London has a long tradition of bringing exotic experiences from afar to city dwellers. In an age of ever more frequent travel to ever less remote destinations, this might seem less urgent than before but the way Amazonico’s guests are transposed to distant shores, albeit briefly, makes this enterprise a welcomed one, not least in these times of restricted travel.

Originally opened in 2010 by husband and wife team and renowned restauranteurs, Sandro Silva and Marta Seco, Amazónico quickly became one of Madrid’s most popular and well-loved restaurants filling the heart of the Barrio de Salamanca, Madrid, with freshness, aromas and sensations. Crossing its threshold is entering the greenery and exuberance of the Amazon jungle. The gastronomic proposal was inspired by tropical, Asian and Mediterranean cuisine, with references to Brazilian gastronomy, the country of origin of chef Sandro Silva. “The Amazon is more than a river,” he says, “it connects people, cultures and traditions. This, together with a homage to nature, is at the core of our concept.”

Amazónico London, situated in the heart of Mayfair on Berkeley Square, is the couple’s first restaurant to open outside of Spain and similarly takes inspiration from the cultural diversity and gastronomic heritage of the Amazon region. Open from lunch until late; it allows guests to discover an immersive environment of rainforest-inspired lush greenery and natural materials designed by internationally renowned artist Lázaro Rosa-Violan. Its different environments invite you to enjoy the restaurant at any time of the day, whether with a light lunch, a tapas at the bar, savouring its cocktails, or with a relaxed dinner.

Combining a blend of tropical and Latin American cuisines, menus are not only inspired by the countries of the Amazon but the unique Asian and Mediterranean communities, which inhabit them. From Peruvian sushi and the freshest raw seafood to carefully sourced grilled meats and fish; Amazónico’s chefs use both traditional and cutting-edge techniques along with seasonal and vibrant ingredients to transport you to South America.

One of the most distinctive features of the original Amazónico in Madrid is The Jungle Jazz Club, located on the ground floor of the restaurant, combining the sensual spirit of the restaurant with a high-quality musical proposal and live concerts every day of the week. In the London venue, guests can hear echoes of the club in nightly jazz performances which will entertain diners in the main restaurant whilst our resident DJs play ‘electro-pical’ sounds in our Bar & Lounge.

There are many ways of enjoying being at Amazónico Mayfair; get up-close and personal with the talented chefs at the Nikkei-inspired Sushi Counter. With only six seats available, guests can observe and interact as they prepare Japanese-Peruvian dishes from the unique, tropical style raw and sushi menu. Or you may want to settle at the Bar & Lounge, combining a vibrant atmosphere with spectacular views of the vast open kitchen. There, guests can enjoy drinks and snacks through to a full A La Carte menu whilst sipping on some quite intriguing cocktails and enjoying resident and guest DJs play Amazónico’s signature ‘electro-pical’ music each evening, which blends electro beats with Latin American inspired sounds.

Then, of course, you can experience Amazónico in a more formal setting within a dining room, unlike any other. Enjoy the full a la carte or sushi menu amongst luscious foliage, velvet banquets and jungle textures. Nightly performances from the house band who play Latin-inspired jazz will not fail to entertain, even enticing you to some Latino-inspired gestures of your own. Did we dare? Maybe next time.