Soho’s Wardour Street has been graced with one of the most exciting new openings in recent years. MOI delivers a menu defined by exceptional flavour, a strong sense of identity, and an unparalleled atmosphere which channels the energy of its surroundings and elevates it with a premium touch. As far as London hotspots go, this is an absolute must-try for anyone looking for an outstanding dining experience they won’t soon forget.
Headed by renowned Group Executive Chef Andy Cook and Head Chef Nick Tannett, formerly of Evernight, the restaurant draws from Cook’s formative years in Japan to reinterpret its techniques through the lens of British produce and open-fire cooking. The menu boasts precision and flair, in artistic surroundings that reflect the balance perfectly.
The ground floor opens onto a long wine counter that looks directly into the grill, the air carrying a trace of cedar and char. The space blends reclaimed wood, raw concrete and soft light with a sculptural spiral staircase leading to the lower-ground level, home to the Omakase Sushi Bar and the Listening Room. Even the bathrooms continue the design narrative, with the roots of the central tree sculpture weaving through the ceiling above.
MOI’s menu is divided into a main menu, featuring snacks, raw plates, skewers, grills, and oven dishes, and the sushi counter, with maki, hand rolls, and nigiri on offer. Popular dishes include the Tempura Lobster Claw with its unique curry emulsion, fresh Cornish Sea Bream with langoustine sauce, Bluefin Tuna Tataki, and Toro Taku Temaki. Perfect for sharing plates, each choice allows diners to experience a wealth of textures and flavours, from smoky, fire-cooked plates to precise, delicate raw pieces.
Particularly strong dishes include the Aged Beef Tartare, served with cep, soy yolk and fried shallot – a must-try for any tartare fan, and arguably one of the best takes of the delicacy in London. For those inclined towards the less familiar, the Beef Tongue skewer with shishito pepper and marigold miso is exceptional, serving up tender, richly marinated pieces in a dish rarely found in other establishments. From the sushi counter, the Chef’s Selection Nigiri is a great choice that elegantly showcases the kitchen’s range, while the Ex-Dairy Beef Ribeye with toasted sesame delivers a perfect grill of saturated flavour and a lasting impression well after the meal has finished.
MOI marks the first venture from MAD Restaurants, the new hospitality group from Artem Login, whose L’ETO brand has expanded across the globe. With Cook at the helm, and Group Operations Director Giulia Cappuccio (formerly of The Ledbury and KOL) overseeing service, the restaurant has no shortage of experience at its core, ensuring that each component of the restaurant is a product of exactly that. Fans can also look forward to ALTA in Kingly Court, MAD’s new opening later this year, which will be devoted to Northern Spanish cooking by chef Rob Roy Cameron.
MOI can be found at 84 Wardour Street, London W1F 0TQ. You can explore the menu, learn more about MOI, and book your table right here.
