Located in the heart of a 91-room hotel and directly opposite the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, Twenty8 NoMad is a new American concept which offers a distinct interpretation of authentic New York cuisine. The restaurant’s name pays tribute to its storied transatlantic roots: the original NoMad New York stood on 28th Street in Manhattan, while NoMad London is situated at 28 Bow Street—once home to one of the city’s most historic buildings.
This was quite simply one of the best dinners of the whole year so far. The menu is focused and so well delivered. We were running out of words at dinner as every element was just superb.
The Chef
At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Zak Gregoire, whose journey with NoMad began humbly as an intern and has since evolved into a pivotal role across several of the brand’s landmark openings in cities around the world. His deep-rooted understanding of the NoMad ethos is evident in every dish that leaves the pass. Working alongside him is Food & Beverage Director Vanessa Mosca, bringing a wealth of experience and a sharp eye for detail to the restaurant’s day-to-day operations. Together, they are guided by the creative vision of Culinary Director Bryce Shuman—a celebrated chef, longtime collaborator, and one of the original architects of NoMad’s culinary identity.
Shuman, who was instrumental in shaping the culinary language of NoMad New York, now brings that legacy to London with a sense of reverence and innovation. The result is a menu that draws inspiration from New York City’s rich and diverse food culture, filtered through the elegant, structured sensibility of a French brasserie. Each dish pays tribute to nostalgic flavours while being reinterpreted through a contemporary lens, full of creativity, warmth, and intention.
The food
Standout dishes include vibrant Crudités, a colourful and textural composition inspired by Shuman’s early morning visits to Union Square Greenmarket in Manhattan. These markets, just steps from where Napoleon Sarony’s iconic studio once stood, serve as both a personal and symbolic reference point, celebrating seasonal produce and the legacy of artistic creativity.
The Grilled Bone Marrow is another highlight. The bone marrow is presented so elegantly, with the marrow sitting on top of some pickled plum that cuts through the fat of the marrow. This came alongside a grilled piece of sourdough, which was great for eating the bone marrow and mopping up every last bit. If you are looking for a lighter pasta, the lamb tortellini is a great choice and comes in a delicate consommé. Another beautifully presented dish.
NoMad’s legendary Roast Chicken also makes a triumphant appearance, a dish that has earned a near-mythical status in the brand’s culinary canon. In this London iteration, it arrives decadent and deeply flavoured—stuffed with black truffles and foie gras, delivering the same indulgent experience that made it a must-order in New York. It’s a dish that encapsulates the NoMad philosophy: familiar yet luxurious, comforting yet inventive.
The lobster pasta remains on the menu – Paccheri with some large lobster pieces in a buttery lobstery sauce. Comfort and joy. A beef fillet comes with a 24 hour roasted carrot that had a great depth of flavour.
Desserts are a must here and we think we have discovered the best dessert in all of London. A milk ice cream stuffed “pretzel” with salted caramel honey. This is a great looking plate but also has such a range of textures and a malty mouth feel. The outside layer of the pretzel is also cold so this is the ultimate sharing dessert as the night lingers on.
Together, these offerings—and many more—form a menu that honours NoMad’s New York roots while embracing the distinct rhythms and ingredients of its London setting. It’s a transatlantic culinary conversation, grounded in heritage and lifted by imagination.
Twenty8 Martini Menu & Cocktail Culture
The cocktail programme pays homage to New York’s storied cocktail scene. From the 1800s to today, the list spans centuries of creativity.
The Twenty8 Martini Menu offers a captivating journey through the evolution of the martini, from the classic Martinez to the signature Twenty8 Martini, finished with a smoked olive and blue cheese garnish. This was a top recommendation and is everything a martini should be.
Modern New York Cocktail Classics
This menu celebrates the legacy of the bartenders who helped define New York City’s modern cocktail renaissance, featuring a carefully curated selection of drinks that highlight both innovation and reverence for the classics. Each cocktail tells a story, blending historical significance with contemporary craftsmanship.
Among the highlights is a seasonal twist on Toby Cecchini’s Cosmopolitan, a cocktail that became an icon of the 1990s but is reimagined here with fresh, seasonal ingredients and refined balance, offering a more nuanced and elegant take on the original.
The Penicillin, a smoky, honeyed scotch-based cocktail first created at the legendary Milk & Honey in 2005, also features on the menu. Its combination of peated whisky, ginger, lemon, and honey remains as compelling today as when it first sparked a new wave of cocktail creativity.
