Amai by Viktor: a cosy, spenny little hidden gem for date night
If you love a tasting menu but hate making decisions, Amai by Viktor is a dream. Cosy, romantic, and the kind of place where the staff notice the little things (hello Dyson heater moment). Spenny? Yes. Worth it? Also yes.
I had seen loads of gushing reviews online (which normally makes me suspicious because surely nothing can be that perfect), but it genuinely did not disappoint. If you are looking to splurge on a cosy date night that feels special without being stiff or intimidating, I would 10/10 recommend.
My Quick Verdict
- Go for: cosy date night / treat meal / foodie catch-up
- Vibe: intimate, warm, not at all stuffy
- Food: creative and genuinely memorable
- Standout dish: foie gras with mushroom + cherry (most surprising bite) + the tupinambo dessert (so unique)
- Worth it? yes (especially if you love a tasting menu)
Quick Bits (For the Skimmers)
The Nitty Gritty
The decor: Scandi vibes, but with character
It's warm and cosy: dark wood furniture, soft amber lighting, and greenery hanging from the ceiling. It's giving Scandi, but make it romantic.
Basically, you relax the second you walk in which is ideal when you know you're about to spend a small fortune on dinner.
The service is the kind that makes you go “aw, that’s nice”
We were greeted by Alex (the GM) who was genuinely so friendly. Coats and bags get hung along the staircase on numbered hooks that match your table number - such a thoughtful little detail!
We were seated in the corner on the right side of the room, given the menu, and then they offered to move the little Dyson heater closer to us. Such a random detail, but honestly it is the little things. It instantly makes you feel looked after, and that is half the experience for me.
What we ordered: the 8-course tasting menu
We went for the 8-course tasting menu, which is perfect if you are very (very!) indecisive like me and absolutely cannot be trusted with an à la carte menu in a new place. Everything looks delicate and modest in size, but I was properly full by the end. No “I need a second dinner” situation here.
While we waited, I had a glass of Riesling, and my boyfriend had a Winter Sour cocktail.
Tap a dish to expand and swipe through.
Course 1: Snacks (three little bites of joy)
Such a strong start - tiny bites that wake your palate up and instantly get you excited.
- Salmon with wasabi + cornichon
Like a deconstructed sushi moment, minus the rice, on a crunchy shell. - Feijoada cake with coriander + chilli
Savoury, arancini-like ball with a beef/pork filling (this was gone in one comforting bite!). - Foie gras with mushroom + cherry
This one surprised me the most. It sounds like an odd combo on paper, but it absolutely worked and the mushroom element is hidden in this light, puffy base that is almost meringue-like. One of my standout bites of the whole night.
Course 2: Starter
Cabbage with Brussels sprouts, stuffing + miso
This arrived and I was like wait, this is the starter? The cabbage was crisped, Brussels sprouts underneath, and the miso comes through in the sauce. Again, one of those dishes where the ingredient list seems confusing, but it tastes completely right.
Course 3: Bread
Brioche muffin + smoked cultured butter
Warm homemade brioche shaped like a muffin, with smoked salted butter. I'm not even a "loads of butter" person normally, but I could not stop going back for more. Dangerous.
Courses 4 & 5: Mains (two meat courses)
- Guinea fowl with barley, salsify, lardo + XO sauce
- Venison with coffee, cocoa, celeriac + açaí
Both were cooked beautifully, juicy and spot on. If I had to be picky, these did not surprise me quite as much as the earlier courses, but they were still really, really good.
Course 6: Pre-dessert
Mandarin with lemongrass + erva mate
A pre-dessert before dessert is always a yes from me. Light, fresh, and it reset everything in the best way.
Course 7: Dessert
Tupinambo (Jerusalem artichoke), almonds, chocolate + truffle
This was the "what is happening here?" course in the best way. Rich, decadent, and such a fun flavour combination when you get a spoonful of everything at once.
Course 8: Sweets
Shepherd's brigadeiro, caramel + mincemeat, cachaca jelly with cranberry + pine
As if dessert wasn't enough, they finish you off with three mini sweets. Very "just in case you weren't happy already."
Overall thoughts
It's also a really nice intro to Brazilian and South American influences without being a full deep dive into something super intense or unfamiliar - perfect if you're open to trying something new, but you're not trying to be the most adventurous eater in the room.
Who I would recommend it for
- Cosy date nights where you want it to feel special.
- Foodie friends who love a tasting menu and a proper experience.
- Anyone who appreciates great service and a warm, intimate atmosphere.
Just keep in mind: some tables are close together, so if you hate feeling a bit snug next to other diners, aim for an earlier booking.
Booking tip
If you're thinking of going, book sooner rather than later. I booked about a month in advance (via OpenTable), and it is definitely the kind of place that fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
Would I go back?
Yes - but I'd save it for the right moment.
This is the kind of place I'd go back to for a proper treat meal or a special date night, rather than an everyday dinner. The tasting menu makes it feel like a whole experience, and you really do get looked after.
If you're deciding whether it's worth the splurge: if you love trying creative dishes and you're happy to lean into the "let's make a night of it" vibe, you'll have a brilliant time.