Derived from the Hebrew meaning ‘God will uplift’, ‘Jeru’ is a Middle Eastern restaurant in Mayfair that boasts of divine transcendency.
Upon entering the restaurant, diners are greeted by a beautiful hammam or palace entrance, replete with dipping fronds of plants and a bespoke herb chandelier that create an aura of exotic opulence.
The main restaurant, which is softly lit and low-ceilinged, exudes a warm, cosy ambience that does not feel cramped thanks to its clever creation of recessed spaces. One side features an open kitchen, imbuing an aura of precision, dynamism, and industrious entertainment, while the other side is adorned with luxurious banquette seating.
Jeru is one of the UK’s renowned Middle Eastern restaurant chains, which finds roots in the culinary expertise of Roy Ner, an award-winning Australian chef with North African and Israeli heritage. The menu boasts of creativity and passion that can be likened to fine golden threads in a Byzantine silk shawl. The chef not only pays homage to his cuisine but his culture and heritage as well. Roy’s mastery in cooking is highlighted in his ability to work with the ingredients and techniques to produce a harmony of flavours that tantalize the taste buds.
Jeru offers a special limited edition Easter menu from April 3 to 16, priced at £79 per person, which is a fantastic value given its veritable banquet. The meal starts with an assorted platter of mezze plates that include the delicious warm potato fermented wood-fired bread served with aromatic salted macadamia honey and a pat of chickpea miso butter.
The charcoal olives, seasoned with smoked paprika and oregano, complement the black chickpea hummus that comes with herb tatbila and meaty mushrooms with exotic flavors. The tuna ceviche in piquant orange and tamarind sauce is perfectly balanced, while the charcoal leek with roasted hazelnuts, feta, and caper vinaigrette is an absolute must-try.
The main event, the signature milk-fed lamb roast, accompanied by roasted hasselback Jerusalem artichokes topped with caramelised onion tahini and glistening white anchovies, is a delight to the senses.
The wine menu is superb, with an Italian sommelier named Valentino who has mastered the art of pairing. He elevates each course by pairing it with wines that showcase diverse producers, Phoenicia, and Georgia’s first through to the modern-day New World varieties.
The Jeru Easter Egg is the ultimate delight for people with a sweet tooth. This caramel chocolate dome has cherry and sumac sorbet and is generously slathered with salip sauce. Desserts can be enjoyed in the sophisticated underground bar, Layla, where DJs play music to spin the night in a more hedonistic direction in the sunken lounge.
A visit to Jeru invokes an opulent journey that amply rewards all the senses. The vibrant history and heritage enrich the experience and turn it into a multisensory sensation that transcends the rudimental act of going out for a meal. Exceptional service by Martin, our waiter, and Philip, the maitre d’, enhances the overall experience of the evening. One cannot recommend Jeru highly enough.
Jeru
11 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, London W1J 8DS
Phone 0203 988 0054
Website jeru.co.uk
Easter Menu priced at £79pp, available from April 3-16.
All images courtesy of Jeru