Mellor’s new Italian venture will mark his return to London’s restaurant scene, following the closure of The Laughing Heart in 2022.
The menu, created by Mellor in collaboration with Gaia Enria, the founder of now closed Shoreditch restaurant Burro e Salvia, follows a traditional Italian progression through antipasti, primi, secondi and dolci.
The antipasti (before the meal) will be a composition of smaller dishes, cured meats and fior di latte mozzarella. An antipasti misti service will give guests the chance to experience a broader selection from the menu, scaled to individual portions.
For primi (first course), fresh pasta will be rolled on site each day.
The secondi (second course) will feature whole grilled fish, arrosti misti and seasonal dishes.
Specials will “evolve” throughout the year, including pre-order dishes such as brodo di vasto, a seafood stew from Abruzzo.
To finish, the will include classic Italian desserts reimagined, including amaretti biscuits baked fresh to order, with a 20-minute wait.
The fixed-price lunch menu of antipasti misti, primi and dolce, with a £3 cover charge per seat, will run into the early evening for pre-theatre guests with reservations for one sitting only.
The wine offering will comprise of 250 references, including selections from Mellor’s personal cellar with a focus on “classically styled wines made with minimal intervention”.
Cocktails will be offered in the rear dining room, named The Green Room, including Martinis and Negronis as well as the full kitchen menu available to order, with seats held for walk-ins.
“Vibrato is more than resonance in sound,” says Mellor, a former opera singer.
“It’s a conduit of beauty and emotion, a relationship between artist, instrument and audience. To deliver it well takes passion, technique and generosity of spirit.
“The recipient needs to trust you; to feel safe. Osteria Vibrato will strive always to develop this connection with our guests.
“We’ll delight in showcasing our love of impeccable hospitality, art, candlelight, narrative, nostalgia, vibes, music, Italian food, fine wine, cold martinis, people, and generosity.’’