Aquavit is a Scandinavian inspired restaurant that originally opened its doors in New York in 1987. It not only earned two Michelin stars based on its singular Nordic cuisine, but also due to its novel and cohesive blend of formal and informal dining rooms both of which are imbued with elegant and sophisticated decor and styling.
Aquavit’s prowess and popularity in New York catalysed two more restaurants to be opened in both Tokyo and London. London’s Aquavit is located in the recently redeveloped St James’s Market in Central London, and is accompanied by Veneta and Anzu, two equally desirable restaurants. The interior design, overseen by Martin Brudnizki behind the design of Sexy Fish and the Ivy, is reminiscent of Nordic design with its timber-panelled walls, close-set and unclothed booth-like tables, and bright lighting. The simplicity of some design elements is effortlessly juxtaposed with chic chandeliers, sleek marble floors, and iridescent chrome fittings, creating an atmosphere of easy sophistication and contemporary Nordic dining.
The focal point of London’s Aquavit is its Swedish marble bar decorated with bottles of its namesake Aquavit, snaps and other Scandinavian spirits. Whilst waiting for your delicious meal to arrive indulge in a selection of Nordic cocktails such as Bergen Bitter and Nordfjord, both of which are fused with Nordic flavours like berries, fennel and caraway..
Aquavit’s head chef and fellow Swede Henrik Ritzen, previously a chef at The Arts Club in Mayfair as well as Lutyens in the city, offers cuisine resembling the clean flavours, healthy ingredients and simple presentation of well-known Nordic dishes. Guests will experience authentic Scandinavian delicacies starting with ‘smorgasbord’ small plates of pickled herring, scallop slices and venison tartare textualised with a sweet and savoury combination of blueberries, lingonberries, capers, shallots and potato strips. The ‘smorgasbord’ small plates can also be prepared as tapas-styled sharing meals reflecting some guests desire for lighter main meals, and a more intimate dining setting. Aquavit serves traditional Nordic main meals, including succulent chunks of steak, potato cubes and caramelised onions mixed together with an egg yolk, as well as sweetly seasoned pork and beef meatballs lightly doused in veal stock-based sauce, accompanied with mash, lingonberries and pickled cucumber. Aquavit’s cuisine captivates its guests with its motley of flavours and textures, creating unique dining experiences that emphasise the best of Nordic fine-dining.
London’s Aquavit is also renowned for its afternoon teas and day-time dining. Guests can enjoy an afternoon filled with delicious Swedish ‘smorrebrod’ served on rye bread studded with sunflower seeds, as well as the popular Nordic pastry mum-mums- swirls coated in dark chocolate and filled with fluffy marshmallow centres. Guests can end off their afternoon on an even sweeter note with dark chocolate and hazelnut cookies and Danish Hoogly tea with rhubarb, vanilla and custard flavours.
From day-time into the evening guests are immersed in Aquavit’s intimate dining experiences which fuse opulent interior design with a unique and contemporary adaptation of traditional Nordic cuisine.
Aquavit Cuisine, Dress Code & Address
Cuisine:Contemporary Nordic
Dress Code: Casual Elegant
Area: Central London
Address: St James’s Market, 1 Carlton Street, London SW1Y 4QQ
Website: http://www.aquavitrestaurants.com/
(4 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)
Loading...
Capital A List offers a personal VIP concierge as part of the Gold Membership, where we offer restaurant, bar and club recommendations and priority bookings for members in addition to our other services. For more information please visit Capital A List Membership.
Currently Featured
Mosimann’s – A Look Inside London’s Famous Members Restaurant
When one utters “Darling… I’m just popping in for a spot of lunch at a luxurious dining restaurant in Belgravia that catered to both Harry and William’s wedding; it has John Major, John Cleese and a long list of actors, writers, and politicians as regulars too. The rub is that you must be a member to even order a starter, and it catered for the Olympics, US presidents and some of the most powerful people […]
Ayllu: A Fusion Delight Beneath the Bustle of London
Nestled beneath the vibrant streets of Paddington, just beneath the bustling Smith’s Bar & Grill, lies Allyu—a hidden culinary spot that flawlessly marries the tastes of Peru and Japan in a chic yet relaxed setting. Recently, my artist pescetarian girlfriend and I enjoyed dining there, and our experience was undeniably delightful. Upon entering Allyu, we were greeted warmly and immediately at ease in the modern yet relaxed ambience. The décor is simple but incorporates elements […]
From Boujis to B… From Harry to Machine Gun Kelly. Marrying the classic with the contemporary.
How Carlo Carello and Jake Parkinson-Smith are merging generations to create London’s hottest nightclub, B London. Jake and Carlo were the faces behind Boujis, ‘the club’ in West London for a generation of naughties naughty folk. Boujis was a hangout for… and in no order of preference… Prince Harry, Will and Kate, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Bradley Cooper. Rihanna and Beyonce finished off with David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, with its high-end but local feel, […]
