From the 1650s to the modern day, Mayfair has been viewed as the crown jewel of central London, boasting beautiful streets, stunning architecture and the city’s premier retail spaces.
Among the district’s plentiful historical landmarks and luxury stores, residents and travellers alike will find some of London’s most beloved, unique and impressive restaurants, but with reservations often hard-to-come-by, it pays to know which eateries best-meet which desires.
From long-standing local favourites to fresh-faced newcomers, each offering award-winning dishes from around the world, here’s the ultimate Mayfair restaurant roundup for food-lovers.
1. Manthan – Indian
Operated by critically-acclaimed Chef Rohit Ghai and Abhishake Sangwan, Manthan is the premier Mayfair restaurant for connoisseurs of Indian cuisine. The team at Manthan combine the bold flavours of Indian street food with the sensibilities of luxury dining, culminating in a captivating experience that blends exceptional food and drinks with an eclectic atmosphere.
Manthan’s Experience Menu is the eatery’s main attraction, offering guests a wide-variety of signature meat and vegetable curries, each paired with specially-selected wines. Manthan is also one of the top-rated Mayfair restaurants and available to book instantly on OpenTable, receiving regular praise from critics and diners.
2. Fonda – Mexican
Fonda is a vibrant, modern Mexican restaurant on the edge of Soho that’s well-known for its traditional dishes, hand-crafted using premium British ingredients. While Fonda has more of a laid-back feel than many Mayfair restaurants, due in part to the eatery’s airy interior and often-busy street seating, the quality of food on offer is befitting of London’s premier district.
Fonda’s menu is built for sharing, with attentive servers always on-hand to help guests craft unique dining experiences from their wide-ranging menu. Fonda is also well-regarded for its expansive cocktail menu filled with unique drinks made using premium mezcals and tequilas.
3. ROKA – Japanese
Diners searching for a sophisticated, understated and premium Japanese restaurant in the heart of Mayfair should look no further than ROKA. From its warm, minimalist interior to its delicately-fashioned set menu, ROKA removes the complications of modern dining to help visitors focus on what’s most important, fresh flavours and exceptional dining experiences.
ROKA runs seasonal menus with limited-time offerings to both make the best-use of fresh ingredients and ensure every visit is unique. Favourites among diners in recent times include Ebi Furai to Avocado Maki and Gindara no Saikyo-Yaki, each served with bubbles on arrival.
4. Abajo – Columbian
Abajo sits below its Michelin-starred sister-restaurant HUMO a short walk from Regent St, a fact that can be discerned from the name itself which directly translates to below in Spanish. This clever name lays the foundation for a clever restaurant, with the ethos of Abjao being to build on its sister’s Michelin-star pedigree to produce more exciting and experimental dishes.
The menu at Abajo leans on Columbian flavours, with diners treated to a curated experience in place of à la carte offerings. Guests are walked through a five chapter tasting menu where staple ingredients like lobster and brisket are paired with fine wines to highlight bold flavours.
5. Cecconi’s – Italian
Cecconi’s is Mayfair’s undisputed premier Italian restaurant. Famous for its Cicchetti menu, a unique Italian take on tapas, Cecconi’s does well to maintain the traditional feel and allure of classic Italian cuisine while blending seamlessly into the modern surroundings of Mayfair.
The menu at Cecconi’s is mainly focused on classic Italian staples, choosing to craft popular dishes well above exploring more experimental flavours. Stand-outs among the restaurant’s many offerings include Tonnarelli, Cacio e Pepe and Veal Milanese, alongside an assortment of beautifully fresh seafood-forward dishes like Spaghetti Lobster and decadent Crab Ravioli.
Final word
Mayfair is home to some of the best restaurants in London, if not the entirety of the UK, with amazing options spanning most cuisines to suit all tastes. Due to the district’s prestige, the best Mayfair restaurants can be difficult to book, so to get the most from your visit we advise making reservations and planning out your Mayfair food journey far in advance of your visit.
