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34 Mayfair
Summer evenings in London are always memorable, especially when they are accompanied by sunshine. You could be happy just strolling around and soaking up the buzz, but even then, you’d need somewhere to be fed and watered. 34 Mayfair offers a little more than that! You’ll definitely want to linger over your meal and savour the stylish surroundings before resuming your stroll around beautiful Mayfair. The entrance to the restaurant is in South Audley Street just off Grosvenor Square in the heart of Mayfair (and a minute’s walk from the previous US Embassy location), I have walked passed this intriguing-looking restaurant on many occasions as it is hard to miss with the stunning arrangement of colourful flowers surrounding the entrance.
The interior is seductive and sophisticated, the result of Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. The dark polished oak parquet floor feels like it’s seen centuries of footsteps. There are also hints of New York’s Upper East Side about this restaurant, with its colourful contemporary art collection balancing perfectly with the Art Deco, Edwardian and traditional English influences. A great deal of time was seemingly spent sourcing and creating bespoke items for the restaurant including the Turnbull, a beautiful copper and silver vessel adorned with bull’s heads to keep the steaks warm on the table. The steak knives were sourced in France, the linen from Italy, and the napkin rings, Edwardian-style lamps, crystal rock glasses, onion ring holders and ice buckets (both complete with bulls’ heads) and menu covers are all bespoke. In short, 34 Mayfair oozes style and understated elegance.
Starters & Mains
To commence, I really enjoyed the 34 shrimp cocktail (£17.75). My wife ordered burrata & raf tomato salad with charred avocado, tardive and pine nut biscotti (£13.50). I should also mention the ‘Raw’ menu including mixed sashimi, yellowfin tuna takaki and steak tartare, which I am sure would all be all superb, whilst other options include a range of salads, roast summer tomato soup, chargrilled octopus and argyll smoked salmon. I was seriously tempted by the cornish crab with pink grapefruit, avocado and pistachio, but the size and succulence of the shrimps was enough to cure any potential food envy.
34 Mayfair is a modern grill restaurant, offering a seasonal menu of meat, game, fish and shellfish. The centrepiece of the kitchen is the bespoke Argentinean parrilla grill, which is fed by natural fuels. Beef plays an important role here, and is carefully sourced - they offer a wide variety of options including steaks from Saltcoats, Scotland, Argentine Grass-Fed Angus, USDA Prime (including Chateaubriand for two, which our neighbours enjoyed) and Japanese Wagyu grade A5. Other main course options include the 34 hamburger, chargrilled Iberico pork chop; some appetising fish dishes including roast fillet of cod, dover sole and Indonesian spiced stone bass; and finally, some ‘classics’ including spiced spatchcock chicken, meatballs with spaghetti and lobster macaroni. There is also an appealing weekend brunch menu and a good selection of vegetarian dishes. When overcome with choice (how to choose between steak and my all-time favourite lobster macaroni), I always seek advice, and I was not disappointed by the recommended bone-in rib steak (Saltcoats, Scotland) (£38.50). My wife opted for the tandoori monkfish & tiger prawn skewer (£29.50). We both shared some fries, spinach (with garlic and olive oil), and tenderstem broccoli (with chilli and almonds) – all priced at £5.50. The steak was medium-well and cooked to perfection. It was large, but the sheer flavour and melt-in-mouth texture meant it was no match to my appetite. It was one of the tastiest steaks I have enjoyed in a long time. Similarly, the monkfish with tiger prawns was positively devoured. My wife commented on the delicious chargrilled flavour of the fish, obviously, the result of that celebrated Argentinian grill.
Dessert & Wine
For dessert, I ordered the peanut butter crunch bar with blackcurrant sorbet (£8.75), and my wife went for the flourless coconut cake with roasted pineapple & coconut sorbet (£9.50). Of course, we sampled each other’s desserts, both of which left us feeling completely satiated at the end of a memorable meal. There is also a great range of ice-creams, a range of fruity infused desserts - including pavlova and baked cheesecake, and another favourite of mine (one for next time) the selection of English Cheeses.
The service here is attentive, slick and friendly. Smartly dressed waiting staff were on hand to advise on the menu and wine. They offer a wonderfully diverse and extensive wine list, offering wines for every budget and taste; as it was a warm evening, we enjoyed a chilled bottle of delicious house rose wine with our meal.
As we were in no rush to leave, we willingly accepted the invitation to view the private dining room located upstairs. This is the ‘Emin Room’ an impressive space, housing specially commissioned art by Tracey Emin. Opened in December 2013, The Emin Room is adorned with her signature neons and a stunning collection of charcoal drawings. It would make a fabulous venue for a private lunch, dinner or reception.
Our evening at 34 Mayfair was relaxed and enjoyable. The food and atmosphere were perfect, making it one of the essential places to dine in London. If you want to visit to experience this for yourself, please note that reservations are essential.
