Ever tried authentic Armenian food curated by a two-Michelin star chef? We hadn’t either, until a recent visit to Lusin – the latest addition to Mayfair’s thriving restaurant scene. The new restaurant takes your tastebuds on a gastronomic journey to Eastern Europe and the Levant without leaving Central London, and The Handbook team were some of the first to check it out.
The newest addition to a group of well-established restaurants, Lusin (which means “moon in Armenian”) is already a hit in Saudi Arabia with four high-end outposts, and even Saudi Arabian royalty and government officials among its guests. Born out of the founder’s travels through Armenia and Lebanon, the fresh ingredients, delicious unique dishes and fusion concept made it an instant success, and for the first time they’ve brought their award-winning Armenian food to London.
Spread across two floors in the heart of Mayfair, the new Hay Hill restaurant seats up to 100 diners, and its interiors and atmosphere are reflective of old Armenian traditions combined with modern luxuries.
On first entering the restaurant, guests are met with three pillars hand-carved with intricate symbols, from the ‘Tree Of Life’ to the ‘Eternity’ symbol, resembling the Armenian Khachkar carved from stone by the craftspeople and communities of Armenia.
Designed by interior design expert Arch. Maram Seddiq, walls also bring a piece of Armenia to Mayfair, featuring coloured Armenian Tuff Stone that sourced from Armenian Mountains in shades of Pink, Artic Violet, Black, and Anti-Tobacco.
The London menu has been curated by two Michelin-star chef Marcel Ravin (of Blue Bay in Monaco) with innovative dishes throughout, like the Famous Cherry Kebab made from spiced kebab skewers, charcoaled and covered with their signature home-made cherry sauce. Whilst Ravin himself won’t be cooking at the Mayfair restaurant, the kitchen is led by Lusin Mayfair’s incredible head chef Chris Zachwieja.
Elsewhere on the menu, drinks are just as thoughtfully curated, with twists on classic cocktails and a range of Armenian wines selected by Giancarlo Mancino, beverage and bar consultant for The Rosewood hotels.
Dishes allow guests to taste and savour authentic Armenian food with a modern twist, and the impressive menu is made up of Lusin specialties, grilled meats, seafood, and hot and cold appetisers aplenty.
Renowned for distinctive aromas and rich flavour combinations, the sweet tanginess of pomegranate is in abundance at Lusin across a range of their exquisite dishes – a standout being the Lusin Kibbeh. Prepared with a special recipe of mixed meat, bulgur and nuts, seasoned with distinctive Armenian spices, and finished with pomegranate molasses, it’s the perfect representation of delicious Armenian cuisine.
There’s also The Lusin Salad, a smoky baked aubergine topped with shredded cheese, vegetables, herb coulis, pesto and fresh leaves; the utterly succulent Sheesh Tawook – grilled skewers of marinated chicken breast with herb toum sauce; and the Cheese Borak – fried rolls stuffed with akawi cheese.
No detail has been missed at Lusin, and the restaurant makes a rare, unique addition to London’s dining scene – a difficult feat these days with so much competition, but one that this delicious new spot has successfully achieved.
CALL +44 7384 339370
Location
LUSIN MAYFAIR, 16 HAY HILL, LONDON, W1J 8NY
WWW.LUSINRESTAURANT.COM
Source The Handbook