20+ Restaurants in Mayfair To Visit In 2024
By Ellie Smith
2 months ago
A foodie's guide to London's fine dining mecca
Image credit: Jack Hardy
London’s most upmarket area, Mayfair boasts an abundance of top class restaurants, with more Michelin stars than anywhere else in the city. And while it’s been criticised for stuffiness in the past, many of its high-end eateries have revamped their offerings to meet modern needs. We’ve also seen flurry of exciting, buzzy openings, heralding the beginning of a new era in fine dining: from the chic Italian hotspot Sparrow to Chantelle Nicholson’s eco-minded Apricity and Tom Sellers’ Dovetale, housed within 1 Hotel Mayfair. That’s not to say we should forget about local stalwarts like Wiltons, one of the capital’s oldest restaurants, and the legendary 47 Jermyn Street. Here we highlight some of the best places to eat in the neighbourhood, spanning Japanese, Indian, French and more.
How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Mayfair
Where To Eat In Mayfair In 2024
L’Atelier Robuchon
Though recently relaunched, this lavish Mayfair restaurant feels utterly timeless, and it certainly upholds the staggering legacy of legendary French chef Joël Robuchon. Sip on a cocktail named after a region of France (0pt for the Cote D’Azur if you’re partial to pastis, or go for La Normandie if you’re after a fruity flavour with a touch of almond) before sampling starters including seabream carpaccio, langoustine ravioli and crab served with caviar and lobster jelly. When it comes to main courses, the highlight just might be the miso black cod, which is perched on a delicate cloud of coconut foam (and pairs brilliantly with a southern French red wine, served chilled.) Whatever you order, however, make sure to ask for a side of Robuchon’s much-revered mashed potato. Thanks to a ludicrous amount of butter, it’s the creamiest, most velvety mash you’ll ever taste.
6 Clarges Street, London, W1J 8AE, robuchonlondon.co.uk
Dovetale
Sitting at the centre of new eco-conscious hotspot 1 Hotel Mayfair is Dovetale, the latest opening from chef Tom Sellers – who rose to fame with his Michelin-starred Restaurant Story in London Bridge. Here the menu focuses on simple yet top-quality dishes that champion seasonal produce, with a grill and raw bar. Dine al fresco in the courtyard, or pull up a seat in the stylish dining room, which is all dark wood and exposed wooden beams, with sleek banquettes and copper suspended fireplaces. Begin with a starter of juicy Orkney scallops drizzled in Amalfi lemon, a light and fresh Isle of Wight tomato tart, or a unique twist on the melon and ham starter flavoured with chamomile sauce. Mains include a perfectly cooked Loch Duart salmon jazzed up with Hollandaise sauce and leeks, black truffle and potato agnolotti, or a selection of steaks (the sharing Black Angus T-Bone being the most decadent choice). The cherry on the cake? An Instagram-friendly Knickerbocker Glory trolley, which whizzes up the nostalgic dessert tableside – guests are invited to build their own creation using a checklist.
1 Dover Yard, London W1J 8NE, 1hotels.com
Riviera
As one of Mayfair’s newest high-end restaurants, Riviera is a must-visit spot for outstanding French cuisine. The menu encompasses a dizzying array of sharing plates, meaning that picking starters can be mildly overwhelming – but you will be rewarded handsomely by whatever you decide. Choose the gorgeous king crab salad for a sharp citrus kick, or indulge in the tempura-battered courgette flower stuffed to the brim with truffle and cheese. The snails are also exquisite, each one almost sinking in a sea of warm garlic butter. Follow up with the astonishingly flavoursome lobster spaghetti or the black truffle slow-cooked baby chicken, which is served with a generous helping of wild mushrooms. Top off your meal with a stunning dessert and a selection from the extensive wine list.
23 St James St, London, SW1A 1HA; riviera-london.co.uk
Sparrow
Bringing a slice of LA cool to the capital is Sparrow, a buzzy Italian-inspired restaurant which opened last October in the heart of Mayfair. Spread across three floors, the space comprises a ground-floor bar and two dining spaces – all ultra stylish, decked out with greenery, marble bars and velvet banquettes. Chefs AJ McCloud and Ivan Simeoli aim to transport diners to the ‘enchanting Southern European coast’ with a mix of Italian and Mediterranean dishes, made using organic ingredients. Begin with wild mushroom arancini and tuna tartare with truffle ponzo ahead of delicious handmade pasta dishes like spaghetti with pistachio pesto, lobster linguine and bone marrow cappelletti. Enjoy alongside beautifully presented cocktails like the Figurati – a twist on an Aperol Spritz made with gin, lime and grapefruit. All this, paired with a lively vibe, friendly staff and chic surroundings: Sparrow is a surefire winner.
