Stepping through the grand entrance of The Langham, a five-star hotel famed for its appearance on “Five Star Kitchen: Britain’s Next Great Chef,” I felt a thrill of anticipation. Though I wasn’t there to compete for culinary glory, I was excited to experience the new Mimosa restaurant, a stylish addition to the London dining scene. Mimosa, the brainchild of the French restaurant group Moma, occupies the space previously held by Roux at the Landau.
The moment I entered the restaurant, I was transported to a sun-drenched Mediterranean villa. The dining room, beautifully designed by Dorothée Delaye, boasts a warm and inviting ambiance. Rich marine woodwork, coral motifs, and teal accents adorn the space, creating a sense of coastal charm. Velvet sofas and speckled chairs offer comfortable seating, while a towering fig tree at the heart of the room whispers of Southern France.
My dining companion and I were greeted with a warm welcome and a pair of delectable Cristalino margaritas. Presented in tall glasses with a crystallized rim, these refreshing cocktails boasted a tart, citrusy flavor that left a delightful Cointreau kiss on our lips. We eagerly perused the menu, a tantalizing collection of dishes inspired by the French Riviera and the Italian coast.
The signature dish, the egg mimosa (£7), was a delightful start to our culinary journey. These deviled eggs, topped with a choice of either traditional yolk or dainty flakes of mullet roe paste, were a symphony of creamy textures and savory flavors. The rich, whipped filling melted in our mouths, offering an elegant prelude to the culinary adventure that lay ahead.
Our four starters arrived, each showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients. The tomato tartare with pan de Cristal (£18) was a vibrant explosion of flavors. The glistening raw meat, perched atop a lightly toasted piece of bread, burst with a delightful balance of salty and sweet.
Next, we indulged in the warm Provençal asparagus (£20), a delicate and flavorful dish. The tender asparagus spears were perfectly complemented by a light and citrusy lemon Hollandaise, served in a charming clay jug. This vibrant sauce was so delicious that I could have easily sipped it as a beverage!
My dining companion, with a penchant for avoiding caramelized onions, wisely steered clear of the classic pissaladière (£22). However, I couldn’t resist this savory delight, a crispy triangle of filo pastry topped with a rich paste, Taggiasche olives, and anchovies. The briny flavors of the toppings melded beautifully with the pastry, creating a surprisingly complex and satisfying taste experience.
The authentic salade Nicoise (£29.50) was a true highlight of the evening. This classic French salad, with its vinegary dressing and refreshing vegetables, was a perfect canvas for the runny, hot orange egg yolks that crowned the dish.
As we transitioned to the main course, the excitement continued to build. We eagerly devoured the yellowfin tuna steak (£44), which was drizzled in a café de Paris sauce and cooked to a perfect medium rare, as recommended by the chef. The tuna was exceptionally tender, with layers of succulent meat melting in our mouths. Each bite was punctuated by a delightful peppered crust.
Our other main course, the veal meatballs (£20), was a culinary masterpiece. These flavorful meatballs, served in a sizzling Pomodoro sauce, were adorned with a creamy herb pesto that flowed like a river through little islands of mozzarella. The dish was a taste of Italy, offering a vibrant and comforting experience.
The evening culminated in a theatrical dessert presentation that left us awestruck. The deconstructed tiramisu (£14) was assembled tableside, layer by layer, with coffee, amaretto, sponge, and mascarpone. My companion opted for the l’ananas (£29), a hollowed-out pineapple filled with a decadent crème brûlée.
Our evening at Mimosa was more than just a meal; it was an experience. We found ourselves fully immersed in the restaurant’s warm and welcoming ambiance, sharing stories with our enthusiastic waiter, who was eager to share his own. We explored the extensive cocktail menu, enjoying classic mimosas (£18 each) and Chandon garden spritzes (£18 each), savoring each sip and extending our culinary adventure.
From the exquisitely designed dining room to the tantalizing dishes, Mimosa at The Langham offered a delightful escape to the Mediterranean. The blend of authentic French and Italian flavors, coupled with the warm hospitality of the staff, created an evening that will linger in my memory. I wholeheartedly recommend Mimosa to anyone seeking a truly memorable dining experience.
