Inside Novikov, the fancy Mayfair restaurant loved by some of the Premier League’s biggest names, including Paul Pogba, Alvaro Morata and Harry Kane

May 01, 2018

FOOTBALLERS love to dine out at the most exclusive and exquisite restaurants around.

And when you’re raking in a six-figure weekly salary, why not?

Find out just why Novikov Restaurant & Bar has become the place to be for footballers from around the world in recent years

Paul Pogba is just one Premier League star to be spotted at Novikov in Mayfair

Novikov has both an Italian and Asian restaurant, as well as a bar with DJ

With plenty of spare time on their hands and wads of cash burning a hole in their wallet, Premier League stars are no strangers to sniffing out the finest local cuisine.

In recent years, one restaurant more than most appears to have attracted the attention of the best players on the planet.

Novikov Restaurant & Bar in Mayfair has welcomed the likes of Paul Pogba, Alvaro Morata, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexis Sanchez in recent months.

Wayne Rooney, John Terry, Harry Kane, Ronaldo, Neymar, Thibaut Courtois, Robin van Persie and Diego Costa are just a handful of other happy customers.

Harry Kane is one Tottenham star to have been seen at Novikov

The food on the Novikov menu is as diverse and exciting as it is expensive

The decor at Novikov is split depending on which restaurant you're in — The decor at Novikov is split depending on which restaurant you’re in

Ronaldo and Diego Costa are just two world-class stars to have eaten at Novikov

Novikov's cocktail bar is described as an 'unmissable' experience — Novikov’s cocktail bar is described as an ‘unmissable’ experience

Rapper Drake is one of many non-footballing celebs to dine at Novikov

Brit boxing star Anthony Joshua has also been seen at Novikov

And that’s just the footballers; the celebrity list of punters extends to the likes of Justin Bieber, Charlie Sheen, Usain Bolt, Kevin Pietersen, Anthony Joshua, Rory McIlroy, Drake and Novak Djokovic.

But what exactly is the reason for the rich and famous’ love of Novikov?

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The bar and restaurant is owned by Russian entrepreneur Arkady Novikov – a personal friend of Vladimir Putin.

Novikov, 55, owns over 50 restaurants, including four in London alone, opening Novikov Restaurant & Bar in 2012.

PSG and Brazil star Neymar has been spotted at Novikov in the recent past

Wayne Rooney is another household name to have experienced the Mayfair joint

The range of food at Novikov ranges drastically from Asian to Italian

Novikov is the place to be seen for the rich and famous around the world

The food on display at Novikov at times is utterly jaw-dropping

Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was once spotted eating at Novikov

Alvaro Morata and wife Alice Campello were spotted at the London restaurant on the very same night as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this year

Usain Bolt is another sporting legend to have enjoyed an evening at Novikov

Novikov can boast two entirely separate menus, as well as another bar

John Terry attending Novikov during his West London days at Chelsea

The location is a huge selling point, sitting in the heart of Mayfair – on Berkeley Street – where the roads in the area are frequently lined with Bentleys, Rolls Royces and Aston Martins.

Sounds right up the street of mega-rich Premier League stars, does it not?

The inside of Novikov Restaurant & Bar is something of a unique idea, split into two completely separate restaurants.

On the one hand there is the Asian restaurant with it’s open kitchen and amazing display of fresh seafood and vegetables.

Ex-Liverpool star Martin Skrtel and tennis ace Novak Djokovic pose for a photo at Novikov

Ex-Arsenal and Man United star Robin van Persie was seen at Novikov

Cricket legend Kevin Pietersen once dined out at Novikov

The decor, according to Novikov, is said to “evoke the atmosphere of an Asian food market… is at once welcoming and relaxing, but subtle enough not to distract from the food itself.”

Meanwhile the food ranges from Wagyu tacos, at £18.95 for two, to a £50 Peking duck, with King Crag leg and Thai pepper sauce another intriguing option.

Then there’s the Italian side, with its “imposing wood-fired oven, suede wall panelling, mirrors in solid oak frames and the rustic chandeliers.”

The food itself is said to be “indulgent” and offers “regional Italian dishes with a contemporary twist.”

Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos has even eaten at the West London hotspot

The food at Novikov has certainly turned heads over the years

Novikov has attracted the attentions of the mega-rich since its 2012 birth

The “twists” include Royal Caviar – at £79 per 50g – warm octopus and potato salad and even a trio of smoked swordfish.

There is more to Novikov than just the food though, it seems like more of an experience.

Over the months the restaurant have shared some incredible pictures, including one boasting a 120kg tuna – with the whole thing prepared in front of customers.

A giant swordfish has also stolen the show on one occasion.

Thibaut Courtois is one of many Chelsea players to have been spotted at Novikov

Jermain Defoe is another Premier League ace to have frequented Novikov

With food like this it's no wonder many stars keep coming back to Novikov — With food like this it’s no wonder many stars keep coming back to Novikov

Real Madrid star Toni Kroos has even attended the London joint

Golf star Rory McIlroy has joined football's elite at Novikov recently — Golf star Rory McIlroy has joined football’s elite at Novikov recently

Sweet or savoury, Novikov has an extensive menu for every taste bud

Mesut Ozil is another London-based Prem star to dine out at Novikov

Novikov also run a monthly masterclass available for punters to sign up for.

As well as fresh pasta-making classes, things such as summer cooking masterclasses and even pizza-making seminars are available to participate in.

Outside of the food, Novikov takes pride in its entertainment.

Before – or even after – your dinner you can take a seat at the bar, which Novikov describe as “a must-visit destination”.

The food at Novikov is certainly innovative... as well as delicious — The food at Novikov is certainly innovative… as well as delicious

Chelsea's ex-Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud has been spotted at Novikov before — Chelsea’s ex-Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud has been spotted at Novikov before

Willian is one of many Chelsea players to have enjoyed an evening at Novikov

Ex-Southampton star Graziano Pelle also ate at Novikov before moving to China

It boasts an “extensive cocktail menu, live music and performances by some of the world’s top DJs”.

A quick look at the schedule and you quickly discover they do indeed have a DJ for every night of the week to ensure their high-rolling customers are entertained.

No wonder some of the Premier League’s top stars have been seen stumbling out in the wee hours.

Tags: Football Football features

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