Established over a decade ago, Novikov Restaurant & Bar has firmly entrenched itself as a vital part of Mayfair’s dining landscape and is renowned for hosting high-profile guests. Situated in a prime corner building on Berkeley Street, just steps from The Ritz, this establishment has attracted a devoted clientele that includes celebs such as Tom Cruise, Prince Harry, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, and Novak Djokovic.
The appeal of Novikov Restaurant & Bar stems from its remarkable culinary offerings, which artfully combine innovative flavors and textures, all using the freshest ingredients in a stylish setting. The restaurant is spread across three levels, featuring lavish interiors created by Geometry Design with Keir Townsend Project Managers overseeing the artful transformation. Novikov comprises two uniquely themed dining areas: an Asian Restaurant on the ground floor, which specializes in Chinese and Pan Asian fare, and an Italian Restaurant on the upper level, celebrated for its regional Italian dishes with a contemporary flair. Both spaces showcase an impressive assortment of fresh fish and vegetables, elegantly presented from open kitchens that source ingredients directly from the restaurant’s own two-acre Victorian walled garden at Brent Eleigh Hall in Suffolk. Additionally, a separate Lounge Bar located beneath the Asian restaurant has become a hot spot, famed for its extensive cocktail selection, live music, and performances by renowned DJs. The Lounge Bar features an eclectic mix of decor from various eras and cultures, contrasting antiques with modern furniture and vibrant textiles alongside classic chandeliers and antique leather.
On a Friday evening in mid-October, my husband and I made our way to the Asian Restaurant, where a lively atmosphere prevailed, filled with fashionable couples, well-dressed groups, and families enjoying their night out. The sleek granite walls highlighted the dramatic ebony bar adorned with jade stone. The venue integrates natural materials like wood, stone, and leather, enhanced by thoughtful details such as a cracked stone wall and bamboo chandeliers. A notable aspect of the Asian Restaurant is its open kitchen, which displays an impressive array of seafood and ingredients reminiscent of an Asian market.
Seated at a table perfectly situated between the kitchen and front windows, we had an excellent perspective for people-watching. Our attentive server introduced us to an extraordinarily diverse menu. The front section encompasses nearly every imaginable Pan Asian and Chinese dish, with standout options such as Crispy California Caviar rolls, Novikov Black Cod, and Lobster Yuzu dim sum. The latter part of the menu features the Fish Market, presenting premium choices for discerning diners, including a Whole Crab priced at £1000 and Novikov Wagyu Sando sushi at £85.
After much consideration and with valuable guidance from our waiter, we opted to sample a variety of dishes from the menu. We began our culinary journey with an exceptional Wakame Salad, elegantly garnished with dried seaweed, followed by perfectly warmed Edamame sprinkled with Maldon Sea Salt Flakes. We shared two sushi rolls: the California rolls, which were flawless, and the Rishi Rolls, a vegetarian option filled with warm roasted peppers and avocado. The crunch of the peppers complemented the creamy avocado beautifully, making it one of the highlights of our meal.
Next, we savored the shiitake dumplings, which were absolutely delightful, enhanced by a sprinkle of nutritional yeast that brought out the earthy mushroom flavors. The Novikov Black Cod was a standout – tender, sweet, and succulent, it set a high standard for miso black cod dishes everywhere. We also enjoyed grilled asparagus, cooked al dente and drizzled with a sweet soy sauce, along with rich aubergine sautéed in a ginger spring onion glaze. Following our server’s recommendation, we concluded our meal with the Porcini & Truffle Kamameshi, a richly satisfying rice hot pot.
For dessert, we selected two enticing options from the dessert menu. My husband was nearly tempted by the sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream, but our knowledgeable waiter suggested the hazelnut profiteroles instead. We were both thankful for this decision: the praline cream was exquisite, perfectly complemented by caramelized hazelnuts. I chose the intriguingly titled ‘Bananas About Cake’, a luscious dulce de leche lava cake adorned with caramel banana and peanut butter crumble, served alongside salted caramel ice cream—a decadent, adult interpretation of banoffee pie. It was worth every calorie. As we were leaving, we noticed a nearby table with a woman who had ordered another whimsically named dessert, the ‘Oops! Side Down’, which looked delightful: soft-serve ice cream in a charcoal cone, artfully arranged with mixed berries on the side—a compelling reason to return.
Novikov has become synonymous with upscale dining, drawing a clientele that includes notable individuals like Bill Clinton and Naomi Campbell, and justifiably so. It serves as an exclusive haven for the affluent while providing an exceptional culinary experience and inviting ambiance for all its patrons. For those in search of a night out in London, enhanced by outstanding food and ample opportunities for people-watching, Novikov Restaurant & Bar continues to be the top choice.
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