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Summary
A sense of nearly-but-not-quite hovers over this Scandi NYC-import, whose 1980s namesake is a legend of the Manhattan restaurant scene, but whose London branch (opened in 2016) has never really made waves. A location in the un-loved St James’s Market development doesn’t help, nor does the atmosphere which can appear gorgeous and glam but can also feel “sterile, despite the best attempts of expensive interior decor”. Ultimately, the impression of there being more this place could give “probably comes down to the pricey, decent-but-not-brilliant food”. BREAKING NEWS: in September 2023, the restaurant closed unexpectedly, although the owners of NYC Aquavit (who had no stake in the London spin-off) announced a desire to re-establish the brand in London.
Summary
The “outstanding Scandinavian” flavours created by Swedish chef Emma Bengtsson – a superstar in New York – are showcased at this stark, “very spacious” modern venue (lots of “high-quality wood and granite”) in the St James’s Market development behind Piccadilly Circus. It’s never reproduced the excitement in London that it enjoys in Manhattan. Even critics acknowledge “it could be so good”, but some items seem “absurdly expensive” and the room itself can seem icy in its beauty.
Summary
“The wonderful menu transports diners to Scandinavia” at this large and starkly stylish unit in the glossy St James’s Market development, near Piccadilly Circus – an offshoot of Swedish superchef Emma Bengtsson’s garlanded New York original. Ratings are solid, if not quite reaching the feverish excitement levels achieved in Manhattan.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Aquavit?
St James’s Market, 1 Carlton St, London, SW1Y 4QQ
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £32.00 | £35.00 |  |
|
|
| Pretheatre | £32.00 | £35.00 | |
|
|
| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 90.00 | Always available | 7 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £16.00 | £35.00 | £7.00 | £11.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £50.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 15.00% |
St James’s Market, 1 Carlton St, London, SW1Y 4QQ
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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