French culinary techniques meet American comforts at AVI Bistrot – Américain.
London isn’t short on French restaurants or American diners, but AVI Bistrot – Américain perfectly combines the two with elegance and flair in a classy part of London. The Belgravia dining scene has often felt like something of an in-between space, home to several high-end fine-dining spots but lacking the electricity of nearby areas like Soho and Exmouth Market. AVI Bistrot is a strong contender in changing that, bringing a traditional French al fresco summer feel fused with American culinary classics.
The bistro is located down a side street, just a five-minute walk from Knightsbridge station. Thankfully tucked away from the chaos, it has a particularly familiar, residential vibe, as it’s housed in The Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel.
Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, AVI’s menu offers carefully sourced ingredients, delectable flavours and even its own in-house caviar. Its newly refurbished interiors take inspiration from typical Parisian bistros, with colourful artwork and intricate yet warm detailing. Head Chef Joshua Conte has curated a menu that perfectly combines the essence of Europe and America, spanning small plates, burgers, sandwiches, homemade pasta, dishes from the ocean, the grill, and a few from the East.
We dined on AVI Bistrot’s terrace, perfect for a warm summer evening, and when we arrived, it was already packed. Small but mighty, it provides a comforting, relaxed ambience for a long and easy dinner.
Cocktail lists can so often be overwhelming and unnecessarily long, which wasn’t the case here. Our eyes were quickly drawn to a light and refreshing gin, elderflower and kiwi cocktail, and a glass of Meursault, a dry white wine from Burgundy, France.
Starters have a varied selection, ranging from NYC Fried Chicken and Caviar (which we were discouraged from ordering due to its already overwhelming popularity) to AVI Caesar Salad. Instead, we went for the Burrata Tomato Salad, which was disappointing for the price point, as it could have done with more vinaigrette, especially since it was heavy on the cheese and light on the tomatoes. We paired it with the Tuna Tartare, which was delicious, but the crispy brown toast that comes with it seemed a mismatch for the decadent and complex tuna.
Ready to be hopefully impressed with the mains, we were recommended to order the Grilled Whole Lobster Frites, the Red Claw Lobster Linguine and the Carabinero, washed down with a Spring Green Salad to cut through the heaviness. Heavy on the seafood (we know), but when in Belgravia.
All mains came beautifully presented and in rather generous portions; we struggled to finish our plates, in truth. The Grilled Whole Lobster was beautifully seasoned with a chimichurri-esque dressing, doused in butter and perfectly cooked. The fries could’ve been crispier, but they were delicious paired with the tangy garlic butter sauce on the side. The Red Claw Lobster Linguine was well-cooked, but the pasta could have benefited from more sauce.
The mains were saved by the Carabinero, a butterflied XL Spanish scarlet prawn with that butter sauce that they do so well, but this time made spicy. The prawn was bursting with flavour, crispy on the outside but juicy and tender on the inside. Chased by the fresh and crunchy Spring Green Salad, it was the perfect last bite of the meal.
We missed out on desserts because the kitchen closed at 9.30pm (the London culinary scene could do with more places staying open late). However, the terrace stayed lively, drinks stayed flowing and, supplemented by World Cup festivities, our disappointment was dampened.
The evening was supported by excellent service, both attentive and genuinely friendly. Guests are made to feel like no ask is too much. AVI Bistrot – Américain has arrived at the perfect time, bringing a much-needed fresh burst of life to Belgravia, just in time for the summer. If you’re looking for a reliable, vibrant and comfortable new dinner spot in the area, AVI Bistrot might be just what you ordered.
Where: AVI Bistrot – Américain, The Lowndes London, 21 Lowndes Street, London, SW1X 9ES
When: Monday to Sunday from 7am to 12am
Contact: https://avilondon.co.uk