LAVO London – a Review
Located in the heart of Marylebone, LAVO London is Tao Group’s luxurious new addition to the capital’s dining scene—and it certainly makes a statement. From its sultry interiors to its indulgent Italian-American menu, LAVO offers a night out that blends high-end dining with genuine warmth and energy. For those looking to make an evening of it, pairing a visit to Bo Tree Bar—LAVO’s cocktail lounge—with dinner downstairs is a winning combination.
Our evening began with pre-dinner drinks at Bo Tree Bar, a sleek, intimate space just upstairs from the main restaurant. The martini selection alone makes it worth a stop. From classic and dirty to fruitier, more inventive takes, the bar team have crafted a cocktail list that is both refined and playful. Service was slick and attentive, and the buzz in the room set the perfect tone for what was to come.
Descending into LAVO itself, the atmosphere immediately struck the right balance between opulent and inviting. Plush textures, golden lighting, and rich wood finishes give the space a warm glow, while the open kitchen and bustling dining room bring it to life. There’s a real energy here—buzzy, celebratory, and full of character without ever tipping into chaos.
We opted for the set menu, which offered a generous taste of the restaurant’s signature dishes. Service throughout was polished and relaxed—knowledgeable staff who didn’t miss a beat while keeping the experience light and enjoyable.
Starters arrived swiftly: Grilled Prawns in Lemon and Garlic were succulent, smoky, and lifted beautifully by the citrus; while the Hamachi Crudo was fresh, silky, and artfully plated—an elegant contrast to the rustic prawn dish.
For mains, the Wild Boar and Truffle Ragu was everything you’d want from a comforting pasta dish—rich, slow-cooked meat, al dente ribbons of tagliatelle, and just the right hit of truffle to elevate without overpowering. The Chicken Parmigiana, meanwhile, was a nostalgic joy—crispy on the outside, juicy within, topped with a bubbling layer of mozzarella and a rich tomato sauce. It’s the kind of dish you didn’t know you missed until the first bite.
To finish, we shared two desserts that easily earned their place in the spotlight. The 20-Layer Peanut Butter Cake was outrageous in the best way—decadent, dense, and balanced with just enough saltiness to keep it from being too sweet. The Tiramisu was classic yet unforgettable—light, creamy, and drenched in just the right amount of espresso and liqueur.
LAVO London delivers on its promise: big flavours, bold atmosphere, and a night that feels like an occasion. Whether you’re marking a celebration or just want to treat yourself to an elevated dinner in one of London’s most stylish venues, it’s an experience worth booking. Just make sure to start with a martini upstairs.
Find out more > www.taogroup.com/venues/lavo-london/
