Fifth Element Southwark is a family run Italian restaurant at 1 Valentine Row, positioned between Southwark and Waterloo stations. The small dining room has a warm, relaxed feel and seats around thirty guests, making it well suited to quiet dinners and intimate celebrations. Fresh pasta, stone baked pizza, seasonal specials and carefully mixed drinks form the core of the experience.
Starters include marinated olives and bruschetta made with crisp bread, tomato, basil, garlic and balsamic glaze. These straightforward ingredients establish the kitchen’s Italian direction before the main courses. Seasonal choices and small plates can vary, allowing the restaurant to add dishes around the produce available at a particular time of year.
Pizza begins with a traditional Marinara of tomato, garlic, oregano and olive oil or a classic Margherita. Ham and mushroom, Spicy Temptation with salami and chilli, and Veggie Heaven with aubergine, mushroom and peppers offer familiar topping combinations. The Fifth Element calzone encloses prosciutto, mushroom and mozzarella and is served with marinara sauce.
Fresh pasta ranges from pesto and arrabbiata to beef Bolognese, carbonara, chicken Alfredo and prawns with cherry tomatoes. Pumpkin ravioli and mushroom pasta in white cream sauce broaden the vegetarian selection, while pork shank cooked with vegetables and white wine provides a substantial meat dish. Homemade desserts, bespoke cocktails, wine and beer complete the meal.
Address: 1 Valentine Row, Waterloo, London SE1 8QW, United Kingdom