Set to officially open this month, I Robert brings something completely different to the Mayfair dining scene – a cosy, stylish and exceptionally affordable neighbourhood café bar and restaurant that offers a real respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Here you will find home-cooked Mediterranean food served in light and bright surroundings decorated with stunning original artwork by contemporary talents such as Tsuzuki Mayumi and Séamus Connolly.
The West End’s very own local trattoria – named after a painting by renowned animal artist Kate Boxer (left) – I Robert is the place where locals will be greeted by name and first-time visitors will feel immediately at home. A place where everybody will be in a holiday mood, without even having to leave the capital.
I Robert’s kitchen is presided over by the brilliant Michele Granziera, who spent seven years at Zafferano. He was then appointed executive chef at Avista restaurant in the Millennium Mayfair hotel where he was awarded two Rosettes.
Specialising in rustic, family-style dishes that are at the heart of the best Mediterranean cooking, Michele’s menu will feature signature starters such as Gallega octopus with chorizo & green sauce and mains of the calibre of braised pork cheek, mashed potatoes & red wine jus and red mullet with spinach & tapenade. Italian and Spanish charcuterie and cheese plates will be served throughout the day, with a charcuterie selection and carafe of wine pairing available for an incredible £15.50.
One of the specialities of the house is the pasta, all made freshly every day and rolled entirely by hand. A dying art even in Italy, hand-rolled pasta is infinitely superior to anything produced by a machine, as its rougher texture traps and holds the sauce, giving dishes such as the I Robert tagliolini with rabbit ragout a much richer flavour.
The wine list is comprehensive and thanks to a partnership with a nearby cellar, if your favourite wine is not featured, it can be with you in 10 minutes. Along with a fine array of grappe, spirits and liqueurs, I Robert also offers a range of home-made lemonades sweetened with honey and spiced with ginger.
Set across two floors, with the restaurant upstairs and a café on the ground level, I Robert also features a smattering of al fresco tables.
The ideal spot for family gatherings, business lunches and more intimate private events, I Robert is the latest addition to the portfolio of London restaurants owned by legendary restaurateur Arkady Novikov.
I Robert will be open Monday to Saturday, from 11.30am until 10pm.
54 Curzon Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8PG.