Inspired by the Manhattan dining scene, Avenue restaurant and bar offers a cool yet elegant dining experience right in the heart of Mayfair. With hard to read menus, often in French or Italian, and not to mention the significant price tag. Fine dining can be somewhat intimidating. However, you don’t have to be a regular cast member of ‘Made in Chelsea’ to enjoy fine dining in London. Avenue restaurant provides a fine dining experience for all to enjoy.
First Thoughts
Located amongst the historic backdrop of Pall Mall, you’ll find Avenue restaurant alongside the distinguished retailers and Georgian architecture typical of this area. The exterior décor is very understated, recognised only by a branded flag – we almost walked right passed it. The windows were draped in an installation made with fresh flowers, which adds an artistic twist to the contemporary aesthetic of the venue.
We were greeted by the soft sounds from the live band playing John Legend, shortly followed by the maître d’ who took our coats and showed us to our seats. The General Manager politely came over to introduce himself and talk us through the menu and specialities. (I can appreciate this may seem like preferential treatment, however I noticed that the General Manager was attending to other guests throughout the night and not just us.)
The space allowed for a comfortable bar area, that night was actually a networking event, so the bar was buzzing with people’s chatter. The bar alone would make for a good night out. And judging from the cocktails we got to try, the drinks menu serves classics with a twist!
What’s On The Menu at Avenue Restaurant?
Avenue restaurant describes their menu as “American cuisine”, however expect more than a good steak here. The menu had a nice range of fish, meat and vegetarian options – infusing French and American inspired cuisine.
As recommended by the General Manager, we opted for the scorched salmon starter and lamb cutlets for main. We also ordered the octopus carpaccio and venison main. The food was delightful! The plating was in line with most fine dining restaurants, yet each element on the dish was there for flavour as well as presentation.
Each course was paired with a great tasting wine to match. As we had fish starters, we were provided with a white wine (unfortunately didn’t catch which one it was). I’m not much of a white wine drinker as I find them quite sharp, but this was very refreshing and easy to drink. The red for the main, was the merlot, which was too easy to drink! I love my red wines, so this was definitely a top choice from me.
Final Thoughts
I found the overall dining experience near perfect. The ambience and setting was laid back, with a touch of elegance. The food was divine, and the service made for a delightful evening. Would I go there again? Yes! In a heartbeat. Even if only just for the lamb cutlets, these really were the highlight of the menu for me.
Service was key at this restaurant. All of the staff were attentive and welcoming and were constantly checking up on the diners. The menu had variation but was simple and not pretentious at all – which can often be the case with high end restaurants.
It’s a hidden gem, perfect for enjoying a relaxed romantic dinner or even just for a few cocktails at the bar. There are a few other nice restaurants in the area, but Avenue has now become a front winner for my favourite!
Top Recommendations:
- The scorched salmon starter is exquisite! Highly recommend it.
- Lamb cutlets for main would be top choice for main (and I’m not a big fan of lamb!).
Times & Cost:
Monday-Friday
Bar 10.00-01.00
Restaurant 12.00-15.00/17.30-22.30
Saturday
Bar 11.00-18.00/18.30-01.00
Restaurant 11.00-18.00 (Brunch) /19.00-22.30 (Dinner)
Sunday
Restaurant 10.00-16.00
Average total cost for 2 / £130 (based on the dinner a la carte menu)
For more information or to make a reservation, visit the Avenue restaurant website here.
Oh wow, the food here looks amazing. Will have to check it out! Your photography is absolutely gorgeous by the way, and I’m now off to stalk the rest of your blog…
I haven’t eaten here but the food does look very good. Will definitely be keeping a look out for this one
This restaurant sounds great! The lamb looks amazing.
C x
oh my, what a wonderful setting and beautifully presented food! Would be a lovely setting for a festive gathering
Avenue restaurant sounds fantastic. Sounds like the general manager dos a great job – I notice they do try to treat all the same. I’d go there for the lamb cutlets too!!!!
I don’t know why but I’ve been reading a lot of London travel guide lately, I want to visit London so bad! That looks so fun, I’m jelly! haha.
What a beautiful place! The food sounds and looks divine. I would love to dine here. Kaz
I love how laid back the atmosphere was and you really do need that especially during lunch! The lamb cutlets sound divine I think for a fine dining experience the price is very good.
This food looks lush, I love places that also cater well for vegetarians so this sounds great! I love the flag outside too, not going to miss that! X
Firstly your photography is incredible! Secondly what an amazing meal. The food looks perfectly presented. I don’t eat meat and my mouth was still watering just looking at it.
V <3
I’m drooling at the sound of the scorched salmon starter!
Oh wow the food all looks and sounds amazing! It looks like Avenue would be a great place for cocktails with the girls as well, that bar is gorgeous. The price seems quite reasonable for a London fine dining restaurant too.
Sounds like a great restaurant to visit! The food looks absolutely delicious. I’ll definitely have to check it out next time in London.
The restaurant looks beautiful and scorched salmon sounds delicious!
The food looks amazing! I need to keep this place in mind x
This food looks legit and amazing. Love everything about it, and if I were there, I have a feeling that this would be on my list of go to places!
What a gorgeous looking restaurant and the food looks AMAZING!