Omar’s Place brings a touch of the Mediterranean to the heart of Pimlico

Nestled unobtrusively at the corner of Hugh Street and Cambridge Street in the heart of Pimlico, occupying a small, Grade-II listed former pub, is a true Mediterranean escape for London gastronomes. Omar's Place has transformed this area of London into a tapas kitchen and a cocktail bar taking inspiration from the cuisine of countries including owner Omar Shabaan's Egyptian heritage to Mallorcan-born chef Vincente Fortea.

Stepping into the upscale restaurant immediately transports you to warmer climes, thanks to the 36-cover venue's warm terracotta tones and jade marble tables and bar tops. At lunch, it is a classy affair perfect for conversation, while dinner service opens up to the coolest of London's society set, all enjoying the fresh seafood dishes, and cleverly balanced cocktails that pack a punch.

Shabaan is from a family of hoteliers and restaurateurs, who have owned the Egyptian Andrea Mariouteya for 60 years, and runs a wide-ranging portfolio of bars, restaurants and a boutique hotel. But it was a long-held dream to open a Mediterranean venue in London. >>

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With that dream now realised, Omar's Place delivers a short menu divided by cold tapas, hot tapas and main courses. Opting for a selection from the three widely varied options, we soon found the different influences, textures and tastes are brought together by Chef Fortea's light touch and beautiful presentation. Starting with beetroot and green pea hummus straws, presented on specially made presentation plates, we quickly made our way through small tastes of squid tartar, beef tartar and fois gras meringues.

Elsewhere on the menu, Fortea's innovative combinations are evident in his explode-in-the-mouth egg parcels, while Spanish staples like gambas al ajillo served with garlic and chilli were perfectly cooked. Larger dishes included seafood and meat-centric delicacies such as grilled octopus tentacle (Shabaan's favourite dish) and beautifully crispy Andalusian-style fried turbot, and sides like Piquillo peppers, charred baby gem lettuce and rosemary potatoes completed the meal.

Far from your typical tapas, Omar's Place blends avant garde tastes and textures with Instagram-inspiring presentation – and a full wine list to compliment any palette. The first of its kind in London, we look forward to the evolution of this Mediterranean sensory feast.