1-3 Avery Row, London W1K 4AJ; sparrowitalia.com
Humo
Live fire cooking is all the rage at the moment, and now we have another hot London restaurant in the mix, which secured a Michelin star in the 2024 guide. Recently launched in Mayfair is Humo (which translates as ‘smoke’ in Spanish), spearheaded by Chef Miller Prada, protégé of Endo Kazutoshi of Michelin starred Endo at the Rotunda. Influenced by Japanese cooking techniques, the restaurant revolves around a four-metre long grill, with all dishes prepared using a selection of widely sourced woods – all of which impart subtle flavour differences on the food. Rather than being focused on a specific cuisine, Humo is produce-led, with some key influences from Miller’s Colombian background. Hero dishes include 14-day aged trout and caviar, and hand-dived Orkney scallop with Speyside whisky barrel and white konbu.
12 St George St, London W1S 2FB; humolondon.com
The Promenade at The Dorchester
One of the capital’s most iconic hotels, The Dorchester is looking more dazzling than ever thanks to a shiny makeover courtesy of designers Martin Brudnizki and Pierre-Yves Rochon. The first stage in the hotel’s big renovation project has seen its ground floor transformed, with a fresh, modern look and revamped food and drink offering. At the heart of the venue sits The Promenade, which serves not just as the avenue to restaurants like The Grill and China Tang, but as a dining destination in its own right. Its new aesthetic is undeniably glamorous, featuring sage green banquettes with pastel pink cushions, flanked by marble pillars with gold leaf accents. Spearheaded by culinary director Martyn Nail, the menus (which are also rocking a jazzy new pink and green look) offer all-day dining from breakfast through to dinner, with a focus on contemporary British cuisine. Visit for dinner to try refined starters like Portland scallop with celeriac, and burrata with artichoke and pickled wild mushrooms, ahead of grilled meat and fish dishes, lobster cannelloni, or chicken and langoustine pie. Afterwards, head to one of the new bars for a nightcap. Pull up a stool beneath the chandelier at Artists’ Bar and try the Love Lies cocktail, a delightful blend of Pisco, apple, rose petal foam and champagne; or cosy up for a Martini in the striking Vesper Bar. A real treat.
53 Park Ln, London W1K 1QA; dorchestercollection.com
KOYN
Samyukta Nair is a key player on the Mayfair restaurant scene, having created some of the neighbourhood’s most popular hotspots – from Jamavar to MiMi Mei Fair. But her latest opening is arguably the best yet. Launched in September 2022 on Grosvenor St is KOYN, a Japanese restaurant with chic interiors and a stellar food and drink offering spearheaded by ex-Nobu chef Rhys Cattermoul. The concept was inspired by Mount Fuji, and its dual nature – both its calm slopes and its fiery centre, with two distinct areas: MIDORI and MAGMA. Menu highlights include the Chilean sea bass and the wagyu gyoza, and the cocktails are excellent. There’s also a chic bar, where guests can enjoy izakaya-style snacks, cocktails and Japanese whiskies.
38 Grosvenor St, London W1K 4QA; koynrestaurants.com
El Norte
El Norte’s décor combines decades of tradition with contemporary touches; here vintage upholstery is mixed with low-slung lighting and a marble bar, creating an eclectic environment that charms guests from all over the world. The freshest seafood, the finest ingredients and an unbridled passion for Spain make El Norte the perfect place to get hooked on Spanish food. The perfect pairing to any dish? El Norte’s extensive wine list has it all. Choose from an array of exceptional regional Spanish wines, or some of the finest global vintages, be that still or sparkling. If you’re keener on cocktails, El Norte’s mixologists have curated an innovative collection for you to choose from too.
19-20 Dover St, London W1S 4LU; el-norte.co.uk
MiMi Mei Fair
The very best of Chinese cuisine is on the menu at MiMi Mei Fair, another brainchild of Samyukata Nair, one of the key players on the Mayfair restaurant scene. Experience beautifully presented dishes made from the finest ingredient in a setting that transports guests back to the streets and teahouses of the past in China. Awed by the beauty of the Forbidden City in Beijing, the interiors are filled with antiques, trinkets and heirlooms from Samyukata’s private collection. Menu highlights include crispy golden langoustine with Perigord truffle, an array of handcrafted dumplings including a signature MiMi creation of Xiao Long Bao’s in jewel-coloured skins and a traditional apple wood roasted Peking duck with homemade pancakes.
