With the Royal Academy of Arts hosting its annual summer exhibition until 21 August, the streets of Mayfair will be filled with art enthusiasts and culture junkies. As we all know, the streets of Mayfair are also paved with gold. Lost an earring recently? It's been melted for a W1 pothole. With that in mind, we've selected some great restaurants, all within walking distance of the Royal Academy, to suit both big spenders and small changers. Scroll down for our pick of Mayfair’s perfect post-art pit stops.
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Sketch: The Lecture Room and Library (9 min walk)
Sketch is not just a restaurant, it’s an immersive experience. After feasting your eyes on exciting art, come and indulge in its head-turning interiors and impressive food. Ascend the spiral stairs to enter the Michelin-starred Lecture Room and Library where you’ll find elaborate dishes of roasted langoustine, Chilean Waygu beef and delicate scallop carpaccio. After, continue the elaborate affair with a browse of their ever-changing exhibition.
Novikov (5 min walk)
Two restaurants in one, Novikov offers exceptional Pan-Asian and authentic Italian cuisine, all set within exquisite and ornate surroundings. With a glass-walled kitchen, indoor trees, and glistening magnums of wine, you’re paying for the whole package. Dine on caviar, oysters, teppanyaki and peking duck rolls (hand-rolled at the table of course). Not a fish fan? Venture across the corridor for creamy mixed mushroom veal ravioli and beef-fillet tagliata. They even offer a private-jet menu for, you know, your private jet?
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Quaglino's (3 min walk)
This art-deco adorned continental brassiere has a bit of a rep as a seafood specialist. Dine on modern European delights of whole grilled lobster, pan fried pave of cod and spinach and goats' cheese ravioli. And, if you’re craving even more culture, they boast a late licence and even host live music six times a week, staying open till 3am.
Heddon Street Kitchen (7 min walk)
Gordon Ramsay’s Heddon Street Kitchen promises “brisk brunches, lovely lunches, and delicious dinners” that won’t break the bank. Dishes include British faves such as fish and chips with crushed peas, braised beef mac 'n' cheese, and slow-roasted pork belly. For pud, treat yourself to a pistachio and white chocolate tart or a boozy peanut butter milkshake. They also offer group menus if you’ve mini-bussed it to the capital.
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Being the most expensive square on the Monopoly board, you may have to venture back a few spaces to dine on a budget. However, this little blue square is still home to a few shiny (and affordable) gems.
Brasserie Zédel (7 min walk)
Transport to nineteenth century Montmarte with the quirky interiors of Brassierie Zédel. Staying true to the Parisian theme of love, Zédel generously offers two courses for a measly £9.75. Dine on rich coq au vin followed by café gourmand or a sweet fruit tart. For a fixed rate of £14.95, it also offers a cockle-warming daily special, which ranges from chicken curry to cheesy French shepherd’s pie.
Shoryu Ramen (7 min walk)
Bringing the (affordable) taste of Tokyo to Mayfair, Shoryu offers heart-warming, tummy-filling bowls of creamy ramen noodles. Specialising in pork broth, sake and powerful Japanese whiskies, Shoryu’s extensive menu even offers bao buns, sushi and sharing platters. Shoryu also specialises in fresh and fun cocktails with an oriental twist.
For even more inspiration take a look at our selection of the best restaurants in Mayfair.
To find out more about The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition, click here.
This article was published 15 June 2016