Also showcased is Julie Reiner’s Clover Club, inspired by her work at the Flatiron Lounge in the early 2000s. This reimagined version of the pre-Prohibition classic balances tart raspberry with botanical gin, elevated here with modern technique and presentation.
Rounding out the historical nods is Leo Robitschek’s own Sherry Painkiller, a tropical, sherry-forward spin on the tiki classic, first introduced at NoMad New York in 2014. With its creamy texture and complex flavour profile, it reflects Robitschek’s talent for blending boldness with restraint.
These legendary drinks are joined by a selection of inventive reworks of time-honoured favourites. Standouts include a Caprese Sour, a savoury, herbaceous cocktail that marries tomato, basil, and citrus in an unexpected but refreshing harmony, and a White Negroni inspired by the sweet-savory interplay found in guava-and-cheese pastries—a nod to New York’s multicultural dessert landscape.
Complementing these is an exceptional range of nonalcoholic offerings, crafted with the same level of care and complexity. These spirit-free cocktails offer layered flavours and sophisticated profiles, ensuring that every guest, regardless of preference, can enjoy the artistry of the bar.
Altogether, the menu is a journey through cocktail history and imagination, paying tribute to the creators who redefined New York’s drinking culture while continuing to push its boundaries forward.
What’s new at Side Hustle?
Well, Side Hustle won the award for Best International Hotel Bar at the recent Spirited Awards. A massive achievement for the team who have been quietly and confidently creating magic for many many years. Side Hustle is becoming a legendary bar in London. There is always a vibe and some superb quality mixology under the guidance of Marco Meloni, Davide Segat and the team.
Frist of all, check out the spin-off taco series called Tacos with Friends. On the menu this month is a taco inspired by actor Will Poulter’s debut episode of The Bear and one of his mum’s favourite ingredients. Pickled honeydew and braised pork, with sweet and spicy habanero. There is also a brilliant page dedicated to margaritas.
Our pick is a Cantarito Al Pastor with tequila, al pastor syrup, pineapple and a hint of coriander. Continuing an agave theme, there are some agave martinis too like a dirty martini made with siete misterios doba-jay, tapatio blanco and vermouth.
Design That Tells a Story
The interiors of Twenty8 NoMad have been masterfully envisioned by the acclaimed Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. The atmosphere is imbued with a sense of lived-in charm and quiet theatricality, anchored by a striking wood-burning hearth that serves as the heart of the room. Its gentle flicker and warmth not only provide a literal centrepiece, but also evoke feelings of comfort, hospitality, and timeless gathering.
Brudnizki’s distinctive design language is layered throughout the space with playful elegance. Lush, trailing greenery softens architectural lines and brings the outdoors in, while artfully placed trinkets, curios, and objets d’art lend a sense of discovery and storytelling to every corner. Rich textures are everywhere—from plush upholstered seating to hand-finished wood surfaces—inviting touch and lingering.
A subtle thread of nostalgia runs through the design, most evident in the use of rattan, which pays homage to the palm courts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The furniture and fixtures strike a balance between vintage elegance and casual comfort, evoking a bygone era while remaining unmistakably modern. As the night goes on, the lights are subtly dimmed and you can see the room really come to life.
The colour palette grounds the experience in nature and warmth. Deep, chocolatey browns suggest aged leather and antique woods; verdant greens reflect the abundant foliage, and mustard tones add a touch of spice and energy. These earthy hues are carefully layered to create a setting that feels organic yet curated, luxurious yet approachable. Subtle metallic accents and unexpected details—perhaps a gilded mirror, a splash of deep burgundy velvet, or a softly glowing pendant—add just the right amount of intrigue, drawing the eye and encouraging exploration.
A Tribute Through Art
The restaurant’s thoughtfully curated art programme pays homage to the pioneering 19th-century photographer Napoleon Sarony, best known for his bold and theatrical portraits of cultural figures, most notably Oscar Wilde. Wilde himself was famously tried at 28 Bow Street during the building’s previous incarnation as a Magistrates’ Court, lending an added layer of historical resonance to the space. Sarony’s work—including his iconic images of Wilde—will be exhibited throughout the restaurant, creating a dialogue between past and present.
Overall
This is somewhere we can visit again and again. The level of quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail is top notch at every touch point. In every element, from the grand gestures to the smallest details, the details at Twenty8 NoMad reflect a restaurant where classic dishes meet delicious creativity —a setting designed not just to be seen, but to be felt, savoured, and remembered.
For more information, visit NoMad London
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All Images Courtesy of NoMad London.