LUNCH REVIEW OF MAYFAIR'S FIRST ARMENIAN RESTAURANT: LUSIN MAYFAIR, HAY HILL
Melissa and I recently dined at Lusin Mayfair on Hay Hill, Mayfair’s very first Armenian restaurant. Lusin, Armenian for ‘moon’, was created by hospitality entrepreneur and founder of Mira Foods, Dr Mazen Amulgbel. This is his second outpost inspired by his inspirational travels to Armenia and Lebanon - Riyadh’s Lusin is a firm favourite among Middle Eastern Royalty.
Madam Anahid Doniguian, author of the Armenian Cookbook ‘Yepelou Arveste’ is behind Lusin’s authentic Armenian dishes; and Lusin Mayfair’s menu has been curated by 2 Michelin-star chef Marcel Ravin. Specialities include Kibbeh Labaniya - kibbeh cooked in Matzone yogurt, served with braised lamb topped with garlic coriander; Red Pilaf with Truffle - spiced bulgur with black truffle; and the much talked about Honey Cake, boasting layers of honey biscuits and cream, served with honeycomb.
I begin my gastronomic journey with the hilariously named ‘Bellino’, made with acidified grape juice, peach puree and soda; and Cheese Borak. Despite the dismal weather outside, I melt into a sunnier disposition as I devour the super crispy rolls filled with soft and slightly salty Akawi cheese. Melissa gladly accepts a chilled glass of Armenian pomegranate wine and instantly drifts off to Pomegranate Heaven before turning her attention to Tiger Prawns Tempura, with pistachio pesto, paprika mayo and caramelised lemon. We’re off to a great start.
Next up is my Lavash-Baked Seabass with confit fennel, sundried tomato, pistachio vierge and sauce bonne femme. Our waiter carefully cuts into the lavash at the table, revealing the sea bass within - it’s all very exciting. Melissa, the meat eater, has gone for Charcoal Grilled Lamb Chops with rosemary sauce, served pink. We both agree that this makes a wonderful change from the usual Mayfair Italian restaurants we frequent, and we make a pact to try more Armenian dishes.
Finally, it is time for dessert and I have ordered Lusin Ice Cream. A childlike glee sweeps over me as I furtively tear my way through an abundance of snowy white candy floss and pink rose petals to reach the gorgeous rose-flavoured ice cream within. Melissa, now obsessed with pomegranates, has ordered the Pomegranate Eclair - choux pastry filled with pomegranate molasses crème patissiere. Both desserts are irresistible.
I cast my eye around the restaurant throughout the meal, delighted by the decadent explosion of gold and walls featuring stone originally sourced from the mountains of Armenia. There are bursts of orange and hot pink throughout, and an abundance of faux flowers, which you’d expect in W1. Don’t be fooled by the floor-to-ceiling walls overlooking a bustling Hay Hill, an warm ambience awaits.
All in all, a brilliant lunch at Lusin Mayfair. We were supposed to be having a working lunch to discuss business, but the food is far too exciting to discuss much else. The staff are absolutely fantastic, the window seats offer a brilliant people watching spot, and we cannot wait to return.
Lusin Mayfair, 16 Hay Hill, Mayfair, London W1J8NY
Reservations: info@lusinrestaurant.co.uk | +44 73 8433 9370
