A Foodie’s Guide To Marylebone

The Hart

This is British pub food at its finest. From the team behind the Fat Badger and The Hero, The Hart in Marylebone perfectly combines the two offerings into one. A neighbourhood pub and dining room – named for the Hart family who ran a bar on the site in the 1840s – The Hart is on a dual mission to celebrate British farmers and bring back the dying art of the weekday pub lunch.

While we, erroneously, made our visit in the evening, we were greeted with a lively crowd in the packed-out bar, before making our way up – past the open kitchen and ready-to-book private snug – through to the central dining area. Cosy, occasionally bordering on cramped (something it hopes to rectify by opening up its upper floor den space), we warmed up by the open fire and sat entranced by the candles’ glow. Serenaded with jazz, the energy of the music was only surpassed by the ever-chatty and attentive staff.

To start, we were treated to the poshest (and crispiest) hashbrowns around (complete with eggy mayo and chilli ketchup), alongside salty pork scratchings (plus apple sauce) which sat just on the right side of a tooth crack. When choosing starters, don’t be put-off by the description of ‘Pig’s Head, Egg’ – its enticingly meaty flavour forced me to squeeze in a few bits on top of my crab cakes. As servers will explain, the plain English speaking menu is designed to celebrate the use of British ingredients: something we can keenly get behind. 

As a half-Aussie, I’ve been raised on the knowledge that my dad’s lamb chops are the best around. But The Hart may just have him beat. If you’re anything like my mum (who prefers her chops confusingly fat free) you will be missing out on the true magic of this dish: a crispy crunch through to rich and succulent fat, with perfectly done meat and mint jelly to match. I’ve been thinking about this main ever since. 

Having only managed a few bites of the hake, despite longing for more, I was keen to leave enough room for dessert: a banoffee pie which promised to be worthy of a Paul Hollywood handshake. While I can’t talk for Paul, I’d happily offer up my own hand in exchange. Grinning and clutching my stomach all the way home, I’m already plotting when I can bring my parents. I just hope my dad won’t be too miffed to discover he’s been outdone. By Isabel Dempsey

56 Blandford Street, Marylebone, W1U 7JA, thehartw1.com

T by Tamara

This charming café transports its guests to the Middle East with warm hospitality and delicious Levantine cuisine. Founded by Tamara Al Saadi, a Jordanian baker with a passion for Levantine flavours, T by Tamara serves up an array of mouthwatering dishes, from classic shakshuka and vibrant mezze platters to Tamara’s twist on avocado toast featuring labneh and zaatar. Guests can also build their own fatteh – a layered Levantine delight – or indulge in baked goods made fresh in-house, like pistachio-studded pain au chocolat or zaatar and halloumi croissants. Pair your meal with a perfectly brewed coffee or try specialties like Turkish coffee with Jordanian Arabica beans or Sahlab, a sweet, spiced milk pudding topped with cinnamon and coconut. A true slice of the Levant in London.

17 Seymour Pl, London W1H 5BF, tbytamara.co.uk | portmanmarylebone.com

The Italian Greyhound

Perched on the corner of Seymour Street you’ll find The Italian Greyhound, a smart Italian restaurant helmed by brothers Marcello and Gabriel Bernardi. Inspired by traditional Italian bacaris, you can tell it’s going to be stylish from its pretty exterior, which features green striped awnings and a little outdoor terrace area. Inside is equally aesthetic, with lush foliage dotted around, hanging lights and cosy banquette seating. On the menu you’ll find a mixture of sharing plates and larger mains, all drawing on classic Italian fare. Begin with some pea, mint and Taleggio arancini, followed by the perfectly creamy burrata, served here with grilled peach and hazelnut. Next up: choose from a selection of pizzas, pastas meat and fish dishes. We’d recommend the cacio e pepe ravioli, which is topped with truffle for an extra dose of luxe, and the mortadella and pistachio pizza – heaven. Pair with a cocktail or two: the kiwi margarita is a winner, or, on a sunny day, go for the Sgroppino: homemade sorbet with prosecco. With its friendly service, buzzy vibe and delicious food, this hotspot really is a taste of la dolce vita.

62 Seymour St, London W1H 5BN, theitaliangreyhound.co.uk

Kima

We’ve heard about nose-to-tail, but what about fin-to-gill? This concept sits at the heart of Kima, a new Greek-inspired eatery from restaurateurs Nikos Roussos and Andreas Labridis. Just opened in Marylebone, Kima will practice a ‘waste not, use all’ philosophy, where all parts of the fish and animal will be used: think fried tails with aioli, and charred fish collars drizzled with olive oil and lemon. An impressive fish counter will serve as the restaurant’s centrepiece, displaying the catch of the day – from whole turbots to freshly caught langoustines. Alongside this, diners can enjoy fine Greek wines and cocktails.

57 Paddington St, London W1U 4JA, kimarestaurant.com

Carlotta

With its ruby red terrace and Venetian marble bar, it’s no surprise the the latest launch from Big Mamma Group has taken over Instagram lately. It’s the group’s most ‘intimate’ trattoria yet, but things haven’t been dialled down too much, with a characteristically glitzy look alongside a new menu inspired by Neapolitan and Sicilian food. Think penne alla vodka, arrosticini lamb skewers and an enormous ten-tiered chocolate fudge cake.

