Garufin will open on 24 October in Lambs Conduit Passage in Holborn. Split over two levels; the ground floor will act as a ‘no bookings’ café-bar serving small plates, while the downstairs 40-cover restaurant will take reservations for a more formal dining experience.
“This is a very exciting time for us,” said Abbate, who is also behind fellow Argentinian restaurants Santa Maria Del Sur, Moo! Grill and Casa Malevo. “Ernesto, Gustavo and I have created something in Garufin that we feel is very special.
“We pride ourselves on the quality of our ingredients and hope that by focusing on the food from the different regions of Argentina, people will feel we’ve brought something interesting and exciting to London.”
Garufin: On the menu
Garufin’s café-bar will feature an all-day brunch menu to eat in or take away with dishes ranging from empanadas with seasonal vegetables to beef fillet with quinoa salad – prices will be between £7.50 and £16. The design includes exposed original brickwork, a black and white tiled floor, high ceilings and reclaimed wooden tables with 20 covers at high tables.
With a custom-made chargrill, signature dishes at the Garufin restaurant will include steaks from grass-fed, prime Argentine meat as well as dishes such as ‘Costilla’ (tender braised short ribs with polenta) and other regional specialties including ‘Codorniz Adobada’ (slow cooked quail) from Cuyo and ‘Empanada de Mondongo’ (tripe, ox cheek and chilli empanda) from Noroeste.
The restaurant’s interior will feature warm colours, low lights and wood, while re-discovered vaults have been converted into wine cellars. Two enomatic wine machines will dispense eight wines each from the entirely Argentinian list, ensuring freshness and multiple wines by the glass and carafe. The downstairs area of Garufin will also include a separate bar with additional space for 15.
Abbate and Vazquez’s other restaurant, Garufa, will continue to trade as normal in Highbury Park.