OIL Reviews Faros London
Faros London has become one of the city’s most inviting Mediterranean-Italian restaurants, and after visiting their Oxford Circus branch on Great Portland Street, it’s clear why. The restaurant strikes a perfect balance between relaxed Mediterranean charm and London’s modern energy, offering beautifully prepared food in a warm, welcoming setting.
From the moment you step through the door, the atmosphere feels calm yet lively. The interior is stylish but unpretentious, with soft lighting, natural tones, and just the right touch of elegance. It’s the kind of place that instantly makes you feel comfortable, whether you’re dining alone, meeting friends, or celebrating a special occasion. The staff are friendly and professional, taking genuine care in making sure every guest feels looked after.
The menu at Faros focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients and showcases the best of Italian and Mediterranean cooking. The dishes are simple but executed with real attention to detail, allowing the ingredients to shine. We started with the Con Gamberi E Carciof, which were a fantastic choice. The prawns were plump, juicy, and full of flavour, served sizzling hot in a garlicky olive oil sauce that felt both rustic and luxurious. It was the kind of dish that immediately transports you to a seaside restaurant somewhere sunny.
For our main courses, we ordered the Beef Ragu Tagliatelle and the Sea Bass with lemon caper butter. The ragu was rich and comforting, with slow-cooked beef that melted in the mouth and pasta that was perfectly al dente. It tasted homemade, the kind of meal that feels both hearty and carefully balanced. The Sea Bass sole, on the other hand, was light and delicate, cooked beautifully with a buttery sauce that was lifted by the freshness of lemon and capers. It was simple but refined, showing a real confidence in quality ingredients.
The meal ended with one of the best tiramisus I’ve had in London. It had a creamy, almost custard-like texture that made it stand out from the usual versions of the dessert. Each spoonful was rich yet light, with just the right balance of sweetness and coffee. It was the perfect way to round off a wonderful meal.
What makes Faros so appealing isn’t just the food, it’s the overall experience. The service is warm and efficient, the atmosphere is relaxed but lively, and the attention to detail is clear in everything from the plating to the music. It’s a restaurant that works for almost any occasion, whether you’re stopping by for a casual pizza, a comforting bowl of pasta, or a leisurely evening with friends.
Faros Oxford Circus captures the essence of Mediterranean dining – simple, generous, and full of flavour. Paired with its elegant but welcoming setting and a team that truly cares, it’s easy to see why this spot, along with its Holborn sister restaurant, has become a favourite among Londoners looking for a taste of the sun in the heart of the city.
Find out more > www.farosrestaurant.co.uk
