Into the Woods: A Visit to SILVA, Mayfair’s Modern Mediterranean Gem

There are few corners of London as quietly elegant as Bruton Place, a cobbled whisper off Berkeley Square where Mayfair’s culinary pulse beats with newfound energy. And right at its heart, SILVA is flourishing. Latin for forest, SILVA is the creation of entrepreneur Daria Grebenyuk, who opened its doors in November 2024 and immediately gave Mayfair a new address to whisper about over lunch.

Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve wandered into an enchanted grove curated by Atelier Wren, all mixed woods, marble, and soft, decorative foliage. It’s as if nature herself had decided to take a long weekend in Mayfair and demanded impeccable service with her wine list. The 90-seat space unfolds across two levels: the light-dappled ground-floor restaurant and a first-floor cocktail bar so alluring it could convince even the most loyal Claridge’s regular to stray. A discreet private dining room for 14 guests completes the tableau — the ideal setting for those who prefer their soirées intimate and their champagne perfectly chilled.

At the heart of SILVA's appeal is Polish-born head chef Slawomir Sawicki, whose contemporary Mediterranean menus are as refined as they are heartfelt. His philosophy — “stripped back focus on the ingredients” — has already earned Silva a coveted mention from Michelin UK & Ireland, which called it “the ideal neighbourhood restaurant.” The Good Food Guide agreed, calling the space “small, upbeat” and the cooking “as joyous as it is seasonal.” They weren’t exaggerating.

The à la carte menu reads like poetry for the palate. Seabass crudo shimmers with jalapeño, yuzu and ginger dressing, a dish that could make Poseidon weep. The Stracciatella with caramelised peach and hazelnuts is summer reincarnated on a plate, while the Lamb cutlets with courgette and marjoram jus are a study in comfort and confidence. Dessert is no afterthought here: Pastry Chef Manuela’s Basque cheesecake has already become legend, and the Chocolate fondant with ginger ice cream delivers that rare combination of indulgence and sophistication.

For those in a rush (or simply pretending to be), the two-course set lunch at £29 is Mayfair’s best-kept secret. Expect crisp, golden perfection in the form of a fried egg with girolles and Parmesan sauce or the sunshine-bright Lemon risotto with ricotta and confit Datterini tomatoes.

The wine list is equally thoughtful, curated to dance gracefully with the food rather than overpower it. Over 25 options are available by the glass, with bottles starting at £40 — all leaning towards lighter, fresher expressions that make lingering over a late lunch a dangerously easy affair.

Ultimately, SILVA feels like Mayfair’s best new paradox: refined yet relaxed, worldly yet warmly personal. In a city that can sometimes take its fine dining a little too seriously, SILVA offers something rarer, a sense of place, pleasure, and playfulness. It’s no wonder the critics are enchanted.

SILVA

26–28 Bruton Place, Mayfair, London W1J 6NG

www.silvarestaurant.co.uk

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