Omar’s Place, 13 Cambridge Street, Pimlico is now open! The creation of experienced restaurateur Omar Shabaan, this chic Mediterranean restaurant and bar offers accomplished cooking alongside an exceptional wine list and innovative cocktails.
Egyptian born, Omar is part of the family that runs the very well-established Andrea Mariouteya hospitality group in Egypt that has been in his family for over 60 years and continues to thrive. London has always been Omar’s city of choice and to now have the opportunity to bring the best of the Mediterranean to London, the opening of Omar’s Place is literally a dream come true.
One of the most exciting aspects of Omar’s Place is the food. Mallorcan born, Vicente Fortea leads the kitchen where he has created a menu made up of contemporary tapas that have been carefully selected form the coast towns of the Mediterranean. Thanks to Vicente’s impressive culinary pedigree which includes stints in some of the world’s best kitchens including three Michelin-Starred Arzak in San Sebastian and one Michelin-Starred Plat D’Or in Mallorca, like the Mediterranean Sea itself the food truly sparkles. Dishes include a selection of delicious hot and cold tapas, meat and seafood grilled to perfection over charcoal and playful desserts. Beautifully presented and full of surprises that will delight and excite diners, any meal eaten here is a memorable experience that transports you somewhere truly special. Must-try plates include the Carabinero Prawn with Crispy Rice, 45-day Aged Galician Beef and Caramelised Bread and Butter Pudding with Coffee Ice-Cream.
To compliment the kitchen is the intelligent wine list and first-class cocktails. Here Omar’s expertise in running Egypt’s most famous bars is very apparent, whether you choose the house wine or a fine vintage, all have been carefully selected to suit all palates and budgets. Moreover, cult cocktails such as Omar’s Bellini (Pomegranate Juice, Limoncello, Grenadine and Prosecco) are expertly made and Omar’s favourite drink of choice, whisky is available in abundance offering a ‘Whisky Greatest Hits’ for amateurs and aficionados alike.
Then there’s the design. A collaboration between Sella Concept and architects, Wilson Holloway this former listed pub has been successfully transformed into an uber chic and sophisticated space that is a refreshing contrast to the all too common cookie cutter designs so regularly popping up on our high streets. Following a colour palate that celebrates the colours of the Mediterranean, here emerald green, terracotta and sky blues are well complimented by misshapen lighting, marble table tops and curved mirrors.
A 40 cover restaurant at present, the wine-cellar-style downstairs will open in due course and provide seating for a further 30 guests. There will also be a stylish outside terrace for the warmer months. Omar’s Place is a restaurant with individuality and style that also delivers on taste and service. Omar’s commitment and genuine care for his new venture is abundant, making it a pleasure to visit time and again.