Last Updated on July 12, 2026
French-American fusion, bistro style
3.8 out of 5.0 stars
AVI is a new neighbourhood transatlantic restaurant in Belgravia, serving French-American fusion cuisine. It’s conveniently situated just a few minutes’ walk from Knightsbridge station, overlooking a quiet leafy square. It is part of The Lowndes Hotel, though with its own separate entrance.
Arriving on a warm, sunny June evening, it was an easy decision to dine alfresco on their pretty covered terrace, which is framed by royal blue window boxes overflowing with hydrangeas. Inside, the decor has the feel of classic Paris bistros, with cherry-red banquettes, bentwood chairs tucked beneath white linen-clad tables, and vintage French posters and artwork adorning the walls.
AVI comes from the team behind Belgravia’s stylish Prince Arthur pub, which I recently had the pleasure of visiting. Whilst retaining the same elegant vibe, AVI has a very different cuisine altogether, with a menu that reimagines classic American dishes with a distinctive Parisian flair.
Designed for sharing, the menu spans small plates, sandwiches and burgers, pasta, seafood, grill and sides. Specialities include New York fried chicken & caviar, caviar fish and chips, LA brioche lobster rolls, and their signature Le Big Mac elevated with luxurious black truffle, a very different offer to the McDonald’s classic!
Feeling summery, we ordered a bottle of Whispering Angel, a popular Provence rosé from Château d’Esclans – pale pink, crisp and refreshing, with notes of summer fruits and a mineral finish.
Dining with a pescatarian, we chose to share seafood dishes, although if you’re in the mood for meat, you won’t go hungry with a good selection of steaks and burgers. The choice of starters/small plates is a little limited, with steak or tuna tartare, salads, taramasalata, and posh chicken or fish & chips. With the tuna off the menu that evening, we went for the Caviar Fish & Chips, perhaps a little greedily! I could quite happily have eaten this alone, with a generous portion of deliciously crisp cod goujons served with an authentic tartare sauce and a luxurious tin of caviar (available in 10g, 50g or 100g portions), adding an indulgent creaminess and a briny taste of the sea.
We moved on to a whole grilled lobster, which looked quite spectacular, dressed in butter sauce with fries on the side. The meat was tender, though it wasn’t quite as fresh as I’d hoped.
The Carabinero arrived, butterflied, meaty, scarlet-coloured prawns with a spicy butter marinade. Adding a side of green salad and creamy Dauphinoise potatoes completed the feast. By this point, we were well and truly luxed out.
Dessert was more restrained, with scoops of pistachio and vanilla ice cream. The terrace was peaceful and remarkably warm, so we lingered over the last of our wine.
As you’d expect in Belgravia, AVI isn’t easy on the wallet, but the location speaks for itself. Tucked away from the buzz of nearby Knightsbridge, it offers a more relaxed and elegant setting while remaining within easy reach of London’s best shopping and attractions. It’s a great spot for long lunches and cosy dinners, and with the heated terrace, al fresco dining is possible year-round.
AVI
21 Lowndes Street,
Belgravia
London,
SW1X 9ES
Tel: 020 4615 4777
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