55 Curzon St, London W1J 8PG; mimimeifair.com
Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
Housed in the former site of Nobu on Berkeley Street is an Italian restaurant from the Ferragamo family, Il Borro. It’s the third culinary opening for the restaurant group, with two other branches already launched in Tuscany and Dubai. Spread across two floors with glamorous décor from design firm Studio 64, Il Borro certainly fits in with its postcode – yet it’s a friendly, welcoming spot, built on a farm-to-table ethos. Traditional Italian dishes are the focus, made using fresh ingredients sourced directly from the family’s organic farm alongside a wide selection of wine and cocktails. Menu highlights include a vegan take on aubergine parmigiana, a pumpkin and black truffle tortelli, and grilled wagyu sirloin – plus a show-stopping cheesecake.
15 Berkeley St, London W1J 8DY; ilborrotuscanbistro.co.uk
Manthan
Kutir chef Rohit Ghai returned to the neighbourhood where he made his name with Manthan, a small plates-style Indian restaurant. Located on Mayfair’s Maddox Street, the eatery is inspired by Ghai’s international career, with dishes reflecting his culinary experience from all corners of the globe. Traditional flavours are given a contemporary twist, with a focus on vegetarian dishes and a concise cocktail menu put together by Trishna alumni Abhi Sangwan.
49 Maddox St, London W1S 2PQ; manthanmayfair.co.uk
The Café Biltmore Restaurant
Mayfair hotel The Biltmore Mayfair is home to an all-day restaurant, helmed by chef Luis Campos. Offering relaxed dining amid stylish settings, it focuses on comfort classics like chicken tikka masala, and cod fish and chips, plus an array of sandwiches, like chicken schnitzel and cheese wagyu.
44 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 2HP; hilton.com
Isabel
With its gold-fabric lined walls, mirrored ebony bar and polished brass lamps adorning the ceiling, Mayfair hotspot Isabel is a sight for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. It’s the sister venture to the glossy Casa Cruz in Notting Hill, offering a blend of South American and Mediterranean cuisine amid lively settings – the perfect place for dinner that blends into cocktails with friends. Aside from the jaw-droppingly beautiful interiors, go here for refined, fresh dishes like tuna tartare with ponzu and avocado, and Vitello tonnato with capers and fennel. There are also grilled dishes, with a mixture of meat, fish and vegetarian options such as octopus with avocado cream and gold kiwi vinaigrette, and cod with pak choi. An extensive wine list, meanwhile, offers plenty of red, white, rose and sparkling varieties. Absolutely not to be missed are the bathrooms, with each loo featuring hand-painted wallpaper from de Gournay.
26 Albemarle St, London W1S 4HY; isabelw1.london
HIDE
Rumour has it over £20 million was spent on putting together the dining emporium that is Hide, Ollie Dabbbous’ hugely ambitious multi-floored Piccadilly project. The venue is home to three different spaces: all-day restaurant Hide Ground, the more expensive Hide Above, and bar Hide Below. All food served here is excellent, but Hide Above’s tasting menu-only offering is exceptional, with plates presented as works of art. Heading up the drinks side is Hedonism Wines: guests can choose from an extensive list displayed on a millennial-friendly iPad. Evidently, the name is ironic: with wraparound windows overlooking Green Park in Mayfair, Hide is very much on display.
85 Piccadilly, London W1J 7NB; hide.co.uk
Benares
This Berkeley Square haunt remains one of the finest Indian restaurants in town and is the brainchild of Atul Kochhar, renowned culinary star and the first Indian chef to receive a Michelin star. Though you’ll recognise the classic curry names on the menu, the food here is a far cry from your usual curry house with its modern twists on dishes and exceptional quality of ingredients. Executive Chef Sameer Taneja, who has worked with the likes of Michel and Alain Roux, Pierre Koffmann and Pascal Proyart, spearheads the menu, with hero dishes reflecting his passion for seafood. Luxurious options fitting of the location are plenty – the Lobster Biryani, for example, or a Venison and Chocolate Curry that featured on Celebrity Masterchef. But what really stands out is the use of excellent British ingredients like the huge, juicy Scottish scallops that are pan-seared and served with homemade chutney and spiced root vegetables for an unashamedly decadent starter. The wine list is impressive if scarily long at a whopping 26 pages, but well worth pairing to each dish in true Mayfair style. For a fascinating insight into the workings of a Michelin-starred kitchen, book the nine seat chef’s table.
