My favourite restaurants: Nokx Majozi

As head pie maker at London’s only dedicated Pie Room, and senior sous chef of British brasserie Holborn Dining Room, Nokx Majozi has certainly cracked two of the coolest culinary crowns around. In fact, to say that Nokx has honed her craft would be an understatement; she is one of the capital’s most talented pastry chefs and turns out countless pies every day at the Holborn hotel. These are picture perfect, deeply bronzed creations, with meticulously crimped edges and filled with luxurious fillings, like Lincolnshire Poacher cheese, potato, truffle and caramelised onion, and beef with bone marrow and peppercorns.

Pastry wasn’t always her calling, though. Nokx began her culinary career at Durban University of Technology in South Africa, before landing her first job at the four-star Riverside Hotel in Durban. Upon moving to London, she took on a demi chef role at the Intercontinental Hotel Park Lane in Mayfair, followed by a five-year stint at The Landmark in Marylebone, progressing from chef de partie to senior chef de partie. With a background working in hotel restaurants, Nokx moved to Rosewood London in 2014, where she has refined her craft in pastry work over the last 10 years, discovering in particular her exceptional knack for pie-making.

Outside of the kitchen, Nokx works closely with Women in Hospitality, organising networking events and workshops aimed at bringing more women to the forefront of the culinary world. At Holborn Dining Room, she serves as a mentor to colleagues, leading training sessions and encouraging others to develop their skills and potential. 

Her commitment to supporting women within the hospitality industry can be seen in her favourite restaurant choices. She's a huge fan of Asma Khan's Darjeeling Express, home to the only all-female chef kitchen in the world, and greatly admires the work of Chantelle Nicholson, head chef and sustainable food pioneer at Michelin Green star restaurant Apricity. Read on to find out where else she likes to eat in the capital, and why. 

Manteca, Shoreditch

Nokx says: 'This upmarket Italian restaurant in Shoreditch offers a cosy atmosphere with attentive staff and exceptional service. What makes Manteca truly special is their commitment to in-house production – they cure their own meats and salami, which pairs perfectly with their famous hand-rolled pastas. When visiting, their focaccia is an absolute must-try, showcasing the freshness and quality that comes from their dedication to house-made ingredients. The care they put into every element of the dining experience is evident in each bite.'
Where: 49-51 Curtain Road, EC2A 3PT
Book now: Manteca

Darjeeling Express, Soho

Nokx says: 'This remarkable Indian restaurant serves beautiful home-cooking style dishes in a stunning setting with an open kitchen. What makes it particularly special is that it's the only all-female chef kitchen in the world. The team provides a warm welcome with attentive and friendly service throughout. The food bursts with authentic flavours that transport me back to my roots – my region is heavily influenced by Indian cuisine, so dining here feels like coming home. When I'm craving the comforting tastes of home-style cooking with exceptional quality, this is where I head.'
Where: Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, W1B 5PW
Book now: Darjeeling Express

Apricity, Mayfair

Nokx says: 'This Michelin star restaurant (with a Green star for sustainability) focuses on seasonal, sustainable ingredients sourced locally. The cosy atmosphere complements Chef Chantelle's creative approach, where exceptional flavours meet meticulous presentation. I particularly enjoy visiting with my daughter as they offer a fantastic kids' tasting menu, making fine dining accessible to younger diners. The meal always ends wonderfully with their signature soft-serve ice cream. For first-time visitors, I highly recommend trying the ox tongue dish and the roast carrot – both showcase the kitchen's talent for bringing out remarkable flavours from simple ingredients.'
Where: 68 Duke Street, W1K 6JU
Book now: Apricity

Chishuru, Fitzrovia

Nokx says: 'This modern West African restaurant brilliantly reimagines traditional dishes with an innovative twist. Each plate delivers robust, bold, vibrant, and truly unique flavours. Chef-owner Adejoke Bakare has become the first black woman to earn a Michelin star, which is tremendously inspiring for the younger generation of chefs. Their cocktail program is equally impressive – try the spiced okra martini alongside their thoughtfully selected natural wines. The highlight dishes for me are the rice with plantain, the guinea fowl, and their exceptional mille-feuille dessert.'
Where: 3 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 8AX
Book now: Chishuru

Cavita, Marylebone

Nokx says: 'From the moment you enter this Mexican restaurant, the vibrant colours and thoughtful décor transport you directly to Mexico. The tacos are my absolute highlight, but don't miss their Caesar salad, grilled mackerel with green sauce, and their exceptional tortillas. While they excel at every service, their brunch offerings are particularly special. The friendly team pays incredible attention to detail, and every dish bursts with authentic flavours. I especially appreciate their commitment to serving local and sustainable ingredients while staying true to traditional Mexican techniques and flavours.'
Where: 60 Wigmore Street, W1U 2RZ
Book now: Cavita

Love a pie? Us too. Get your pastry fix with our round-up of the best places to eat pie in London, many of which can be found at some of London's best British restaurants.