This Secret London Restaurant’s New Menu Is Putting It On The Map

I’ve walked past Amethyst at least 100 times over the last few months, completely ignorant to its culinary prowess.

You see, the fine dining restaurant—which opened in May of this year—is not signposted for hungry passers-by. On its exterior, there’s nothing but a residential door and a small, cursive nameplate.

On the inside, it’s an entirely different story.

A communal zigzag table dominates the space in amethyst and quartz, with all seats tilted towards an open kitchen where Chef Carlo Scotto and his commis whip up tasting menus unlike anything else I’ve seen in the city.

Despite being Scotto’s first solo opening, he’s taken a risk by creating a menu that not only pulls inspiration from the simplicity and elegance of Nordic and Japanese cuisine, but weaves in unusual French and Arabic influences, marrying distinct flavour profiles that shouldn’t work, but definitely do.

After taking his first few months of business to refine the menu, the chef-owner has transformed the 12-course tasting menu into an “interactive gastronomic journey”, in the words of his staff.

And we’ll let them get away with it. Because it really is.

From scallops with caviar, galangal, and matsutake to foie gras with rose petal salmon, yuzu, Piedmont hazelnuts, his eccentric seasonal dishes reflect the very best of what autumn has to offer while giving guests the privilege of tasting something truly unique.

Scotto’s former specialty at the now-defunct Xier—black cod with caramelised miso, naganegi dashi, and daikon—features prominently, too.

All things considered, it’s an unmissable experience. Albeit in a highly-missable location. So, the secret’s no longer safe with me. Or any other food critic in town.

Open from Tuesday to Saturday, Amethyst offers both six and twelve-course tasting menus at £90 ($109) and £150 ($182) with a three or five-course option also available for lunch.

Guests can also opt for a premium thirteen-course tasting experience for £250 ($304), where Chef Scotto will create a bespoke menu. The chef’s table can be booked exclusively for up to 25 diners, whilst the wine cellar can be booked for dinners of up to 16 guests or parties of 30.