Arkady Novikov's second restaurant is well worth the visit
Arkady Novikov's first London restaurant, unsurprisingly called Novikov, is the sort of place celebrities love to be seen at. It's located in Mayfair's Berkeley Street, opposite Nobu, and counts the likes of Rihanna as regular customers. So, I was intrigued to see how the Russian millionaire's second venture would compare.
The Brompton Asian Brasserie by Novikov has just opened its doors to the public. Specialising in contemporary Pan-Asian cuisine (although the menu does boast burgers and the less adventurous palate), it's set on Brompton Road, in between Knightsbridge and Kensington. And has a much more relaxed, less ostentious vibe than Novikov mark one.
Wanting to get a proper feel for this new Novikov restaurant, my guest and I worked our way through the menu with gusto. Particular highlights being the salmon sashimi, pork dim dum, the black pepper beef and an amazing warm duck salad, which I'm still thinking about to this day. All washed down with an incredibly moreish Riesling.
Most of the dishes we ordered were great, some were good and a couple were only ok. Given that it was the restaurant's opening night, a slightly hit or miss start is understandable.
The staff were unfalteringly polite and the decor was contemporary and light with open-to-view kitchens so you could see the sushi chefs working their magic. Downstairs is a cosier space with discreet booths and banquettes, should the likes of Rihanna fancy popping down the road to try out Novikov's newest venture.
The Brompton Asian Brasserie is a great way to sample what restaurateur extraordinaire Novikov has to offer, without having to remortgage your flat.
Brompton Asian Brasserie by Novikov, 223-225 Brompton Road, London SW3 2EJ. Tel: +44 (0)20 7225 2107.
Visit the website for more information.
