ROVI Unveiled: 5 Essential Insights for the Culinary Curious

In the bustling heart of Fitzrovia lies ROVI, a culinary gem that has been drawing the attention of food enthusiasts and critics alike. My recent visit to this acclaimed establishment was nothing short of a revelation, offering a dining experience that seamlessly marries innovation with tradition.

ROVI is a distinguished restaurant in London's Fitzrovia district, established by renowned chef Yotam Ottolenghi. The name "ROVI" is a portmanteau derived from "Ro" for "roots" and "Vi" for "vegetables," reflecting the restaurant's emphasis on vegetable-centric cuisine. The menu showcases innovative dishes that celebrate vegetables from root to tip, with a focus on fermentation and cooking over fire.

Yotam Ottolenghi, a celebrated Israeli-British chef and food writer, is the proprietor of ROVI. He is acclaimed for his vibrant and flavourful Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine, which has significantly influenced contemporary dining. ROVI is part of Ottolenghi's collection of restaurants, which also includes NOPI and several delis across London.

The Menu: A Culinary Canvas Breakdown Painted with Seasonal Colours

ROVI's menu is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to seasonal produce and sustainable cooking practices. Under the guidance of a visionary culinary team, the kitchen becomes a stage for showcasing the best of what each season has to offer. The menu is a kaleidoscope of flavours, featuring fermented vegetables, grilled meats, and seafood, all cooked over an open flame to infuse them with a distinctive smokiness that has become a signature of ROVI.

A standout dish that epitomises the essence of ROVI is their celeriac shawarma, a brilliant vegetarian twist on a classic Middle Eastern dish. The combination of textures and flavours, complemented by a touch of fermentation, encapsulates the restaurant's innovative approach to cooking. The menu is thoughtfully designed to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences, ensuring that every guest finds something to delight their palate.

Nestled in the heart of Fitzrovia, ROVI by Yotam Ottolenghi presents a culinary experience that celebrates the art of vegetable-centric cuisine, accentuated by the nuances of fermentation and the primal allure of cooking over fire. The menu, meticulously crafted in collaboration with small-scale producers and the restaurant's own kitchen garden, offers a symphony of seasonal flavours that pay homage to both tradition and innovation.

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Nibbles

• Chickpea Chips: Golden batons of chickpea flour, crisped to perfection, accompanied by tender peas and a piquant scotch bonnet vinegar, delivering a harmonious balance of heat and earthiness.
• Padron Peppers: Charred to bring out their natural sweetness, these peppers are elegantly paired with smoked almonds and an orange-infused dukkah, offering a delightful interplay of textures and flavours.

Small Plates

• Burrata: A luscious orb of burrata, draped with courgettes kissed by Aleppo chilli, and elevated by cherry blossom vinegar and marjoram oil, creating a delicate yet complex palate experience.
• Tomato Salad: An artful assembly of heirloom tomatoes, their natural acidity complemented by smoked labneh and the surprising sweetness of cherries, resulting in a refreshing and layered dish.
• Runner Beans & Charred Peach: Crisp runner beans entwined with caramelised charred peaches, adorned with Rosary goat’s cheese and smoked almonds, offering a medley of sweet, smoky, and tangy notes.
• Coal Roasted Beetroot: Beetroots roasted over coals to intensify their earthy sweetness, served with walnut pkhali and a vibrant green olive salsa, exemplifying a masterful blend of Georgian and Mediterranean influences.
• Celeriac Shawarma: Thinly sliced celeriac, marinated and roasted to emulate the rich flavours of traditional shawarma, accompanied by bkeila and fermented tomato, showcasing a plant-based triumph.

Small Plates – Fish

• Grilled Octopus: Tender tentacles of octopus, grilled to perfection, resting on a bed of fava beans and fennel, drizzled with a Szechuan pepper oil that imparts a subtle, tingling spice.
• Grilled Mackerel: Succulent fillets of mackerel, their natural richness balanced by a chilli sambal and tomatillo, offering a zesty and invigorating seafood experience.

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Small Plates – Meat

• Beef Carpaccio: Paper-thin slices of premium beef, adorned with a confit garlic and lime dressing, pickled shallots, and a scattering of rocket, delivering a refined and flavourful starter.
• Hogget Ribs: Slow-cooked hogget ribs, enveloped in a black garlic and cumin marinade, garnished with pickled chilli and pistachio, presenting a dish that is both hearty and sophisticated.

Main Plates

• Salted Cod: Flaky salted cod, paired with a courgette vichyssoise, pine nuts, and suneli spice, offering a delicate balance of savoury and aromatic elements.
• Jerusalem Mixed Grill: A choice between mushroom or chicken, this dish features baharat-spiced onions, pickles, pita, and tahini, encapsulating the vibrant street food culture of Jerusalem.
• Shiitake and Brown Rice Congee: A comforting bowl of shiitake mushrooms and brown rice congee, enriched with hen of the woods mushrooms and sour onions, providing a soulful and nourishing experience.
• Aylesbury Duck: Succulent Aylesbury duck, glazed with a caramel and clementine sauce, offering a harmonious blend of sweetness and savoury depth.

Sides

• “Wildfarmed” Pita: Soft and warm pita bread, served with a side of creamy tahini, perfect for accompanying the main dishes.
• Baked Spring Garlic Butteries & Gruyère Cheese: Flaky pastries infused with spring garlic and Gruyère cheese, offering a delightful buttery indulgence.
• Warm Msabbaha Chickpeas: Tender chickpeas in a warm msabbaha style, enriched with confit garlic and tomato amba, providing a hearty and flavourful side.
• Dusty Knuckle Sourdough: Artisanal sourdough from Dusty Knuckle, served with extra virgin olive oil, embodying simplicity and quality.

