Culture Trip’s Ultimate Guide to Dinner in Mayfair

NAC, a cute restaurant tucked away on a quiet Mayfair sidestreet, may be Instagram bait, with its green-velvet banquettes and pink walls, but that doesn’t mean the food isn’t good. Expect a French-leaning menu of well-presented classics, with a playful twist – the dulce de leche churros are a must.

Indian street food gets an update in this upscale Michelin-star restaurant in the heart of Mayfair. There are tasting menus if you want to experience everything Jamavar has to offer, but the curries, biryanis and tandoor are available on the à la carte menu and will tick every box. The meat is tender, the rice is flawless, and the botanical cocktails round off the evening perfectly. Don’t expect to leave with any space for a late-night snack.

This butcher-to-grill restaurant has an unusual concept: it only serves ethically sourced meat that’s been butchered in-house. There are some ‘Boxcar classics’ available for lunch and dinner each day – steak, a burger, fish, a chicken dish and a vegetarian option, accompanied by an assortment of sides and sauces. You can even see your meat in the restaurant’s meat-hanging room before you eat it, and cuts of meat are available for purchase to take home. There’s also a deli that makes a stunning pork pie.

The Ritz is, of course, among the most well-known hotels in the world; the word ‘ritz’ alone evokes images of luxury and glamour. You can’t fail to have a good time at any of the bars and restaurants within this famous hotel, but if you’re looking to end your evening with a bang, you can do much worse than heading to The Ritz Restaurant and ordering the crêpes suzette. A trolley will arrive at your table, and a waiter will expertly craft you a boozy, sweet crêpe served with ice cream.

Huddled in a quaint courtyard is this delightful collection of bars and eateries, including a brasserie and a pizzeria. If you’re looking to dine in Mayfair without breaking the bank, Mews Pizza Co. serves up delicious ‘pizza planks’ for as little as £7 – perfect when washed down with an Aperol spritz. There’s also the option to book private dining spaces if you’re eating out with a big group.

Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill is a true icon of the London restaurant scene – you won’t eat better oysters anywhere. The polished interior of this seafood stalwart will lull you into considering your own marble countertop on which to shuck oysters at home. The crabs, prawns and scallops are spankingly fresh and executed flawlessly. Sit downstairs for a formal dinner, or head to the upstairs bar if you’re after a more laid-back vibe.

This world-renowned sushi restaurant with three Michelin stars isn’t cheap, but it will be unforgettable. And the food is stunning. With just two sittings every evening (6pm and 8.30pm), only 10 seats and a set menu, The Araki is not for everyone. However, if you put up with the house rules, you’ll be rewarded with Japanese food flawlessly prepared right in front of your eyes. Service is attentive and a little quirky, with each course (and there are many) presented to you in a different way – some dishes are even placed straight into your hand.

Bellamy’s is a French brasserie located off Berkeley Square and is rumoured to be among the Queen’s favourite restaurants. The food at Bellamy’s reflects its upmarket surroundings, with a menu consisting of foie gras, oysters, steak tartare and, of course, lashings of caviar. The menu boasts an option of 30g of Baeri caviar with blinis and a glass of rare Belenkaya vodka to wash it down – all for £50. It’s a very reasonable deal for such a high-end treat.