Latin American restaurant to be opened by Argentine Ambassador

Alfonsina, a new South American dining destination in Farringdon, will be opened by the Argentine Ambassador to the UK on Thursday, 23 January. 

Located at 50–52 Long Lane, across from Smithfield's Market, the restaurant is owned and operated by chef Ricardo Younis Moreno and his wife, Mariska van Beukering. 

Born in Argentina, with Italian and Lebanese heritage, the chef is inspired by his global links. The menu draws influence from Argentine, Mexican, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine. 

Chef Moreno most recently worked for Ricker Restaurants in London and was previously at La Mar by Gastón Acurio in San Francisco. Alfonsina is a nod to his roots, named after a beach in his hometown of Mar del Plata, Argentina. 

An official opening

The Ambassador of Argentina in the UK, Mariana Plaze, will officially launch the restaurant at 5pm on Thursday. She will be accompanied by minister Gonzalo Ortiz de Zarate and cultural attaché Martin Alemandi.

"Alfonsina will offer a mix of Latin American cuisines with a fusion twist," says the chef. "Don't be surprised to find pasta dishes or fatay (Lebanese-style pies) on the menu, alongside Peruvian cebiche, Argentinian grilled meats, and influences from Mexico and Brazil. I have worked and lived in many countries; so, I'm also strongly influenced by Mexico and Brazil, places where I worked and lived for several years. It's all about celebrating the diversity of Latin American flavours."

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