Mareida

With an ideal location on a quiet stretch of Great Portland Street, Mareida makes an excellent, diplomatic meeting spot for friends scattered across London. At first, it feels like another contemporary-chic restaurant, but look a little deeper and you'll find décor richly inspired by its Chilean concept. The vibe is luxe and moody, but brimming with authentic details like loosely flowing curtains - dip-dyed mauve in Santiago to mimic the colour of mountain shadows - or an artful display of combarbolita, Chile’s national stone.

London’s food scene is seriously lacking in Chilean representation and Mareida isn’t a gimmick: founded by businessman Prenay Agarwal, it pays homage to his partner Benjamin Figari’s heritage, especially after they temporarily relocated there a few years ago. Agarwal has sought out the best native talent in the city, and where needed, out of it with head pastry chef Marcelo Pela´ez moving from Santiago for the job.

These efforts become clear after tasting the menu - a single page of rock-solid options anyone would love. For us, the milk-fed AT chicken was a game changer: a generous portion of sublimely juicy thigh, with crisped-up skin, swimming in thick cognac sauce with sauteed girolles. Sides of roasted potatoes and grilled, buttery corn work beautifully, before we move onto a dessert of rice pudding empanada. It turns out rice pudding is a traditional dish in Chile, but to add a fun twist, here it’s served in a crunchy, mini empanada, which shines with a sugary glaze. Tap your fork into it to reveal the soft, sweet pudding inside, spiced with cinnamon.

Head chef Nicolas Einersen Echeverria brings an interesting presentation to the whole menu, partly inspired by his time in Scandinavia; he balances the flamboyant vibrancy of Chile with Nordic minimalism, making for an experience that is beautiful as it is delicious. Another thing to note: Mareida has a stunning private dining room and often puts on events, so check out their cultural programming, too.

Thoughts? You need to scribble Mareida in your little black book of restaurants, stat.

Mareida brings the vibrant flavours and cultural richness of Chile to Great Portland Street, offering a dining experience that feels both transportive and contemporary. Founded by Prenay Agarwal and Benjamin Figari, the restaurant has entered an exciting new chapter with the arrival of Head Chef Nico Einersen and Head Pastry Chef Marcelo Pelaez, whose combined expertise elevates Mareida’s seasonal, ingredient-led approach.

Nico’s cooking philosophy is refreshingly simple: flavour first, no fuss. His menu draws inspiration from Chile’s dramatic landscapes, from the Pacific coastline to the rugged Andes, translating traditional dishes into elegant plates that celebrate colour, texture, and freshness. Expect bold yet balanced flavours, rooted in Chilean heritage but refined through modern techniques and a touch of Scandinavian influence.

Highlights include the Marraqueta roll, baked daily and served with mushroom butter and Ulmo honey, and a striking Kingfish crudo layered with pomegranate, plum, and watermelon radish. Meat lovers will appreciate the 45-day aged ribeye with Carmenere sauce and grape mustard - a clever nod to Chile’s iconic grape - while poached Scottish trout with smoked mayonnaise captures the purity of southern Chile’s waters. Vegetarians aren’t overlooked either, with dishes like roasted cauliflower and courgette chimichurri showcasing simplicity and smoke.

Marcelo’s desserts are playful yet precise, blending European patisserie techniques with Chilean nostalgia. Standouts include Sugar Avocado, a light foam paired with chocolate, and the Pisco Sour Baba - a spirited twist on a French classic. For a comforting finale, the Rice Pudding Empanada delivers a sweet, deep-fried hug of membrillo and quince.

With its dynamic menu, stylish interiors, and commitment to seasonality, Mareida offers more than a meal - it’s a journey through Chilean culture, complete with music, wine, and art.