Dubai’s award-winning Rüya opens in London

The Middle East export brings a tantalising taste of Turkey to Mayfair

Expect an epicurean adventure from the Anatolian peninsula when Rüya opens in Mayfair on Friday June 8. The award-winning restaurant concept comes to London from Dubai – and finds a home within the refined surroundings of The Grosvenor House Hotel on leafy Park Lane. Conran & Partners’ contemporary interior creates a vibrant setting for 136 guests with theatrical details that draw on Turkish antiquity. The space is arranged around a private dining room, lounge and chef’s table with views of the open kitchen.

The view through to the open kitchen

Chef patron Colin Clague – formerly of the UAE’s Zuma and Caprice Holdings – is at the helm, and his menu presents sophisticated contemporary dishes from the various Anatolian regions. It opens with an intriguing “to ponder” section (£5.50-£8.50) offering delights such as citir kalamar, simit-coated baby squid, avocado haydari and spicy red pepper dip. 

To follow are cold starters (£10-£15) of levrek seabass sashimi with mustard, lemon and shaved radish; and karpuz peynir of burnt watermelon, cheese and tomato. Hot options include kaz ciğeri, seared spiced foie gras, pickled Turkish cherries, simit and zeytinyağli ahtapot – a tongue-twister following a cocktail or two – plus marinated and grilled octopus with chilli, borlotti beans and capers.

Rüya features authentic Anatolian dishes with a modern twist

Be sure to leave room for the main course (£15-£35): a seductive selection of 24-hour slow-cooked short ribs with Turkish chilli glaze and spiced Konya chickpea puree or cağ kebap skewers of marinated wagyu beef. If fish is your preference, there’s also whole grilled seabream with a spiced herb rub, lemon dressing and havuc salatasi.

A delectable Rüya dessert

The drinks at the bar recall Anatolian destinations, such as the Black Sea, made with rye whiskey, cognac, vermouth, raisin, cinnamon and bitters. The restaurant will also provide quality raki, which means there will be plenty to whet the appetite when it opens its doors next month.