London is home to a number of neighborhoods and districts that are each more emblematic than the other, each possessing a unique quality and ambiance that define a facet of the city. However, London is also a city of traditions, and the one place that forever remains its ambassador for whenever it needs to impress is… the one and only Mayfair!
On every visit to London, we always found ourselves converging towards the district. Whether it’s to come back to a familiar spot or to discover new addresses, for us, Mayfair feels like a living, breathing organism. And one of the ways through which the district continues to attract so much attention is its dynamic culinary landscape. So, join us to discover our top 6 restaurants of Mayfair!
Sexy Fish
Located on the corner of Berkeley Square, Sexy Fish somehow represents the very spirit of modern Mayfair. An absolute success when it first opened in 2015, the restaurants experienced a revival or sorts in the last few years, making it one of Mayfair’s hottest addresses again.
Designed by the Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, the restaurant boasts a dark setting that lends itself perfectly to the nightlife of London. Surrounded by singular aquatic-themed artworks by the likes of Damien Hirst, Frank Gehry, and Michael Roberts, including the iconic fish lamp sculptures floating above the bar area, guests are able to relish items from a delicious Japanese-theme menu with classics such as sushi and sashimi, as well as a variety of meats prepared on a Robata grill.
Additionally, the bar has the world’s biggest collection of Japanese whisky, with a long list of cocktails.
Our favorites:
Entrée: Prawn gyoza, soy, and ginger dressing
Mains: Lobster, Sancho pepper and Shiso butter
Dessert: Baked Alaska
Cocktail: Apple & Caramel
BiBi
Our next culinary address is, in essence, a little slice of India right at the heart of Mayfair. Small, intimate, and exquisite beyond words, BiBi is the marriage of two cultures and the very best that each has to offer. The place seemingly comes alive at night, with those warm lights cast over Rajasthani design and the reddish mango-wood interiors, as well as the sight and sound of the cooks working in the open kitchen, putting on a show for the clients. The bar, especially, feels like a traditional English element spiced up with an Indian flavor, where guests can enjoy a bowl of kurkure with a Monsoon Martini or a dram of Macallan.
With a quiet and elegant atmosphere, BiBi allows guests to truly immerse themselves in the culinary experience. The menu was designed by Chef Chettan Sharma, who spent years working with some of the most admired names in the industry, and presents to us a journey across Indian cuisine in five distinct stages. Here is pride in the heritage here, for the menu even illustrates the geographical origin of each produce, as if inviting the client to come explore a piece of India itself.
Our favorites:
Snacks: Malai Kofta Kebab
Chaat: Orkney Scallop Nimbu Pani
Sigree: Swaledale Lamb Belly Galouti
Sides: Roomali Roti
Dessert: Saffron and White Chocolate Kulfi
Cocktail: Monsoon Martini
Kitty Fisher’s
Named after an infamous 18th Century courtesan who lived in the historic area of Shepherd Market, Kitty Fisher’s brings together the aesthetic of England’s Georgian era and today’s modern cuisine. Picture a dark interior of velvety sofas, dark wood floors, and a series of paintings reflecting the warm glows from those hanging lights. Of course, there is an Al Fresco setup on the outside, but with an interior so charming, we highly recommend guests book an inside table to relish its delicious menu.
Designed by Head Chef Alice Massalongo, the menu at Kitty Fisher’s is a presentation of England’s array of traditional and comfort dishes, all re-interpreted to a gourmet standard. Kitty Fisher’s almost feels like home, in that regard, with dishes as simple as Bread & Butter or as sumptuous as whole grilled sole, accompanied by some of the finest wines.
Our favorites:
Entrée: Carrot Soup & Wild Rocket Pesto
Mains: Pork Chop, Salsa Verde, Pickled Raisins & Chicory
Dessert: Queen Bee Parfait, Boozy Strawberries & Pistachio
Cocktail: Bad Kitty
Jean-Georges at the Connaught
Known as one of the best chefs in the world, with restaurants in every major city across the globe, Jean-Georges Vongerichten has spent decades impressing guests around from every culture with his unique take on various styles of cuisine. What he brings at the Connaught is no exception. Indeed, the menu of the Jean-Georges at the Connaught sees the chef’s love of fusion style continue as he brings together English classics together with flavors of South-east Asia for a unique experience.
Within a contemporary setting at the heart of the iconic Connaught hotel, with a panoramic view of the beautiful Mayfair neighborhood, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner created by one of the most exciting minds of the culinary world today. Additionally, the chef also designed an exquisite Afternoon Tea menu that we definitely recommend.
Our favorites:
Entrée: Bluefin Tuna Tartare
Mains: Truffle Cheeseburger
Dessert: Mille Feuille
Cocktail : Plum Smash
Bar des Prés
This is the brainchild of one of France’s most celebrated and beloved chefs… Cyril Lignac. Known for his love of food and tender culinary touch, Cyril Lignac brought all his sensitivity and knowledge into crafting an exquisite culinary experience that is also warm and comfortable. Echoing the eponymous address in Saint-Germain, the Bar des Prés in Mayfair introduces guests to dinner experiences that mixes French techniques, Japanese individuality, and the London cosmopolitan energy. The menu is varied but focuses on simplicity executed to the highest of standards. Every ingredient feels fresh and flavorful and every dish comes forth with love and passion.
Within a gorgeous, eclectic setting that includes a wine cellar and a lounge designed by Dion et Arles, the restaurant invites guests to give themselves over to the experience that goes beyond just the gustatory senses. Bar des Prés is as much about sights and sounds as it is about taste. The lounge is a stand-out experience where we can only recommend to guests to really take their time and take in as much of the place as possible, accompanied by a tasty and refreshing cocktail.
Our favorites:
Entrée: Crispy prawns, Thai mayonnaise California rolls
Mains: Satay beef fillet, lime condiment
Dessert: Guanaja chocolate soufflé
Cocktail: Belle Époque
Roka Mayfair
Minutes away from Oxford Street, the Roka invites guests into a peaceful and tranquil setting of wooden ceiling, exposed concrete walls, and, at the center of it all, the communal robata grill.
After picking up their cocktail at the bar, guests have the option to take a seat at the regular dining tables or at the rustic wooden counter where they can marvel at the chefs in their pristine dark blue uniform, create the most exquisite meals, with the freshest of ingredients. Like a carefully choreographed dance, diners can see each step of the preparation as the chefs skilfully assemble the ingredients together, before arranging them on a bed of shaved iced, with a smidge of fresh wasabi and some pickled ginger.
Designed by the architects at B3 Designers, Roka – with its mood lighting, wonderful natural textures, and hushed sounds of preparations and conversations – offers an atmosphere that feels completely cut off from the outside world, and where the guests can truly immerse themselves into the dining experience.
Our favorites:
Entrée: Gindara to kani no gyoza (crab and black cod dumpling, with chili dressing, edamame, and spring onions)
Mains: Selection of sushi/sashimi or Robata dishes like the Tebasa to yaki (Chicken wings skewers), and Sake teriyaki (Salmon fillet teriyaki with sansho salt)
Dessert: Natsume no pudding no miso caramel (sticky toffee pudding with miso caramel, twig tea ice cream)
Cocktail: Negroni San
Hotels In and Around Mayfair
Looking to take a trip to London? Check out our hotel selection in the UK! Stay tuned for more travel ideas and inspiration! To follow our team on their travels, check out the official Lartisien Instagram account or get in touch with any questions.