There are Sunday brunches, and then there is the Sunday Italian Feast at Macellaio RC Soho — a celebration so warm, abundant and joyfully over‑the‑top that it feels less like a restaurant outing and more like being welcomed into a particularly generous Italian family’s home. London has no shortage of weekend dining options, but this one stands apart with its theatricality, its sincerity, and its unapologetic devotion to meat.
I visited with my brother, my sister‑in‑law, and my Italian food-loving toddler Xavier — a lively trio who can turn any meal into a small adventure. Macellaio RC handled us with the kind of warmth that instantly puts you at ease. The staff, unmistakably Italian in both accent and spirit, greeted Xavier like a tiny celebrity and treated the rest of us with that effortless hospitality that makes you feel like you’ve been coming for years.
The new Sunday Italian Feast is inspired by Italy’s long‑standing tradition of family gatherings — long tables, shared platters, and the kind of leisurely pace that encourages conversation rather than clocks. The centrepiece is an opulent buffet of slow‑roasted meats carved to order, surrounded by colourful salads, crispy roast potatoes, rich gravies and all the trimmings. Guests are encouraged to help themselves, refill plates, and settle in for the afternoon. With bottomless prosecco flowing and live music drifting through the room from noon to 3pm, the atmosphere is as celebratory as it is comforting.
The starters set the tone beautifully, beginning with a superb steak tartare that immediately captured our attention. Finely hand‑chopped and seasoned with just the right balance of richness and acidity, it arrived crowned with a glossy raw egg yolk that we gently folded through the meat. The result was velvety, indulgent, and deeply satisfying — the kind of dish that makes you pause mid‑conversation simply to appreciate its texture and purity of flavour. A peppery rocket salad added freshness, while a board of Italian cheeses offered creamy, tangy and nutty notes in equal measure. The aubergine lasagne — silky layers of slow‑cooked aubergine, tomato and cheese — rounded out the opening act with comforting warmth.
But the star of our meal, without question, was the T‑bone steak we ordered to share. It arrived with the kind of dramatic presence Macellaio RC is known for: thick, perfectly charred on the outside, ruby‑red and tender within. Sharing it felt exactly right — a communal moment that fit the spirit of the feast. Even Xavier, between bouts of toddler enthusiasm, managed a few approving bites.
Dessert was a classic tiramisu, served generously and made with the kind of confidence that comes from knowing you’ve perfected a recipe. Light, creamy, and just boozy enough, it was the ideal finale.
One detail worth noting: Macellaio’s free corkage policy remains in place on Sundays, meaning you can bring a special bottle from home to elevate the experience even further. It’s a thoughtful touch that reinforces the restaurant’s ethos — generosity, conviviality, and a genuine desire to make your meal unforgettable.
By the time we left, Xavier was happily worn out, my brother was already planning a return visit, and all of us felt like we’d discovered a new Sunday tradition. Macellaio RC Soho’s Sunday Italian Feast isn’t just a brunch; it’s a celebration of flavour, family, and the joy of lingering at the table long after the plates are cleared.
