The Dover is a smart, New York-Italian restaurant in Mayfair. It sits, aptly, on Dover Street and is easily missed thanks to its unmarked doorway. Noticable by a plush of deep maroon curtains, some have said it has a member's club feel, which would make sense as it's helmed by former Soho House Chief Operating Officer Martin Kuczmarski.
Inside, the atmospheric space is dimly lit, making it a great spot for a date, catch up with close friends or a special occasion. Polished wooden walls and chequored flooring offer a classic feel, made modern with plenty of stylish decor touches.
The menu follows a traditional Italian format starting with smaller snacks for the table such as New York-style pig in blanket, lobster roll and crispy potato cakes with caviar, lemon, crème fraîche and Oscietra. As for starters, dive into Tuscan minestrone, smoked salmon and blinis with traditional trimmings and prawn cocktail with Marie Rose and New York horseradish sauce.
If a salad is your thing, the Dover's chopped salad sounds great and is packed with iceberg lettuce, chicken, egg, beets, avocado, Cheddar, tomato, balsamic and honey dressing. While the pasta course offers lemon and chilli spaghettini, hot penne arrabbiata and lobster ravioli.
Got a little more room? Mains are up next and there's nods to American classics such as the Dover burger and fries with a secret sauce, quirky takes like the Italian sausage pie and some other European influences such as The Dove sole and chicken Cordon Bleu. As for dessert, we're particularly interested in the baked cheesecake brulee with sour cherries and maraschino, as well as the delicious-sounding chocolate and hazelnut praline on the plate.
Wash it all down with a cocktail straight outta New York like a Manhatten, New York Sour or The God Father, alongside a selection of red, white, rose and sparkling wines.