If you’re wondering where to go for that Saturday night “date night” spot that exudes upscale charm, romance, and a cosy vibe, all while serving delectable dishes and fabulous cocktails, look no further than El Norte restaurant – it’s a gem I can’t help but gush about!
Nestled in the heart of Mayfair on Dover Street, this culinary haven, born from the vision of Spanish twins Arian and Alberto Zandi, opened its doors in 2021. The menu is a love letter to Spain’s gastronomic wonders, skilfully crafted to tantalise your taste buds.
The Ambiance
Picture this: the ambience, inspired by a Spanish Northern country house, creates an intimate setting that marries Spanish tradition with a modern twist. Stepping into El Norte, the venue unfolds into two separate areas, a chic bar on the right and the restaurant to the left. Welcomed by the handsome staff, we were ushered to the stylish bar, heightening our anticipation for the night ahead. The décor instantly transported me to the vibrant spirit of the 80s, with playful fabrics covering the walls in a chic sage green hue, funky but subtle designs, tassel-laden sofas, and whimsical lampshades. Amidst the low lighting, the ambience felt intimate and had an air of sophistication and style, accompanied by the melodic hum of laughter and chatter from the restaurant. Our food journey was about to begin.
The Cocktails
Diving into El Norte’s world of mixology was fun, and my personal pick was the “Garden Sour” – a concoction of gin, juniper syrup, egg white, heavy cream, basil, and a hint of cucumber. Each sip was a burst of refreshing flavours, and the drink’s final hue perfectly mirrored the chic aesthetics of the restaurant. Meanwhile, my partner’s choice, the “Pistachio Mojito”, was a tropical escapade in a glass, featuring rum, pistachio syrup, mint, lime, and soda, and whisked us back to our sun-soaked days in Mexico.
The Food
The dishes at El Norte are designed around the concept of tapas, from small to medium-sized bites. We began by choosing from the Para Picar (Nibbles) section, Croqueta de Jamon 5J (Ham Croquette 5J) and the Berenjenas Crujientes con Miel y Feta (Fried Aubergine with Feta and Honey) – an instant favourite of mine.
The Ham Croquette 5J, presented in a cast-iron dish atop a layer of pork scratchings with a popcorn-like texture, delivered a crispy exterior that gave way to a mouth-watering blend of creamy potato and ham. With every bite, the temptation for another ten was almost irresistible. On the other hand, the Fried Auberginee boasted beautiful flavours and textures. The thinly fried aubergine gave a satisfying crunch, while the even distribution of feta cheese and a drizzle of honey created a perfect harmony of savoury and sweet.
Moving on to our main courses, we indulged in the Carrilleras al Vino Tinto (slow-cooked Red Wine Ox Cheek and Vanilla Mash) and Besugo al Horno en Escabeche (Wild Sea Bream and Confit Tomato). The ox cheek, a heavenly Carrillada (Heaven on a Plate) in Spain, offered deep, rich flavours with a light and melt-in-your-mouth texture – a knife wasn’t necessary. Paired with a fragrant vanilla mash, it was a floral and delightful taste. My Sea Bream, juicy and subtly flavoured, was elegantly drizzled with confit tomato, and I relished it alongside the Patatas Panaderas (Spanish Oven-Baked Potatoes) and Espinacas a la Catalana (Sauteed Spinach with Raisins).
As the grande finale, we shared the Churros with Chocolate from the dessert menu – a choice that never disappoints. These traditionally Spanish delights rolled in a cinnamon-laced sugar, offered a perfect balance of sweetness and crispiness on the outside, with a fluffy interior, and a decadent dip into rich, velvety chocolate. What a wonderful way to conclude a meal.
The Verdict
El Norte proved to be the perfect setting for our intimate date night, delivering not only scrumptious delights but also a warm and friendly service that added an extra layer of joy to our experience. As part of Emerald Hospitality Group, this culinary gem has piqued my curiosity to explore their sister establishments – Como Garden, Zuaya, and Riviera. El Norte’s offerings have left me eager for a return visit, where I can delve deeper into the menu and uncover more of their beautiful dishes, and I really look forward to it.
To find out more, visit: el-norte.co.uk
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All imagery courtesy of El Norte.