77, 78 Marylebone High St, London W1U 5JX, bigmammagroup.com

Mayha

Experience-led omakase restaurant Mayha started out in Beirut, but was destroyed amid the devastating 2020 explosion. Its founders Karim Arakji, Jurek Wasio and Yuichi Nakaya thankfully survived, and decided to reopen Mayha, this time in London. Set across two floors, the space channels its roots with hand-poured tiles and a bespoke light installation from Lebanon, but the food is inspired by Japanese cuisine. The intimate dining room has room for just 11 diners, and your meal will be served with theatrical flair. A daily-changing tasting menu spotlights meticulously sourced seasonal ingredients – dishes could be sake soy bluefin akami, or mackerel with fig and sesame – alongside a selection of sake, rare spirits, fine wines and niche beers. 

43 Chiltern St, London W1U 6LS, mayhalondon.com

Read our full review here

KOL

Growing up in the tiny Mexican town of Cuernavaca, Santiago Lastra first started cooking to help his family cope with the grief of losing their father. Now, he’s making culinary waves all over the world. Santiago made a name for himself running sell out supper clubs around the world, but his most recent venture is perhaps the most exciting yet. Santiago heads up KOL in Marylebone, which offers a unique kind of Mexican food, using British ingredients to create eclectic tasting menus: think langoustine tacos, Cheltenham beetroot tostadas and guacamole made of pistachio. The Chef’s Table experience is particularly special, offering diners the chance to watch Santiago and his team of chefs cook up exclusive dishes straight out of the test kitchen alongside a bespoke drinks pairing.

Lower Ground Floor, 9 Seymour St, London W1H 7BA, kolrestaurant.com

Winter Garden at The Landmark London

Stepping inside Marylebone hotel The Landmark London feels like entering a huge, luxurious greenhouse. An eight-storey glass-roofed atrium with towering palm trees and marble galore, the Winter Garden is designed to dazzle, with interiors a cross between glamorous Dubai and traditional Britain. This is the hotel’s AA rosette restaurant, which offers British and Mediterranean-inspired dishes: think aubergine cannelloni and juicy scallops to start followed by mains from the grill, like Hereford prime rib eye steak and Scottish salmon. A feast for the eyes and for the tastebuds.

222 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 6JQ, thelandmarklondon.com

OPSO

OPSO puts a new spin on traditional Greek dishes, with a focus on home-cooked comforts inspired by the chefs’ childhoods. For starters, think pitta bread and hazelnut hummus, plus a spinach pie – a recipe from the region of Zagorohoria in Greece, which is famous for its pies. Mains include a number of aromatic meat dishes: lemon-oregano chicken, braised beef shin, and lamb skewers with thyme rice pilaf. Don’t miss the delicious chocolate brownie dessert, sprinkled with jivara chocolate chips and drizzled in salted caramel sauce.

10 Paddington St, London W1U 5QL, opso.co.uk

Taka Marylebone

Recently opened on the old site of Providores, Taka Marylebone is the sister restaurant of the acclaimed Taka Mayfair, run by brother and sister duo Andrey and Anastasia Datsenko. Think high-end food in a low-key setting, with an impressive menu devised by group executive chef Taiji Maruyama (Beaverbrook and Nobu) alongside head chef Jonathan Dowling. A farm-to-table ethos lies at the heart of Taka: the restaurant is based around the Japanese philosophy of shun, which means food should only be eaten when it’s at its best and at the height of its season. Read our full review here.

109 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4RX, takalondon.com

Carousel

You’ll never know quite what to expect at Carousel, a three-storey creative hub in the heart of Marylebone. Run by cousins Ollie, Ed, Will and Anna Templeton – who sprung onto the culinary scene as early pioneers of immersive dining under Shuttlecock Inc. – Carousel is a hub for supper clubs, guest chef residencies and pop-ups. Diners are invited to rustic communal tables to enjoy pre-paid set menus created by exciting chefs from all over the world – both well acclaimed names and emerging talent.

19-23 Charlotte St., London W1T 1RW, carousel-london.com

Jikoni

Jikoni – which translates as ‘kitchen’ in Kiswahili – is the debut restaurant from Ravinder Bhogal, who worked as a food writer, TV presenter and chef before being talent spotted by none other than Gordon Ramsay. The Blandford Street restaurant reflects Bhogal’s mixed heritage, drawing on flavours from Britain, East Africa, the Middle East and Asia. This results in an eclectic, unique menu packed with spice, with standout dishes including prawn toast scotch eggs, venison samosas, lobster moilee and a banana cake with miso butterscotch. Comforting dishes are paired with cosy interiors: think tables covered in floral print cotton cloths, mismatched china and low lighting, creating a welcoming home from home feel.

19-21 Blandford St, London W1U 3DJ, jikonilondon.com

A.O.K Kitchen

Drawn to Instagrammable dining spots? With its flower-festooned ceiling and hand-painted wallpaper, A.O.K. Kitchen is sure to jazz up your feed – but it’s not all style over substance. Catering to Londoners’ ever-growing free-from needs, you won’t find refined sugar in any of the dishes here, and gluten and dairy use is small. The all-day eatery is centred around healthy food, ranging from brunch classics to more substantial lunches such as baked cod with quinoa, BBQ aubergine with buckwheat, and grilled baby chicken. Be sure to explore the dessert menu too, which offers twists on classic desserts.

52-55 Dorset St, London W1U 7NH, aokkitchen.co.uk