Novikov: Italian luxury in the heart of Mayfair

When it comes to dining in Mayfair, there aren’t many places as renowned and glamorous as Novikov. Hidden behind glossy black doors on Berkeley Street with an authoritative looking gentleman on the door, ready to cater to your every need – that is if you have a reservation. Frequented by celebrities, business moguls and Russian royalty, it is most nights that Novikov is bursting at the seams with high society individuals. The Italian addition at the back of the restaurant brings a more laid back vibe to the establishment with beautiful interiors and exceptional flavours straight from Tuscany.

Renowned for its Asian cuisine, the addition of the Italian restaurant adds another string to the bow of the Novikov empire. With an extensive menu of Italian classics, the highly trained chefs heading up the kitchen have thrown in the contemporary twist Novikov is so famed for. With an extensive wine list to accompany it makes for the perfect harmony in rustic, flavoursome cooking.

The highly decorated, cosy vibe of the Italian restaurant adds a much needed rustic vibe to the Novikov empire. With plush dining chairs and ornate lighting filling the room, the interiors really set this place apart as you feel you have entered a bustling dining room in the middle of Tuscany. A mixture of intimate corners for two and big round tables for business dinners or parties, the overall vibe is extremely lively and fun. Perfect for a lavish Friday night dinner before heading to the downstairs bar to sip cocktails until the early hours of the morning.

As the reputation surrounding Novikov is notoriously high, the expectations were great for its Italian cuisine. The tuna tartar was a fresh and light way to start what I knew would be an indulgent feast, as was the vitello tonnato accompanied with tuna mayonnaise. Moving onto mains, was a perfectly seared beef fillet tagliata with rocket, parmesan & Worcester dressing along with wood roasted whole suckling pig and baked apples. As far as flavours go, the mains were leaps and bounds ahead of the usual Italian flavours that are delivered in more mediocre establishments. I would also go as far to say the melt in the middle chocolate fondant for dessert was probably the best I’ve ever had, cooked to perfection and ending the meal in a suitably indulgent manner.

With a sommelier dedicated to the table, choosing wine was easy under his educated guidance. A dry, crisp champagne to start was the perfect accompaniment to a light, fish starter. Moving onto an exquisite Pinot Noir to accompany the mains. The knowledge that staff have of the wine list really adds to the dining experience and allows you to gain knowledge on what will really compliment a dish.

There is no two ways about it, the damage is high for Novikov. With mains averaging at around £40, starters at £15-25 and wine potentially costing extortionate amounts – this really is a destination for celebrations or when you’re feeling an ultimate splurge.

Lavish, booze-fuelled dinners with a big group of friends or a glamorous date night.

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