Aquavit

Contemporary Nordic dining

What’s the vibe?

Elegant, twenty first century luxury that does not impose. Aquavit is a new concept that combines signature Nordic dishes with superb, sophisticated design. 

What’s it really like?

Quite beautiful. Located in the recently redeveloped St James Market in London, the interiors are the epitome of slick, modern luxury. If you can get a table for a late dinner on a Friday night, do as its especially lovely when the lights are dimmed and the gold furnishings glimmer. 

Why should you go?

The food - its really, really good. Developed by Executive Chef Henrik Ritzén, the menu is a celebration of traditional seafood and meat dishes from specific Nordic regions as well as a sheer love of pastry and breadmaking. 

What should you have?

Small sharing plates are the speciality. The menu has a host of seafood dishes that we could recommend - Shrimp Skagen, Herrings, Gravlax, and Vendace roe. The menu will also offer starters such as Venison tartare with wild blueberries, lingonberries and juniper as well as main courses including Turbot and Swedish meatballs. Throughout the day, you can munch on coffee from Johan & Nyström and freshly-baked cinnamon rolls. For those that are new to Scandinavian alcohol, be warned, its strong. Acquavit offers a huge selection of snaps, with acquavit itself getting its very distinctive flavour from cumin and dill. Highlights from the cocktail list include the Scandi Mule, Bergen Bitter, Nordfjord and Kalhygge.

The bill

Scandi Mule £10.50

Aurora £12

Shrimp skagen £18

Herrings £12

Veal tartare £12

Smoked eel £14

Monkfish £29

Beef Rydberg £29

Arctic Bird’s Nest £9.50

Norwegian omelette £9

TOTAL £155.00 

Explore further at Aquavit.