Updated on 20 October 2020
Champagne Louis Roederer. Voted the Most Admired Champagne Brand in the world in 2020, by Drinks International, not only because of the exceptional quality of their champagnes, but because sustainability is at the heart of their philosophy. The estate is entirely organic and they work hand in hand with nature every step of the way. As a result the house style is elegant, pure and complex ranging from the beautiful, refined Brut Premier NV to the iconic and ethereal Cristal, the champagne made at the request of Tzar Alexander II and the first ever prestige cuvée created.
14-16 Bruton Place, Mayfair, London, W1J 6LX
Chef Yoshinori Ishii is known for his attention to detail and his dedication pays off at this extraordinary zen-like Japanese bolthole. The beauty and flavour of his creations are rivalled only by the adventurous cocktails.
Over £80
Sushi
Japanese
One Michelin star
SquareMeal London Top 100
10 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London, W1J 6AA
There’s no denying Amazonico is a hit with the Instagram set, but there is substance to this cousin of the Madrid original. The South American dishes are consistently good and service is extra attentive too.
£50 - £79
Sushi
South American
International
43 Upper Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 7QR
It doesn’t get more classic than Le Gavroche, which resolutely sticks to tradition in both look and menu. Chef Michel Roux Jr does allow for some flirting with contemporary trends though, while wines are excellent too.
Over £80
French
Two Michelin stars
SquareMeal London Top 100
54 Brooks Mews, London, W1K 4EG
Dine like the French at this cosy haunt, tucked behind Claridge’s. The likes of snails in garlic butter and French onion tart set the tone, served alongside an exclusively Gallic wine list and fine Champagnes.
53 Park Lane, Mayfair, London, W1K 1QA
Boasting an opulence that’s hard to come by these days, China Tang’s art-deco interiors and accomplished dim sum have helped it to become something of an institution; supermodel Kate Moss even hosted her 40th here.
17 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8EA
This opulent take on a 1930s Shanghai speakeasy is built for big-ticket, special occasion dining - perfect for the Mayfair crowd, then. From the menu of decadent dim sum, try Wagyu beef gyoza and truffle dumplings.
Berkeley Square House, Mayfair, London, W1J 6BR
Loved by the ‘see and be seen’ crowd, the food here is probably an afterthought for most diners. However, the glamorous backdrop is unrivalled and the pan-Asian menu is complemented by impressive cocktails and fizz.
42 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 4JH
Not even a disastrous fire could extinguish the glow of celeb favourite Gymkhana, which has reopened with an updated dining room. Everything is excellent, but we highly encourage making a beeline for the celebrated game dishes.
£50 - £79
Indian
One Michelin star
17-19 Maddox Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 2QH
Atul Kochhar’s winning new restaurant that trades in the little-known food of the Seven Sister States, which border China, Tibet and Burma. Delicious and much more approachable than what we’re used to from Kochhar. Charming, well-informed service.
£50 - £79
Indian
SquareMeal London Top 100
London Hilton, 22 Park Lane, St. James's, London, W1K 1BE
It’s hard to beat the 28th-floor views at this outpost of the Galvin empire, where slick service and a warm atmosphere come as standard. From the kitchen, expect accomplished French fare with occasional Asian flourishes.
Claridge's , Mayfair, London, W1K 4HR
From the team behind NY’s Eleven Madison Park, dining at Claridge’s flagship restaurant is as opulent as you’d imagine. Treat yourself to the decadent likes of whole-roasted chicken stuffed with foie gras, truffle and brioche.
Over £80
Modern European
One Michelin star
20 Mount Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 2HE
Unashamedly plush and polished, Scott’s is old-school Mayfair at its best. Take your pick of lobsters, oysters and crabs from the ostentatious central seafood bar, and don’t forget to explore the extensive Champagne list either.
£50 - £79
British
Fish
SquareMeal London Top 100
34 Grosvenor Square (Entrance on South Audley St), Mayfair, London, W1K 2HD
Opened in 2011, 34's art deco interiors could easily trick diners into thinking it’s far older. Steaks receive top billing but there’s also joy to be found in the likes of lobster mac ‘n’ cheese.
£50 - £79
Steak
International
19 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8ED
While Mayfair appropriate surrounds (chandeliers, plush seating) won’t evoke dining on an Italian piazza, the devilishly good pasta and pizza here certainly brings a taste of Italia - pasta served in a wheel of cheese, anyone?
26 Albemarle Street , Mayfair, London, W1S 4HY
Home to perhaps the chicest ceiling in London, the dining room at Isabel is as stylish as the fashionistas it attracts. Expect a low-carb, high-protein menu which would tempt even Naomi Campbell to order seconds.
The Connaught, Mayfair, London, W1K 2AL
The revamped dining room has swapped out dark wood for pastel pinks, but you can still expect haute cuisine at Helene Darroze's London flagship. For an extra special treat, reserve the pink marble chef’s table.
Over £80
French
Three Michelin stars
SquareMeal London Top 100
8-10 Pollen Street, London, W1S 1NQ
Jason Atherton’s flagship continues to win over readers with its menu that’s underpinned by indigenous produce. Unlike most restaurants with a big name chef above the door, you’ll often find Atherton at the pass here.
£50 - £79
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal London Top 100
The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, Mayfair, London, W1K 1QA
Three Michelin stars means expectations are high at this Dorchester haunt, but they are always met. The dining room’s serene atmosphere is matched by a menu that's deeply thoughtful, but free of fuss or gimmicks.
