Pandemic or no pandemic, this time of year will always be carnival time. If your hopes for shaking it in the streets of Brazil in your finest carnival outfit have been shattered, fear not, Amazonico is open for business.
Landing in Mayfair in November 2018, this restaurant hasn’t really flown too far. Surprisingly, Amazonico hails from Madrid, not Brazil, with a restaurant in Dubai thrown in as standard.
Atmosphere
As soon as you step inside Amazonico, you are hit with the tropical theme. From the walls, to the floors, and even the food. Birds of paradise and other exotic plants and animals will be in sight.
Don’t get me wrong, it is done in an incredible way. It’s like stepping into the Amazon rainforest, without the excessive humidity and the worry of accidentally stepping on a bullet ant (those things are terrifying).
In the back room, the sushi bar is elegantly decorated with shells, giving a little mermaid vibe. There is also often a live band playing, adding to the Brazilian holiday aura. Stay late enough and you’ll be treated to a DJ and saxophonist serenading you in the bar area. If you make the cut, you may also be allowed in the club room downstairs.
Food
Amazonico is a Latin American restaurant, heavily inspired by East Asian cuisine. The a la carte menu is small, but includes all of the dishes you would expect, such as empanadas, arepas and rodizio meats. Or, you could try something from the sushi menu, which is full of delicious freshly made rolls.
As a pescatarian, this is what I ordered and ate at Amazonico London:
- Las Ostras de Massa aka British harvested oysters
- Mango and avocado maki
- Arepas de Cangrejo aka crab arepas
- Lomi-lomi aka a salmon and avocado maki
The food was small, but delicious, and presented immaculately. It is designed for sharing. Between four of us, we had seven plates, which was just about right. A special shout out goes to the mango and avocado maki for being absolutely delectable, we had to order more!
Drinks
The cocktail list is exciting. Not just because it is illustrated like an early edition Jungle Book, but because they actually come in impressive glasses. Expect to have your drink brought to you in an animal head (ceramic of course), or covered by a glass bell jar filled with smoke.
The concoctions are quite unique, and as someone who likes to try different drinks, I was thrilled. The bar is packed full of the usuals too, if you don’t fancy being adventurous. Their list of spirits is extensive, and their wine menu is 30 pages long! It’s safe to say Amazonico caters to pretty much any taste.
Price
Going into Amazonico, I was expecting to pay through my nose. Mainly for the fact that it is themed, and in Mayfair. After seeing it for myself, eating the amazing food, drinking out of insta worthy glasses, and being tended to by brilliantly accommodating staff, I would have expected to pay more than I did.
Seven plates, split between four, with a cocktail each was around £80 including service.
Overall
If you’re looking for something a bit different for girls night, or want to pretend you’re on holiday, head to Amazonico. If not for the food, go for its Insta friendly rating of 100 (given by me).
Book a table here.
From Brazil to Cuba, have you checked out La Rampa?
