IRobert: bringing the warmth of the Mediterranean to Mayfair
Words: Gentleman's Journal
When someone suggests dinner in Mayfair, I can’t seem to stop my mind from wandering to stuffy hotel bars, men in suits crowded around an overpriced bar and impersonal atmospheres. Up until now, it’s been a struggle to find a relaxed mid-week supper destination that isn’t a members’ club, or horrifically priced. That was until I Robert hit the scene. Owned by renowned restauranteur Arkady Novikov, I Robert serves up home-cooked Mediterranean food in the warmest of atmospheres, while retaining the sophisticated evening vibe Mayfair is so loved for.
Situated on a quiet street just off Berkeley Square, the surrounding atmosphere is filled with a light evening buzz. As you would expect, the welcome is incredibly warm at I Robert, not dissimilar to returning home to your distant family in Italy who you haven’t seen in years. Greeted by your first name and asked if you would prefer to sit upstairs or downstairs, the accommodating nature of the staff at I Robert is what really sets it apart.
Now, a special mention has to be given to the upstairs interior. With downstairs taking on a modern, wine bar type of vibe, the grandeur that awaits upstairs is entirely unexpected. Intricate watercolour paintings fill the walls and period features wrap around the intimately lit dining room. With large chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and plush drapes covering the full height windows, it feels as if you’ve been transported to the ancient glamour of a Parisian dining room. Downstairs is ideal for a casual catch up with friends or anything work related. With upstairs taking on a much more romantic ambience, it is the perfect setting for a date night or more intimate dinner with a close group of friends.
The menu takes on a home-cooking approach, only with a lot more finesse. The sea bass carpaccio was light, fresh and everything you would want from a starter, while the burrata with vine-ripened tomatoes was the most authentic and flavoursome I’ve ever had. From the first course it was apparent that quality is everything at I Robert, as flavours have clearly been mastered and perfected over the years. For the main course it was beef meatballs in a curried vegetable sauce with chorizo, served in a huge wrought iron pan – perfect for an autumnal evening and the definition of comfort food.
The braised pig’s cheeks with mashed potato and a red wine jus were everything you would want from a hearty mid-week meal. With a simple yet well selected wine list, the Italian red we chose to accompany the main courses was exceptional. However, the homemade pasta must be on your list to try which is lovingly made fresh each day. The I Robert tagliolini with rabbit ragout is their signature dish and one that cannot go untasted.
Dessert came in the form of a classic lemon meringue tart which was exactly as expected; handmade buttery pastry and perfectly made meringue. They keep their menu simple at I Robert but that is all part of the homemade, neighbourhood like charm. Nothing is over embellished, you know what to expect and it gives you exactly what you want from good quality, hearty Mediterranean cuisine.
In a part of London that is notorious for overpriced and flamboyant dining, I Robert successfully takes it down a notch to what really matters – delivering reliable and incredibly well made food. With the most expensive dish coming in at £27, it’s not going to break the bank for a mid-week dinner. So, if there’s anywhere I would recommend for a cosy autumnal supper this season, it’s going to be here.
For more information, visit I Robert.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