Over £80
French
Three Michelin stars
17 Bruton Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 6QB
Stylish and seductive, Hakkasan continues to win over diners with its intoxicating brand of moody interiors, best-in-class dim sum and premium sakes. Impress your beau on date night by ordering the signature Peking duck.
Over £80
Chinese
One Michelin star
5a Burlington Gardens, London, London, W1S 3EP
Cecconi’s may have been replicated around the world, but the Mayfair original still holds a special place in diners’ hearts. Unapologetically Italian, it’s the perfect spot for long, boozy lunches or casual cicchetti and fizz.
9 Conduit Street, London, London, W1S 2XG
Boasting three Michelin stars, this corner of pleasure palace Sketch is a love letter to gastronomic excess, with the highly-stylised menu of indulgent fare matched only by the plush jewel tones of the dining room.
Over £80
Modern European
Three Michelin stars
The Connaught Hotel, Carlos Place, Mayfair, London, W1K 2AL
You won’t forget you’re inside a luxury hotel when dining here, but there is a welcome sense of playfulness which runs through the menu, keeping things fresh - think pizzas showered with truffle and caviar-topped brioche.
£50 - £79
Afternoon tea
International
35 Heddon Street, Mayfair, London, W1B 4BS
Forget all of the cliches of Spanish food and embrace Sabor’s authentic brand of tapas that you won’t find anywhere else in the UK. Counter dining overlooking an open chef’s kitchen adds to the fun.
£30 - £49
Spanish
One Michelin star
SquareMeal London Top 100
85 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London, W1J 7NB
The top floor of this three-pronged concept from Ollie Dabbous offers widely spaced tables and enticing views of Green Park. Expect a tasting menu which intrigues and excites, but is best reserved for ultra-special occasions.
Over £80
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal London Top 100
8 Mount Street, London, W1K 3NF
A reminder of just how good Indian cuisine can be in the right hands, Jamavar impresses with its wood-panelled dining room and line-up of regionally inspired dishes where there’s hardly a dud to be found.
£50 - £79
Indian
One Michelin star
SquareMeal London Top 100
20 Queen Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5PP
Angela Hartnett's flagship restaurant, Murano offers Mayfair dining at its very best. The Brit-Italian menu and extensive wine list continues to thrill diners, while the set lunch is something of a steal in this postcode.
Over £80
Italian
One Michelin star
SquareMeal London Top 100
34 Dover Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 4NG
If you can stomach the prices, there is fun to be had at the London outpost of this France via New York sleeper hit. Come at the weekend to enjoy Bagatelle's famously lively brunch parties.
COMO Metropolitan London, Green Park, London, W1K 1LB
With the party-centric Berkeley Street outpost signing off, you can still get your Nobu fix in this quieter corner of Mayfair. Expect minimalist interiors, masterful Japanese fare and some rather charming views of Hyde Park.
18 Shepherd Market, London, W1J 7QH
The phrase ‘low key’ doesn’t often pair with Mayfair, but that’s exactly what this compact Japanese in Shepherd Market offers. Sushi, tempura and Asian-style desserts all impress, while prices are fair and service is swift.
11-15 Swallow Street, London, London, W1B 4DG
Life-affirming hospitality comes as standard at Richard Corrigan operations and things are no different at Bentley’s. Shuck oysters to your heart’s content in the basement or head to the upstair’s grill for excellent Irish steaks.
£50 - £79
Fish
SquareMeal London Top 100
118 Piccadilly, London, London, W1J 7NW
A riot of colour, this is a very Piccadilly take on Peruvian cuisine - think top-notch ingredients and endless Pisco Sours. For the full experience, join Coya’s raucous brunch parties, where table dancing is practically encouraged.
28 Upper Grosvenor Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 7EH
Formal, but never fussy, Corrigan’s has made a name for itself with its unwaveringly polished service and some of the best game dishes you can find. It’s no surprise the restaurant has endured so long.
20 Savile Row, Mayfair, London, W1S 3PR
You might feel out of place at Sartoria if you’re under 40, but there’s no denying the allure of this Francesco Mazzei-led Italian. Order the spaghetti carbonara - it is among the best we have eaten.
It is safe to say that the restaurant scene in W1 can be divided up into two distinct camps: new Mayfair and old Mayfair. The former consists of flashy, over-the-top dining rooms which have been designed with Instagram in mind and cater to celebrities, fashionistas and the nouveau riche. The latter meanwhile, relies on silver service and fastidiously sourced produce, loved by the area’s business people, ladies who lunch and diners who only associate the words ‘Tik Tok’ with the grandfather clock in their sitting room.
The beauty of Mayfair though, is that unlike spaghetti Westerns where duelling cowboys proclaim that ‘this town isn’t big enough for the both of us’, this glamorous corner of London manages to strike the balance between both the traditional and contemporary brands of unbridled excess, with the likes of Scott’s and Amazonico standing side by side in perfect harmony.
So whether you are in the mood to party with London’s pretty young things at a lively weekend brunch or you are looking to impress a date with a romantic dining experience that they’ll never forget, Mayfair’s restaurant scene has something for you. As such, our list of the best Mayfair restaurants is an extensive one, paying homage to an area which offers a diverse range of cuisines, atmospheres and drinks lists. It’s true that at most Mayfair restaurants you can expect to spend a pretty penny, but there are bargains to be found here, especially in set lunch menus.
Check out our pick of the best Mayfair restaurants and know that whether you opt to indulge in the opulence of the old or the flashiness of the new, a good meal is almost always guaranteed.
If you can’t get enough of fine dining, check out our guide to Michelin star restaurants in London.