THE 5 BEST RESTAURANTS IN MAYFAIR: MAY 2018 HOT SPOTS UNCOVERED

How many times have I tried to compile an accurate list of hot spots? Many. There is always more to discover in Mayfair, as Mayfair has the best reputation in the whole of London for REALLY GREAT FOOD. This month alone I have been wowed by cocktails and breakfasts, lunches and dinners in hot spots new and old.

1.) Casa Di Stefano, Dover Street

Just moments away from Piccadilly and Green Park, newcomer Casa di Stefano is an authentic Italian, taking inspiration from Capri. Two glasses of Vermentino Capichera in and you will be transported to Campania, brought to life by the bright, whitewashed surroundings, azure vibes and fresh ingredients sourced from various Italian regions.

Seafood lovers, go for the Seabass or Dover Sole. Meat eaters, try the 28 Day Dry Aged Rib-eye “Pezza Rossa”. Veggies, there is a mean Tagliatelle with mixed seasonal mushrooms and summer black truffle for you. There is an exquisite wine selection to be discovered, with a wine cellar downstairs available for intimate wine tastings.

Casa Di Stefano | +44 (0) 20 7324 7724 | 19-20 Dover St, Mayfair, W1S 4LU

2.) The Araki, New Burlington Street

If you want real, authentic sushi, head straight to The Araki, where every seat in the restaurant is at the chef's table (two sittings per day, with 9 seats per setting). The "Sushi Omakase" Chef's Set Menu is £300 per head and cannot be changed, meaning you will have to 100% trust the sushi master! 

Mitsuhiro Araki's original restaurant in Tokyo held 3 Michelin stars and was attracting a lot of attention globally. In 2014, London was graced with Araki's presence when he took up residence on New Burlington Street in Mayfair, bringing authentic "Edomae Sushi" to the UK. Fish is sourced from Europe (Ireland and Spain), paired with Beluga caviar, Japanese wasabi and more.

The Araki | +44 (0) 20 7287 2481  | 12 New Burlington Street, Mayfair, W1S 3BF

3.) MATSYA, Curzon Street

A MAYSYA highlight: The wine cellar attached to the private dining room

MATSYA is no ordinary Indian restaurant. Expect to see a wide variety of dining options, set to abolish the general consensus that curry is the best Indian dish. Speciality seafood steals the show - it is worth visiting for the Stuffed Tandoori Squids and Mangalorean 'Masala' clams alone. The food is fresh, flavoursome and memorable, with plenty of meat and veggie options available. 

Dining at MATSYA is a culinary thrill ride, with traditions and novelties from all over India showcased. With a vision that dates back centuries comes Matsya’s story, which derives from Hindu mythology whereby Matsya, the fish, represents the beginning of life and a fresh start. Similarly, MATSYA brings us a fresh new approach to Indian dining. 

Matsya | +44 (0) 20 7499 8953 | Curzon St, Mayfair, W1J 8PG

4.) Park Chinois, Berkeley Street

Park Chinois on Berkeley Street is a feast for the eyes, paying homage to the opulence and decadence of 1930s Shanghai through theatrical decor, evening performances and vibrant dishes. Pair decorative cocktails with Dim Sum small plates for a lunch to remember. We recommend the Cornish and Alaskan Snow Crab Wonton, Wagyu Beef Gyoza and XO Hokkaido Scallop Dumpling - perfect for sharing. 

A number of exuberant private dining options are available for those requiring a more intimate dining experience with colleagues, friends or family. Visitors are welcome to unwind with a drink at the decadent bar, there are many creative cocktails to try!

Park Chinois | +44 (0) 20 3327 8888 | 17 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, W1J 8EA

5.) Thomas's at Burberry, Vigo Street

Thomas's at Burberry is the epitome of 'town and country', offering a quintessentially British all-day menu and a member's club feel in the restaurant on Mayfair's Vigo Street. Using fresh British produce, Thomas's have created seasonal soups, speciality salads and favourites such as Lobster Benedict and Devon Pie. Rustic and luxury are not mutually exclusive here, the proof is in the carrot cake with soft buttercream, topped with edible gold flakes...

Thomas's offers respite from the hustle and bustle of Central London, at breakfast, lunch and dinner times, seven days a week. Country bumpkins will be reminded of home with hot buttered crumpets from the Aga. Exotic Lalani & Co teas will trigger a meditative state of calm. There is absolutely no occasion that Burberry is unsuitable for.

Thomas's Café | +44 (0) 20 3159 1410 | 5 Vigo Street, London, W1S 3HA