Very few restaurants excite me as much as an Ottolenghi restaurant. The style, the flavour, the simplicity – especially when you know the food isn’t that simple. Yotam Ottolenghi makes it all seem so effortless. Rovi in Fitzrovia, is Ottolenghi’s newest restaurant to open in the capital.
Rovi is light, it’s airy, and beautifully designed. The mismatching bespoke O napkins, which you can buy at the little shop in the front, just add to the charm.
The service at Rovi Fitzrovia really stands out. Our waiter talked us through the menu, with knowledge and good recommendations for food and cocktails. He was spot on for it all. Joanna & I didn’t need persuading to switch from the really good non-alcoholic cocktails, to a super delicious Tutti Fruity Tommy, which had it not been Monday, we’d have had two!
We skipped the ‘With Drinks’ and realised as the table next to us sat down to eat at the end of our meal, that it was a huge mistake. They looked so good, we were already planning to come back.
What we ate at Rovi:
We started instead with the corn ribs, which were super tasty, finished on the grill they had that chard taste, which I love. The apricot sauce was an added bonus – and presentation was 10/10.
The beef carpaccio was sensational. I’m not a huge meat eater, but this was delicate, full of flavour and utterly delicious.
The runner beans are a favourite already, so we tried these, and again so tasty, loved the goats cheese with the almonds. A simple and totally perfect dish.
The squid lardo skewers were a hit. Although I wasn’t sure about the lardo, the subtle flavour mixed in with the squid worked perfectly.
The menu is a very vegetarian friendly, so there is something for everyone. Coffee was delicious, but I expected nothing less, as I often pass just to pick up a cup.
Pudding didn’t disappoint with the apricot clafoutis in a fig leaf with fig ice cream. On that note I leave you, as I log on to make another reservation. This is honestly up there, as one of my favourite new restaurants in London. Fitzrovia becomes more interesting by the month.
Verdict on Rovi in Fitzrovia:
Service : 10/10 Knowledgable, super efficient, and generally fabulous
Ambiance : 9/10 We went at lunchtime, so a few suits & famillies. It wasn’t too loud, but had a warm and friendly feel to it.
Food : 10/10 We enjoyed everything we ate.
Coffee: 10/10 Excellent coffee!
Value for money : 9/10 Rovi isn’t cheap, but it’s not super expensive either. We did have cocktails & a glass of wine, so that pushed it up a bit. Everything we ordered we really enjoyed, will we go back – absolutely.
Rovi : 59 Wells St, Fitzrovia, London