After a recent renovation, the renowned Harrods have updated their dining hall. The plush and inviting dining hall now hosts The Mediterranean Grill by Assembly. Athanasios Kargatzidis, already known for successful food ventures, has launched his first UK restaurant. Situated in a cosy corner of Harrods dining hall, it has a great casual table option for larger groups and counter tables for those wanting a closer look at the kitchen. The focus is to deliver delicious and authentic sharing mezze, the grill and other vegetarian plates are designed to share.

Highlighting grilling and cooking on an open fire, the art of creating smoky and vibrant flavours was apparent. We were recommended to pick from the grill options and a couple of small plates and mezze. From the grill we choose, scallop & roe, aesthetically executed to perfection, lead to almost not wanting to tuck into it. Luckily, we couldn’t resist. The scallops were presented in a half shell, marinated with miso butter, shoyu, sesame spring onions and lemon. Absolutely divine.

The next grilled delight was the duck rice, delivered in a beautiful clay pot. The confit duck’s leg was wonderfully crisp, accompanied by date soujouk, which marries well with dibs rumman, a thickened pomegranate juice, which made the food taste like a sweet and savoury pot of joy. Also from the grilled options, we were surprised how fresh the monkfish tasted. Skewered and infused with olives, anchovy, olive oil and lemon, this combination was simply delicious.

From the small plates and mezze we tried the charred aubergine and pine nuts. The soft herbs, tomato and herb chutney, transformed a usually plain vegetable into an epic sharing plate. Last but not least, we ordered the hummus with spiced prawn & crab, mixed with mixed tahini and a side of freshly baked pita and whipped butter, so simple but so satisfying.

This meal is one I will not be forgetting anytime soon and would definitely consider going back as soon as possible.

Address: Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL

Website: www.harrods.com

Written by Faiza Arbouche
Photos courtesy of Mediterranean Grill by Assembly