Private dining carries a certain magic. Whether it is the hush of a secluded room, the undisturbed flow of conversation, or the personalised service that feels effortlessly attentive, the experience turns an ordinary meal into a memory. In recent years, demand for private dining has risen sharply across the UK and the rest of the world. According to industry analysts, as many as 42 per cent of diners now actively look for restaurants that can offer an exclusive space for celebrations, corporate gatherings, or family milestones.
Italian cuisine, renowned for its warmth and conviviality, pairs perfectly with this trend. A carefully prepared plate of pasta, shared antipasti, or a decadent dolce becomes even more special when enjoyed in an intimate setting reserved solely for you and your guests. With that in mind, local diners often search online for the “best Italian restaurant near me with private dining” and quickly find themselves drawn to one name in particular: Friends of Flavours.
Tucked just off the high street, Friends of Flavours has earned a sterling reputation by combining true Italian hospitality with modern British sensibilities. The restaurant’s founders hail from Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, bringing regional know-how and treasured family recipes to each dish. More than that, they have created a suite of private dining spaces that cater for groups ranging from six to thirty-five guests.
The jewel of Friends of Flavours’ private offering is the Chianti Room, a handsome dining parlour clad in reclaimed oak and lined with a mosaic of vintage wine labels. Seating up to eighteen, it is perfect for birthdays, engagement dinners, or discreet business negotiations. Larger functions are welcomed in the Tuscan Salon, complete with its own marble-topped bar and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a leafy courtyard.
Both rooms come with adjustable lighting, wireless presentation facilities, and a discreet sound system—small touches that ensure a relaxed yet polished experience. Importantly, the private rooms are located away from the main dining floor, so guests enjoy seclusion without losing the lively atmosphere that defines a great Italian restaurant.
While many venues tout private dining as an added extra, Friends of Flavours treats it as an extension of its core ethos: impeccable food, seasonal produce, and genuine hospitality. Every private booking starts with a consultation led by the head chef and events coordinator, allowing hosts to tailor the set menu or opt for a shared banquet style known in house as the “La Famiglia Feast”.
The restaurant sources DOP-certified ingredients wherever possible—think Parmigiano-Reggiano aged for 30 months, single-estate Tuscan olive oil, and fragrant San Marzano tomatoes flown in weekly. This commitment to quality underpins every plate that leaves the kitchen and ensures that even the simplest dishes, such as the signature Bruschetta al Pomodoro, deliver remarkable depth of flavour.
No exploration of Friends of Flavours is complete without a nod to the dishes that keep regulars returning week after week. Each recipe marries tradition with an occasional twist, resulting in a menu that feels both comfortingly familiar and pleasantly surprising.
The Antipasto della Casa arrives on a wooden board laden with silky Parma ham, hand-tied fiordilatte mozzarella, pickled peppers, and focaccia still warm from the oven. Another crowd-pleaser is the Burrata e Peperoncino: a creamy orb of Puglian burrata served over slow-roasted chilli-marinated heritage tomatoes, finished with basil oil.
Friends of Flavours makes fresh pasta daily. The Tagliatelle al Ragù Emiliano showcases a lovingly simmered beef and pork sauce enriched with red wine and wild herbs, while the Pappardelle ai Funghi Selvatici features ribbons of egg pasta cloaked in porcini, chestnut mushrooms, and a splash of truffle cream. For pescatarians, the Linguine al Limone e Gamberi balances sweet Devon prawns with Amalfi lemon zest and a hint of Calabrian chilli.
Among the mains, the Saltimbocca di Vitello—tender veal wrapped in prosciutto and sage—arrives in a white-wine butter sauce that demands to be mopped up with crusty bread. The restaurant’s vegetarian show-stopper, Melanzane alla Parmigiana, layers aubergine, San Marzano tomato sugo, and smoked scamorza into a bubbling casserole that satisfies even the most devoted carnivores.
