Since its establishment over ten years ago, Novikov Restaurant & Bar has secured its position as a cornerstone of Mayfair’s dining scene, celebrated as a venue for high-profile appearances. Nestled in a prominent corner building on Berkeley Street, mere steps from The Ritz, this restaurant has garnered a loyal following among celebrities, including figures like Tom Cruise, Prince Harry, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, and Novak Djokovic.
The allure of Novikov Restaurant & Bar lies in its exceptional culinary experience, which masterfully blends innovative textures and flavors using the freshest ingredients, all set within an inherently chic ambiance. The venue spans three levels, with exquisite interiors designed by Geometry Design under the guidance of Keir Townsend Project Managers. Novikov features two distinctly themed dining sections: an Asian Restaurant, focusing on Chinese and Pan Asian dishes on the ground floor, and an Italian Restaurant, which serves regional Italian cuisine with a modern twist on the upper level. Both areas boast remarkable selections of fresh fish and vegetables artfully displayed from open-plan kitchens, sourced directly from Novikov’s own two-acre Victorian walled garden at Brent Eleigh Hall in Suffolk. Additionally, a stand-alone Lounge Bar located below the Asian restaurant has emerged as a sought-after hotspot, known for its extensive cocktail offerings, live music, and performances from renowned DJs. The Lounge Bar is decorated with a diverse mix of items from different eras and cultures, featuring a striking contrast of antiques, contemporary furniture, Asian decor, classical chandeliers, and vibrant velvets alongside antique leather.
On a Friday night in mid-October, my husband and I made our way to the Asian Restaurant, where the atmosphere buzzed with energy, filled with stylish couples, elegantly dressed groups, and even families enjoying a night out. The sleek granite walls enhanced the dramatic ebony bar-counter, elegantly adorned with jade stone. The venue utilizes natural materials such as wood, stone, and leather, accented by subtle details like a cracked stone wall and bamboo chandeliers. A standout feature of the Asian Restaurant is its open kitchen, showcasing a stunning display of seafood and produce reminiscent of an Asian market.
Seated at a table ideally located between the kitchen and the front windows, we had a great vantage point for people-watching. Our attentive waiter presented us with a remarkably diverse menu. The front section covers nearly every Pan Asian and Chinese dish imaginable, with highlights such as Crispy California Caviar rolls, Novikov Black Cod, and Lobster Yuzu dim sum. The back part of the menu is dedicated to the Fish Market, featuring high-end choices suitable for discerning diners, including a Whole Crab priced at £1000 and Novikov Wagyu Sando premium sushi at £85.
After contemplating various options and receiving insightful advice from our waiter, we decided to take a comprehensive approach to sampling the menu. We began our meal with the exceptional Wakame Salad, beautifully 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 impeccable, and the Rishi Rolls, a vegetarian option filled with warm roasted pepper and avocado. The crunch of the pepper paired wonderfully with the cool creaminess of the avocado, making it one of the highlights of our evening.
Next, we enjoyed shiitake dumplings, which were absolutely delightful, enhanced by a dusting of nutritional yeast that brought out the earthy flavors of the mushrooms. The Novikov Black Cod was a standout – tender, sweet, and succulent, it set a high bar for miso black cod dishes everywhere. We also tried some perfectly cooked grilled asparagus, served al dente with a sweet soy sauce, and rich aubergine sautéed in a ginger spring onion glaze. Following our waiter’s suggestion, we rounded out our meal with the Porcini & Truffle Kamameshi, a delicious and satisfying rice hot pot.
For dessert, we opted for two tempting selections from the extensive dessert menu. My husband almost settled on the sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream, but was encouraged by our knowledgeable waiter to try the hazelnut profiteroles instead. We were both grateful for this choice: the praline cream was simply exquisite, complemented perfectly by caramelized hazelnuts. I chose the intriguingly named ‘Bananas About Cake’, a decadent dulce de leche lava cake topped with caramel banana and peanut butter crumble, accompanied by salted caramel ice cream—a rich, adult version of banoffee pie. It was well worth every calorie. As we departed, we noticed a woman at a nearby table had ordered another whimsically named dessert, the ‘Oops! Side Down’, which appeared delightful: a soft-serve ice cream in a charcoal cone, creatively arranged with mixed berries on a plate—a perfect reason for a return visit.
Novikov has established itself as synonymous with upscale dining, attracting a clientele that includes notable figures like Bill Clinton and Naomi Campbell, and rightly so. It serves as an exclusive playground for the affluent while ensuring a top-tier culinary experience and inviting atmosphere for all its guests. For those seeking an evening out in London, complete with exceptional food and ample opportunities for people-watching, Novikov Restaurant & Bar remains the premier destination.
Image Source: Sticky Notes Queen / Shutterstock
