, but thoroughly charmed and totally inspired.
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