New Ottolenghi restaurant to open in Fitzrovia

Hold your zatar: Ottolenghi is opening a new restaurant and bar, ROVI. Vegetables are at the core, but they are being treated a little differently.

At ROVI (whose name is a little bit of NOPI a little bit of Fitzrovia), vegetables will be the main event; cooked on the grill with open fire cooking, fermentation is also playing a leading role. Leftover wine will be used to make vinegars, such as a chilli top and tomato skin vinegar. For the menu, think Jersey Royals smoked on top of hay; hand dived scallops with cucumber kombucha or peaches grilled over the fire. ROVI will also have a vibrant bar with cocktails based on seasonal spices and a dynamic low-intervention wine list from small producers curated by Isabelle Legeron MW.

Both Yotam Ottolenghi himself and his business partner Sami Tamimi will take on Executive Chef roles, which means we're likely to see them both in the kitchen and the restaurant. What's more, Neil Campbell (ex Grain Store) is Head Chef: a dream veg-minded culinary team.

Yotam has commented: 'We will mainly work with small batch suppliers and farmers, people who respect the produce and the environment, to bring the best quality food to our diners whilst supporting best-practice agriculture.'

ROVI will also have a vibrant bar with cocktails based on seasonal spices and a dynamic low-intervention wine list from small producers.

The interior of ROVI has been designed by longstanding Ottolenghi collaborator Alex Meitlis who designed NOPI. It will borrow elements from Bauhaus: the dome shaped dining room will have industrial notes combined with warm, natural materials such as pale oak wood and travertine stone. There will be counter top seating in the front window reserved for walk-ins only (great for solo dining) whilst the main room will be centred around a large oval shaped cocktail bar seating 16 guests, open to drinkers and diners alike.

ROVI will be initially open for lunch and dinner, and breakfast will follow in July. Many dishes will be available in different sizes – small plates and large dishes (to enjoy yourself or share) will be on offer to give diners more flexibility and choice. There will also be a small deli with salads to take away and freshly baked cakes and pastries – open during the day only. We're drooling with anticipation.

Price: £140.00 for two including drinks

For more details and to book