Tiramisu della Casa remains the undisputed favourite, incorporating espresso-soaked Savoiardi biscuits and mascarpone folded with a whisper of Marsala. Those seeking something lighter gravitate towards the Panna Cotta al Limoncello, a silky custard offset by candied lemon peel and a drizzle of forest-berry coulis.
Securing a private room can feel daunting, yet Friends of Flavours simplifies the process with a clear step-by-step approach. First, an initial enquiry form outlines the date, time, guest count, and dietary considerations. From there, a dedicated events coordinator sketches a provisional menu and wine flight, all of which can be tweaked until it aligns perfectly with the host’s vision and budget.
Set menus begin with a trio of antipasti, progress to a pasta course, and then present a choice of two secondi, accompanied by seasonal contorni. Dessert platters encourage sharing, though individual portions are available for more formal functions. An optional Italian-cheese trolley adds theatre to proceedings and pairs beautifully with the extensive Amarone and Barolo selections on the wine list.
For corporate clients, the restaurant supplies HDMI connectivity, high-speed Wi-Fi, and customised table settings that reflect brand colours. Families planning milestone celebrations can request personalised menus, printed name cards, and bespoke celebration cakes crafted by the in-house pastry chef.
To avoid disappointment, it is advisable to secure your private room at least four to six weeks in advance, especially during festive periods and summer weekends. Mid-week evenings often provide more flexibility and may attract complimentary corkage or a reduced room-hire fee.
When finalising the menu, think about pacing. A party heavy on speeches may appreciate a plated service that can pause between courses, while a casual get-together might prefer shared platters that encourage mingling. Friends of Flavours’ team is adept at reading the room and adjusting accordingly, but clear communication from the outset ensures every detail is spot-on.
Finally, consider the drinks package. The house sommelier offers three curated wine flights—Classico, Riserva, and Prestige—each designed to complement the dishes on offer. Non-drinkers are equally well catered for with Sicilian blood-orange spritzes, homemade elderflower cordial, and an impressive selection of alcohol-free Italian beers.
How many people can the private rooms accommodate?
The Chianti Room seats 8–18 guests, while the Tuscan Salon accommodates up to 35 for a seated dinner or 50 for a canapé reception.
Is there a minimum spend?
Minimum spend varies by day and season. Monday to Thursday requires a lower spend than peak Friday and Saturday evenings. The events coordinator will advise on current figures.
Are dietary requirements catered for?
Absolutely. Vegan, gluten-free, halal, and other dietary preferences can be integrated seamlessly into bespoke menus without compromising on authenticity or flavour.
Can we bring our own cake?
Guests may opt for a homemade celebration cake free of charge or commission the pastry chef to craft something unique. External cakes incur a modest plating fee to cover service and presentation.
Is there parking nearby?
A secure, well-lit car park sits two minutes’ walk from the restaurant, and complimentary validation is offered for evening bookings.
In a sea of dining options, Friends of Flavours shines by marrying heartfelt Italian cooking with versatile, beautifully appointed private spaces. Whether marking a promotion with colleagues, raising a glass to an anniversary, or simply gathering loved ones for an indulgent Sunday lunch, the restaurant promises an experience that feels both special and effortlessly relaxed.
To enquire about availability or request a tailored quote, visit the Friends of Flavours website or call the reservations team directly. Within moments, the first steps towards an unforgettable Italian feast will be underway—proof that finding the “best Italian restaurant near me with private dining” can be as straightforward as it is rewarding.
Embark on a culinary journey with Friends of Flavours, where passion for fresh, authentic Italian cuisine comes to life in every dish. Our award-winning restaurant in Penge, London, is a haven for those who cherish Italy's gastronomic delights, meticulously crafted by our experienced chefs. Angelo Gobbi and his team invite you to indulge in a unique dining experience that captures the essence of Italy's rich food and wine culture. Don't miss the opportunity to create lasting memories in our private dining spaces, perfect for any occasion. Book a table today and savor the flavors that have earned us the Diner's Choice Award from Open Table.