Review on Hovarda
Hovarda in Soho is the third outing from Levent Buyukurgur and Sanjay Nandi, founders of The Good Food Society, and the same team behind Italian restaurant Frescobaldi in Mayfair and Turkish Yosma in Marylebone. Located on the outskirts of Chinatown on Rupert Street, the name hovarda used in both Turkish and Greek translates as 'a generous host with a free spirit'.
Spanning two floors with a first floor cocktail bar and a street level restaurant, the chic interiors have been created by designer Lázaro Rosa-Violan. Decked out in a palette of sea green and blue with wood panelling, an impressive lamp installation takes centre stage, together with a beautiful mural underwater scene consisting of teal green mosaic tiling. Dark wood tables and Bentwood chairs are set on parquet flooring overlooked by a cosy fire.
Yosma chef Hus Vedat has consulted on the menu which takes inspiration from the countries surrounding the Aegean Sea, with fish being a strong suit. The large open kitchen send outs dishes such as wood-fired artichokes, garlic oil, olive paste and Crab Börek, crab meat, filo pastry and lemon sauce amongst the small plates. Main courses which can also be shared if you so desire offer up kleftico, slow roasted Ryeland lamb, lamb fat potatoes, oregano and lemon or from the sea Whole Blue Native Scottish lobster, herb butter and orzo. Desserts are in keeping, witness Metaxa Baba, exotic fruit salad and whipping cream or Lokma, cinnamon ice cream, thyme honey and walnuts.
The bar plays hosts to live music and guest DJs, with a wine list that focuses on Greek varietals alongside Europe and Turkish offerings, together with raki based cocktails.
Hovarda is also featured in: Hardens
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Greek / Mediterranean / Seafood
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 3.00pm
Dinner: 5.00 - 11.00pm Mon-Wed & Sun (11.30pm Thu-Sat)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card