On the former site of the Hart brothers’ basement tapas joint Fino, comes a new Uzbek restaurant backed by international restaurateur Sanjar Nabiev and industry consultant Charles Oak (whose credits include Pied à Terre, Gleneagles and many more). The new Fitzrovia venue, Samarkand, is named after Uzbekistan’s city on the Silk Road – the ancient trading route between China and the Mediterranean.
Early bird diners can get 50% off food and drink from 12 August up until the restaurant’s official launch on 3 September. Reservations lines are now open on 0203 871 4969 or via www.samarkand.london, though walk-ins will also be accepted.
On the menu: Traditional favourites Jiz Biz (lamb chops with sautéed potatoes), Fatirnon (a flaky, buttery bread), Somsa (pastry parcel filled with lamb or sweet potato), and Samarkand’s signature Plov (a classic Uzbek dish of steamed rice served with lamb, beef and vegetables). There will also be a selection of bar snacks such as pickled vegetables and Baklajon (smoky aubergine caviar) on offer.
Samarkand’s dining room is located downstairs, while upstairs there is a mezzanine lounge bar specialising in craft vodka including Siberian White Birch, Beluga and Konik’s Tail. The soft launch offer is not available at the bar.