12a Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BS; benaresrestaurant.com
Gymkhana
Just a year after opening, Mayfair hotspot Gymkhana was awarded with a Michelin star, and if you go there you’ll quickly see why. An elegant dining room from the team behind Trishna and Hoppers, the restaurant is inspired by Indian gymkhana clubs, where high society types meet to dine, drink and socialise. Most importantly, the food really is top notch, with a focus on bold, intense flavours: think tandoori masala lamb chops and paneer tikka with corn chaat.
42 Albemarle St, London W1S 4JH; gymkhanalondon.com
Amazónico
Glitzy Latin American restaurant Amazónico comes from acclaimed husband and wife duo Sandro Silva and Marta Seco, who launched the venue in partnership with D.Ream International, the group behind places liek Coya and Zuma. You can expect equally opulent, striking interiors as seen their previous projects in this extravagant venue, which is spread across 13,000 sq ft of space in the former Allied Irish Bank Building. The restaurant promises to offer a sensory experience for guests, with rainforest-themed décor, live music and a vibrant culinary offering, featuring everything from Peruvian sushi to traditional Brazilian dishes. Think charcoal grilled meats, sushi, seafood and small plates.
10 Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BR; amazonicorestaurant.com
The Grill at The Dorchester
While upholding tradition is a key part of The Dorchester’s charm, even the most iconic of venues need to move with the times, hence the recent revamp. But before that, one of its long-standing restaurants, The Grill, was given a new lease of life with the arrival of young head chef Tom Booton. Offering a more relaxed approach to fine dining, Tom’s modern menu includes a new take on the classic lobster thermidor, alongside a prawn-filled Scotch egg. There’s also a dedicated Pudding Bar, where guests can have a chinwag with Tom while tucking into banoffee tarts, home-made ice cream and fresh doughnuts.
53 Park Ln, London W1K 1QA; dorchestercollection.com
MNKY HSE
Temporarily closed
If you’re looking for great food and a party atmosphere as opposed to stiff white linen tablecloths, MNKY HSE on Dover Street is pretty near perfect. The Latin American restaurant headed up by Pablo Peñalosa Nájera (ex-Four Seasons Bogotá) strongly encourages its ethos of ‘eat, drink, play’ in something that results as a vibrant mix of reggaeton and Mayfair glitz. It’s flashy, club-like and at times exaggerated – but this is its appeal, and the reason it’s the location of choice for many a Fashion Week party. If you’re in the mood to go all out (and if you weren’t when you arrived, you certainly will be within the hour), order the BLUE MNKY cocktail which packs quite the punch with lashings of whisky and accompanying electric cigar. Food-wise, everything we tried was delicious, but with options such as wagyu tostadas, toro tartar, black cod, king crab and yellowtail truffle ceviche, beware of the bill as it’s very easy to get carried away. Stay late enough for the DJs and you’ll soon be dancing the night away…
10 Dover St, London W1S 4LQ; mnky-hse.com
CUT at 45 Park Lane
This glitzy Mayfair steakhouse is the first London foray for A-list US chef Wolfgang Puck, who rose to fame with Beverley Hills hotspot Spago. It’s part of Art Deco hotel 45 Park Lane, which belongs to the Dorchester Collection, and the décor is fittingly chic – all polished floors and leather banquettes, with Damien Hirst artworks adorning the walls. Naturally, steaks are the star of the show here: prime cuts of New York sirloin, Japanese rib-eye and trendy (albeit pricey) Wagyu, paired with sides including La Ratte potatoes, wild field mushrooms, tempura onion rings and crispy fries. Got a sweet tooth? Try their US-style afternoon tea, featuring savoury bites like mac & cheese and maple and bacon macarons followed by an array of American sweet treats, including New York cheesecake and Mississippi mud pie.
45 Park Ln, London W1K 1PN; dorchestercollection.com
45 Jermyn St.
45 Jermyn St. in the heart of St James’ takes inspiration from the ‘golden age of glamour’ – and it shows. With its signature orange leather, Eau de Nil accents (it’s owned by Fortnum & Mason) and sophisticated furnishings, it’s the ideal spot for a real grown-up dinner in town. Leave any doubts about Modern British cuisine at the door as this is truly some of the best we’ve tried – there’s everything from the classic Piccadilly smoked salmon to Beef Wellington which is dramatically flambéed at the table, as well as some Asian-inspired dishes. Every dish comes with added panache; the braised veal cheek is served with luxurious bone marrow, while the Dover Sole is exceptional cooked à la Meunière. Order the triple-cooked fries on the side for some extra indulgence, and end with the chocolate sphere topped with hot chocolate, melting to reveal tangy orange ice cream within. For an extra special occasion order from their selection of caviar which includes the finest Iranian Beluga, and hit the cocktail list hard.