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Desserts

• Fig Leaf Ice Cream: Creamy fig leaf-infused ice cream, drizzled with two fields olive oil, a hint of limoncello, and a sprinkle of sea salt, creating a sophisticated and refreshing finale.
• Kumquat Sorbet: A vibrant kumquat sorbet, paired with chocolate crémeux and a baharat oat tuille, offering a delightful contrast of citrus and chocolate.
• Roasted Peach Melba Choux Bun: A delicate choux bun filled with roasted peach melba and honey raspberry ripple ice cream, presenting a modern twist on a classic dessert.
• Strawberries & Baked Cream: Fresh strawberries served with baked cream and infused with lemon verbena, offering a light and fragrant end to the meal.
• Black Barley Miso Fudge: A rich and indulgent black barley miso fudge, accented with vanilla salt, providing a unique and memorable sweet treat.

ROVI's menu is a testament to culinary artistry, where each dish is thoughtfully composed to highlight the natural beauty of its ingredients, delivering an exquisite dining experience that lingers in the memory.

Reservations at ROVI: Securing a Table at this Coveted Spot

Given ROVI's popularity, securing a reservation is highly recommended. The restaurant offers an efficient online booking system, allowing diners to choose their preferred date and time with ease. For those special occasions or business meetings, ROVI also accommodates larger group bookings, albeit with advance notice. My advice? Plan ahead to avoid disappointment, as tables at this sought-after spot are quickly snapped up.

Budget: Costs & Menu Prices at The Rovi London

At ROVI in London, the average price for a meal is approximately £45, calculated based on a combination of a starter and main course or a main course and dessert, excluding beverages.

Sample Menu Items and Prices:

• Nibbles:
  • Chickpea chips with peas and scotch bonnet vinegar: £8.50
  • Padron peppers with smoked almonds and orange dukkah: £6.50
• Small Plates:
  • Burrata with Aleppo chilli courgette, cherry blossom vinegar, and marjoram oil: £16.50
  • Tomato salad with smoked labneh and cherries: £14.00
• Main Plates:
  • Salted cod with courgette vichyssoise, pine nuts, and suneli spice: £35.00
  • Jerusalem mixed grill (mushroom or chicken) with baharat onions, pickles, pita, and tahini: £35.00
• Desserts:
  • Fig leaf ice cream with olive oil, limoncello, and sea salt: £7.00
  • Kumquat sorbet with chocolate crémeux and baharat oat tuille: £12.00

Please note that these prices are indicative and may vary. For the most current information, it is advisable to consult ROVI's official website or contact the restaurant directly.

The Bar: A Prelude to the Dining Experience

ROVI's bar is a destination in its own right, offering a curated selection of cocktails, wines, and spirits that reflect the restaurant's ethos. The cocktail menu, in particular, deserves special mention for its creativity, featuring concoctions that incorporate fermented juices and house-made syrups. The bar area, with its vibrant atmosphere and chic decor, is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner aperitif or a leisurely post-meal digestif.

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Dress Code at The Rovi: Effortlessly Chic

ROVI's dress code can best be described as smart casual. The ambience of the restaurant is one of relaxed sophistication, and diners are encouraged to dress in a manner that reflects this vibe. Whether it's a dinner date, a casual meal with friends, or a celebratory gathering, the key is to wear something that makes you feel comfortable yet stylish.

or Gentlemen:

• Tops: Opt for a crisp button-down shirt or a refined polo. While ties are not obligatory, they add a touch of elegance.
• Trousers: Tailored trousers or chinos in neutral tones are ideal. Dark denim is acceptable, provided it is free from distressing.
• Footwear: Choose polished loafers, brogues, or smart boots. Avoid trainers or overly casual shoes.
• Accessories: A classic wristwatch or subtle cufflinks can enhance the ensemble.

For Ladies:

• Tops: A stylish blouse, tailored top, or an elegant dress is appropriate. Avoid overly revealing attire.
• Bottoms: Consider a chic skirt, tailored trousers, or a sophisticated dress.
• Footwear: Heeled sandals, classic pumps, or dressy flats complement the look. Steer clear of overly casual footwear.
• Accessories: Delicate jewellery and a tasteful handbag complete the outfit.

General Guidelines:

• Outerwear: A well-fitted blazer or a stylish jacket is suitable, especially during cooler months.
• Grooming: Ensure neat grooming and a polished appearance.
• Avoid: Athletic wear, flip-flops, and overly casual attire are discouraged to maintain the restaurant's refined atmosphere.

By adhering to these guidelines, guests contribute to the elegant ambiance that ROVI embodies, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all.

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Michelin: ROVI's Journey Towards Culinary Excellence

While ROVI has not yet been adorned with a Michelin star, its dedication to culinary excellence and sustainability has not gone unnoticed. The restaurant has garnered accolades and critical acclaim for its innovative approach to cooking and its commitment to creating a memorable dining experience. With its continuously evolving menu and a focus on quality and creativity, it wouldn't be surprising to see ROVI achieve Michelin recognition in the future.

ROVI stands as a beacon of culinary innovation in London's vibrant dining scene. Its commitment to sustainability, coupled with a menu that celebrates seasonal produce, makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience. The attentive service, inviting atmosphere, and thoughtfully crafted dishes all contribute to ROVI's allure. Whether you're a local or a visitor to the capital, a meal at ROVI promises to be an unforgettable journey through flavours and textures, leaving you eagerly anticipating your next visit.