For meals worthy of your rent, make your way to Mayfair.
Mayfair has no shortage of impeccable countertops and plush velvet sofas — it is, after all, the height of London’s haut monde. If you do find yourself in this exclusive enclave lusting for some of the world’s most luxurious dining experiences, you don’t want to miss these. [Featured image: Hide]
1. Amazonico
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Dinner is served amongst the lush green foliage of this lauded new-comer, but it’s a far more elevated version of the tropical tropes that spring to mind. The rainforest inspiration, however, goes beyond the deep green interiors, smooth wooden finishes or the peacock casually roaming the premises, it also features prominently in the Brazilian-Asian fusion cuisine. Particularly in the sweet and sour palm hearts with fennel and cucumber garnishing, or the Amazonico Maki made up of an exotic combination of mango, avocado, coconut and cacao.
📍10 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, W1J 6BR
2. Sketch
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Shameless selfies amongst the egg-pod loos or Wes Anderson-esque dining room have been flooding your feeds for about 8 years now, and there’s no sign of that changing. Especially since the Instagram-mecca acquired its third Michelin star. Eye-popping interiors aside though, it’s always maintained youthful energy without sacrificing on quality. With the likes of India Mahdavi redefining pink Pantones and master chef Pierre Gagnaire thrilling palates with his menu, it’s virtually impossible not to become an instant fan of sketch and all its quirky contents.
📍9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, W1S 2XG
Michelin stars: ⭐⭐⭐
See also: All The Michelin Star Restaurants In London (And How To Eat At Them)
3. Kitty Fisher’s
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This Shepherd Market addition makes a bold declaration with understated yet sophisticated decor that allows the sinfully good food to get the town talking — perhaps a parallel to the 18th century courtesan it’s named after? This eatery is the epitome of Mayfair gentry but with an approachable charm. There are plenty of award-winning dishes to feast on, but the carabinero prawns in garlic butter, spiced clementines and anything else coming out of the wood grill is worth a try. For dessert, there’s the indulgent wild strawberry hay ice-cream, which is also a Michelin reviewer’s top choice.
📍10 Shepherd Market, Mayfair, W1J 7QF
4. Hakkasan
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Decadence and dim sum define this Cantonese dining room. The seductive drama of its dimly-lit interior is balanced out with the vivid colours of their bite-sized sculptures. It’s probably no surprise that the intricacies of this establishment have won over elite fans like Drake and the Beckhams. You can expect to find translucent fuchsia parcels wrapped around lychee, lobster dumplings with flecks of gold leaf and surprising sake pairings.
📍17 Bruton Street, Mayfair, W1J 6QB
Michelin stars: ⭐
5. Gymkhana (Recently reopened)
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The phoenix rises and returns to its former glory after a devastating blaze. Inspired by Raj-era private clubs, the first-floor interior embraces the faded elegance of a Gymkhana club with green leather benches and cut glass lamps that give off a warm, amber glow. Downstairs is where the real splendour lies though, with gleaming vaults, oak paneling, red chesterfield booths and, of course, silk carpets. But, at the heart of it all, is a delicious menu centered around chatpata — boldly spiced Indian food with a tangy punch. Cocktails are inventive twists on traditional tipples like the Peach Blow Fizzfresh made with green mango and bergamot oil and frozen yoghurt shaken into a sour milkshake. This Michelin-starred establishment is unashamedly adored by chefs and critics alike, with acclaimed Clerkenwell Boy crowning it his favourite restaurant, and chef Jackson Boxer, of Brunswick House, promising to return for more.
📍42 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, W1S 4JH
Michelin stars: ⭐
7. Hide
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In spite of the name, Hide stands in plain sight, right opposite Green Park. Expansive windows blur the divide from the greenery outside, leaving the top two floors drenched in daylight. The whole eatery looks as though it could have been carved out of an oak tree by tiny elves. The top floor, symbolising the branches in light oak, serves an impressive tasting menu, the trunk (or, rather, the first floor), in a slightly darker oak, offers a more casual daytime menu. And then there’s the subterranean bar for the roots. Its Michelin star dishes are something out of a fairytale; colourful plates featuring petals or a barbecued lobster in a ‘nest egg’ will transport you straight to an enchanted forest.
📍85 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 7NB
Michelin stars: ⭐
8. Hélène Darroze at The Connaught
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A calming articulation of finesse. Just looking at the tasteful interiors makes you feel as though you’ve been enveloped in luxury, but playful touches—like the cobalt fresco by Rochegaussen—add an element of surprise and charm to the lush settings. Once you’ve selected your seasonal ingredients, allow Hélène to fix you a meal tailored to your tastes and, if you can afford it, you can watch all the action at the chef’s table — an impressive marble slab spilling into the kitchen. If that’s not in your price bracket there’s still plenty of theatrics to be enjoyed with the table-side service, including the manual press espresso machine.
📍Carlos Place, Mayfair, W1K 2AL
Michelin stars: ⭐⭐
9. MNKY HSE
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If you like your tiger prawn ceviche served with all the Mayfair bling and a side of Latin American panache, then this is your place. Intimate nooks, a discreet Dover Street entrance, an award-winning mixologist, experimental cuisine and live music almost every day of the week. MNKY HSE is where you go to ‘drink, eat and play’.
📍10 Dover Street, Mayfair, W1S 4LQ