FOOTBALLERS love to dine out at the most exclusive and exquisite restaurants.
And when you're raking in a six-figure weekly wage, why wouldn't you?
37
Find out just why Novikov Restaurant & Bar has become the place to be for footballers from around the world in recent yearsCredit: Novikov Restaurant
37
Paul Pogba is just one Premier League star to be spotted at Novikov in MayfairCredit: BackGrid
37
Novikov has both an Italian and Asian restaurant, as well as a bar with DJCredit: Instagrm @novikovrestaurant
With plenty of spare time on their hands and wads of cash burning a hole in their wallets, Premier League stars are no strangers to sniffing out the finest local cuisine.
One restaurant more than most appears to have attracted the attention of the best players on the planet in recent years.
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.
37
Harry Kane is one Tottenham star to have been seen at NovikovCredit: Instagram @novikovrestaurant
37
The food on the Novikov menu is as diverse and exciting as it is expensiveCredit: Instagrm @novikovrestaurant
37
The decor at Novikov is split depending on which restaurant you're inCredit: Novikov Restaurant
37
Ronaldo and Diego Costa with Novikov senior restaurant manager Decio BarrosoCredit: Instagram @novikovrestaurant
37
Novikov's cocktail bar is described as an 'unmissable' experienceCredit: Instagrm @novikovrestaurant
37
Rapper Drake is one of many non-footballing celebs to dine at NovikovCredit: Instagram @novikovrestaurant
37
Brit boxing star Anthony Joshua is a fan of NovikovCredit: Instagram @novikovrestaurant
And that's just the footballers. The list of celebrity punters includes the likes of Justin Bieber, Charlie Sheen, Usain Bolt, Kevin Pietersen, Anthony Joshua, Rory McIlroy, Drake and Novak Djokovic.
But what's the reason why the rich and famous love Novikov?
Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at NovikovCredit: BackGrid
37
Alvaro Morata and wife Alice Campello were spotted at the London restaurant on the same night as Aubameyang this yearCredit: BackGrid
37
Usain Bolt is another sporting legend to have enjoyed an evening at NovikovCredit: Splash News
37
Novikov serves roasted mackerel fillet with tomatoes and butter beans for lunchCredit: Instagrm @novikovrestaurant
37
John Terry attending Novikov during his West London days at ChelseaCredit: Instagram @novikovrestaurant
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.
37
Ex-Liverpool star Martin Skrtel and tennis ace Novak Djokovic pose for a photo at NovikovCredit: Instagram @novikovrestaurant
37
Ex-Arsenal and Man United star Robin van Persie was seen at NovikovCredit: Instagram @novikovrestaurant
37
Cricket legend Kevin Pietersen once dined out at NovikovCredit: Instagram @novikovrestaurant
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."
37
Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos has even eaten at the West London hotspotCredit: Splash News
37
The crab salad with avocado and datterino tomatoes at Novikov is on the menu for £39Credit: Instagrm @novikovrestaurant
37
Novikov has attracted the attentions of the mega-rich since its 2012 birthCredit: Novikov Restaurant
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 has 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.
37
Thibaut Courtois is one of many Chelsea players to have been spotted at NovikovCredit: Instagram @novikovrestaurant
37
Jermain Defoe is another Premier League ace to have frequented NovikovCredit: Instagram @novikovrestaurant
37
With food like this it's no wonder many stars keep coming back to NovikovCredit: Instagrm @novikovrestaurant
Real Madrid star Toni Kroos has even attended the London jointCredit: Instagram @novikovrestaurant
37
Golf star Rory McIlroy has joined football's elite at Novikov recentlyCredit: Instagram @novikovrestaurant
37
This raspberry and strawberry tart is on their dessert menuCredit: Instagrm @novikovrestaurant
37
Mesut Ozil is another London-based Prem star to dine out at NovikovCredit: Instagram @novikovrestaurant
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.
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".
37
This meat platter at Novikov is certainly innovative... as well as deliciousCredit: Instagrm @novikovrestaurant
37
Chelsea's ex-Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud has been spotted at Novikov beforeCredit: Instagram @novikovrestaurant
37
Willian is one of many Chelsea players to have enjoyed an evening at NovikovCredit: Instagram @willianborges88
37
Ex-Southampton star Graziano Pelle also ate at Novikov before moving to ChinaCredit: Instagram @novikovrestaurant
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.
Full Saturday Premier League preview including Liverpool v Stoke and Swansea v Chelsea
Full Sunday Premier League preview including Manchester United v Arsenal and West Ham v Manchester City
Full Monday Premier League preview featuring Tottenham v Watford
