How does the London outpost of the double FACT Award winner hold up?
It's not our first visit to Amazónico, but it is our first visit to Amazónico London. Much fanfare surrounds the brand, which has branches in Madrid and Dubai, offering a concept that takes diners on a sensory journey along the Amazon River and across Latin America.
Having been awarded Best Latin American Restaurant at the FACT Dining Awards Dubai for the past two years, Amazónico contuses to charm diners at its upmarket locations across the globe. That is, if you can get a reservation!
Sitting on Berkeley Square in the heart of Mayfair, Amazónico London is heaving on the Wednesday night we dine. As we enter beneath sweeping green awnings, it's as if we've entered the jungle. The sprawling venue is home to multiple dining rooms, a lively bar, and a subterranean nightclub, and makes quite the impression.
A well-stocked bar materialises from a wall of vegetation like some long-forgotten ruin, providing the ideal place for a pre- or post-dinner drink. This leads seductively towards the main dining room, where green velvet banquettes are enveloped in floral blooms and a canopy of foliage. A glass show kitchen is abuzz with flame-licked meats and slowly caramelising pineapples on a rotisserie. Head downstairs to the underwater-themed Octo Bar for the ultimate party vibe. Tucked beneath the kitchen, the mixology is as impressive as the glassware, where you can drink from a vessel shaped like a monkey or jaguar head.
With its lush and immersive ambience, Amazónico fully commits to its jungle theme, inviting diners to embark on a gastronomic adventure that blends vibrant Latin American flavours with the exotic allure of the Amazon. Available from lunch until late, Amazónico London's appealing menu uses traditional ingredients and modern techniques to transport guests to South America. Dishes such as the Cremoso (smoked burrata, cashew nuts and mezcal marinated grapes) and Ancas de Rana (fried frog legs with spiced mango dressing) are distinct talking points.
Our meal begins with the Ensalada Amazónica (£18), an alluring combination of mango, avocado, confit tomato and kalamansi citrus that is as fresh as it is colourful. This elevated salad bursts with colour and flavour, showcasing the diversity of the rainforest's bounty, from exotic fruits to aromatic herbs. The Aguachile (£25) is a pleasant surprise. This Mexican-style stone bass ceviche topped with avocado cream and fiery jalapeño offers a tropical take on a dish prevalent on many menus throughout the capital.
The Japanese Peruvian approach to Nikkei cuisine is apparent in the sushi selection, which boasts an impressive Lomi-Lomi (£18) iteration stuffed with Ōra King salmon, avocado, coriander and salmon roe. Yet, it's the vegetarian Amazónico Maki (£14) that has us returning to Amazónico time and again. The blend of mango, avocado, coconut and crunchy cacao nibs refreshes the palate while providing tropical textures.
For main courses, guests can choose from fish, wok-fried specialities or charcoal-grilled meats with the Monkfish (£38), Scottish Langoustines (£55) and Grilled Octopus (£36) proving popular choices. With 11 meat options, the Picanha Rodizio (£40 per 250 grams) is cooked to a beautiful medium-rare temperature, the Brazilian rump was tender and beautifully seasoned, accompanied by chargrilled broccoli, baby carrots and spicy panela (£11) and herbaceous chimichurri.
Desserts include the Tapioca Tropical (£12), a light blend of coconut and kaffir lime tapioca pearls, yuzu cream and chilli-infused mango, and the ever-popular Chocolate al Moctezuma (£16), featuring hot chocolate fondant served with avocado ice cream. However, the Piña Rostizada (£14), a roasted caramel glazed pineapple with corn cake and coconut sorbet, firmly had our hearts.
Amazónico London offers well-heeled diners a memorable Mayfair experience that stands out in the capital's competitive dining landscape. Expect a winning combination of great food, innovative drinks, striking decor and a lively atmosphere – where intricately woven rattan, lush greenery, and indigenous artwork create an environment that resonates with the Amazon's biodiversity and cultural richness.
Start your South American journey and book a table at this London restaurant now
GO: Visit www.amazonicorestaurant.com for reservations and more information.