WORDS
Jane Fulcher
The background
Amethyst is the new restaurant under the culinary instruction of super chef Carlo Scotto. Known for cooking that is as original as it is delicious, Scotto has taken inspiration from his travels around the world, particularly Europe and Asia, for his menu at Amethyst. Scotto was previously the head chef at Marylebone’s acclaimed and wonderful Xier, which sadly closed in the pandemic. He is now back with a bang with Amethyst, which opened earlier this summer in a speakeasy-style location in Mayfair. The restaurant serves a choice of a three- or five-course lunch, a six-course tasting menu and the star of the show and what everyone should book in for: an extraordinary 12-course tasting menu.

The space
Found in a satisfyingly discreet location on Sackville Street in Mayfair, Amethyst feels like a hidden gem even before you’re through the black-curtained door. The main room is dominated by an extraordinary huge central table formed of quartz and, of course, amethyst, that zig-zags across the restaurant from the open kitchen at one end. The table seats 21, each of whom has a clear view of Scotto and his team working their magic from the kitchen and on the pass. This is where most diners will want to sit and experience the 12-course tasting menu. The table can be rented out in its entirety for private parties, or places at the table can be reserved for small groups. Downstairs, Amethyst’s chic and cosy wine cellar sits an additional 16 people, who can enjoy the six-course tasting menu for dinner. Both areas seat diners for the three- or five-course lunch menu.

The food
If visiting Amethyst, try the 12-course menu. It is a gastronomic adventure across the world, led by a true tour de force. Scotto’s menu is ambitious, exciting and unusual. The menu will change slightly with the seasons, but when Brummell visited we started with a refreshing oyster paired with tomato, fermented sake, wasabi caviar and coriander oil. This was followed by a briouat (a folded and filled Moroccan pastry) with almond, nettle and baharat-infused honey, and a moreish croquette with an exquisitely balanced mix of liquorice, tarragon and parmesan. A luxurious dish of diced scallop with caviar, matsutake mushrooms and a hit of fiery galangal came next, followed by a dish of rich foie gras served with delicate rose petal salmon, yuzu and Piedmont hazelnuts. Scotto’s time in India was celebrated by the next course, a green korma served with naan and smoked butter and served with an Alice in Wonderland-style small green bottle of refreshing apple to drink afterwards.

An irresistible dish of butterfly pasta with bone marrow, borlotti and sherry caramel followed, covered in a cloud of parmesan that melted in the mouth. Next came a gyoza filled with aubergine in a broth of myoga (ginger) tea and sake that you are encouraged to drink once the dumpling has been devoured. Staying with the Japanese influence, a dish of sumptuous and juicy black cod with caramelised miso and naganegi (Japanese onion) dashi followed before a dish of perfectly pink beef cooked in ras el hanout with medjool dates and beetroot.
To follow, a palate cleanser of strawberry with basil and a rum daiquiri was served before a delicious and incredible-looking dessert of a shining purple amethyst geode made from praline, feuilletine and white chocolate rounded out the meal in suitable style. Scotto uses the finest British ingredients when he can, so the menu will change from week to week, month to month, but promises a thrilling joy ride across Europe and Asia with dishes that are as beautiful to look at as they are to eat.
Wines are carefully selected and paired with the food by the personable and fascinating sommelier who takes you through each glass of the classic or prestige wine pairing in style to really complete the experience.

The verdict
Amethyst is one of the most exciting restaurants in London to have opened this year. The menu is a wonderful exploration of gastronomy from one of the country’s, if not the world’s finest chefs. That it takes place in such an unusual, creative and elegant space only adds to the feeling that this is really something special.
The bill
The 12-course menu is £150 per person, and a prestige menu featuring Wagyu and a cheese course is also available on request for £250 per person. A classic wine pairing is £155 and a prestige wine pairing is £320 per person.