45 Jermyn St, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6DN; 45jermynst.com
The Lecture Room and Library at sketch
A Narnia-style hub of restaurants, bars and art on Conduit Street in Mayfair, sketch is a dining emporium like no other. Dreamed up by restauranteur Mourad Mazouz, it’s made up of four uniquely designed restaurants and a bar which sits beneath the Instagram-famous pod-style toilets. Though the least well-known of sketch’s offerings, The Lecture Room & Library is the most high-end, with three Michelin stars to its name – making it one of only five restaurants in London to hold this accolade. Somewhat hidden on the left side of the three-storey 18th century townhouse in which sketch is housed, the restaurant has a notably exclusive feel. Upon entering guests are greeted in a dark corridor and taken up a red-carpeted staircase, before being welcomed into the palatial ballroom-like dining room through a set of grand double-height doors. Inside you’ll find everything you’d expect from a Michelin-starred venue: spaciously laid out white-linen tables and innovative dishes served with artistic flourish. Yet there’s something extra special about this fine dining spot. Perhaps its the impeccably slick service? The theatrical element? The glittering Swarovski-encrusted black marble bathroom? Whatever it is, go hungry, and prepare to be wowed.
9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG; sketch.london
Wiltons
London’s second oldest restaurant (and that’s only because Rules got their liquor license first…), Wiltons is the height of sophistication and old-school elegance. The Jermyn Street eatery has long been a firm favourite amongst politicians and celebrities not wanting to get papped; since 1742 it’s become synonymous with discretion, impeccable service – your name will be known after just one sitting – and of course, delectable food. Tradition is at the heart of this refined dining spot with a carving trolley available daily, serving up roast leg of Romney Marsh lamb and Blythburgh pork amongst other meats. If fish is more your thing (or even if it’s not), we urge you to try the Wiltons’ famed Dover Sole; as one of the last restaurants to offer fork filleting service at the table, it’s an experience in itself, and one so delicious that it accounts for 90 per cent of the main course orders at Wiltons. Wiltons has been supplying the Royal household its oysters since gaining their first Royal Warrant in 1836, so you can rest assured that when you pull up a seat at the oyster bar, you’ll be sampling the very best. For extra special occasions (anything from a client lunch to a romantic proposal) the restaurant’s private Jimmy Marks Room is perfect. Utterly elegant, it can accommodate up to 20 guests for a seated meal – we suggest hiring the carving trolley as well.
55 Jermyn St, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6LX; wiltons.co.uk
Native at Browns
Set in a delightful courtyard behind the luxury department store, Browns on Brook Street, Native is an escape from reality in the heart of London. With delicious wines and food that quite literally melts in the mouth, it is a haven for foodies who want to try something slightly different. It celebrates British wild produce with a menu championing foraged food and regenerative eating. Think an English pea tart with Lincolnshire poacher and wild mushrooms alongside fermented strawberry char siu pork neck with seaweed & dill pickles. The team, headed up by Imogen Davis and Ivan Tisdall-Downes, is dedicated to working towards a zero-waste kitchen and cooking only sustainable meat and seafood, with the daily changing menu dependent on seasonal availability and locally-sourced produce. Environmentally conscious and undeniably delicious, Native is not one to miss.
39 Brook St, London W1K 4JE; nativerestaurant.co.uk
Rüya London
A night at this Turkish restaurant comes packed with vibrant colours, intense flavours and delightfully attentive service. Meaning ‘dream’ in Turkish, Rüya certainly is a dream. With an extensive cocktail menu with Turkish spirits scattered throughout it and a charming, knowledgeable sommelier wandering through the tables giving advice and delicious pairings, your glass will never sit empty. Highlights on the menu included the Isli Patlican, crispy aubergine chips with an aubergine and walnut puree; Izgara Karides, prawns with pickled fennel butter; and a truly melt-in-the-mouth 24-hour slow-cooked short rib with a Turkish chilli BBQ glaze and Konya chickpea puree. With a large bread oven in pride of place towards the back of the restaurant, each mouthful of accompanying bread is a delight, straight from the oven and mentally transporting you to a riverside café in Turkey.
30 Upper Grosvenor Street, London W1K 7PH; ruyalondon.com
Featured image: Riviera
