London Takeaways

5A Burlington Gardens Mayfair, London, West London, W1S 3EP

Cecconi's at 5A Burlington Gardens in Mayfair W1 is the original Cecconi's restaurant, opened in 1978 by Enzo Cecconi — the first of what became a global group associated with Soho House. The Hotel Journal calls it "a traditional Italian restaurant with gorgeous Venetian-style dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner." Hardens describes it as "an enduring Mayfair Italian institution." The risotto with veal ossobuco is a signature dish; the beef fillet with zucchini fritti is consistently praised. The striped green-and-white awning and zebra-print banquettes are among Mayfair's most recognisable design elements. Cecconi's is adjacent to the Royal Academy of Arts on Piccadilly, and the Burlington Arcade shopping arcade. The Mayfair original has been seducing Londoners and the fashion and art world for nearly five decades.

Available for dine-in at 5A Burlington Gardens, Mayfair W1S. Phone 020 7434 1500. Open daily from 7am. Own website: cecconis.co.uk.

42 Albemarle Street Mayfair, London, West London, W1S 4JH

Gymkhana at 42 Albemarle Street in Mayfair W1 is one of the world's great Indian restaurants — one of only two Indian restaurants outside India to hold two Michelin stars, and widely regarded as the finest in London. The Sethi family's JKS Restaurants opened it in 2013, themed around the colonial-era gymkhana clubs of British India where British officers and Indian elites mingled. The jade-green dining room with marble, hunting trophies and fan-cooled bar creates a setting of extraordinary distinction. Quintessentially calls it "one of the world's best, full stop." The Infatuation: "some of London's best Indian food." Signature dishes: wild muntjac biryani, butter masala lamb chops from the tandoor, kid goat methi keema. In 2024, Gymkhana became the first Indian restaurant in the UK to be awarded two Michelin stars.

Available for dine-in at 42 Albemarle Street, Mayfair W1S. Phone 020 3011 5900. Book well ahead. Own website: gymkhanalondon.com.

9 Conduit Street Mayfair, London, West London, W1S 2XG

Sketch at 9 Conduit Street in Mayfair W1 is one of London's most extraordinary dining destinations: a 1779 townhouse that once housed Christian Dior's first London studio, now divided into multiple restaurants and bars. The Lecture Room and Library holds three Michelin stars (one of the very few three-star restaurants in London) under chef Pierre Gagnaire. The Gallery is the all-day brasserie and tea room, famed for its pink interior and multicoloured egg-shaped toilet pods that became one of Instagram's most reproduced restaurant images. The Glade is an enchanting forest dining room. Sketch opened in 2002, created by Mourad Mazouz and Pierre Gagnaire with interior design by India Mahdavi. Hardens notes "arguably the most eclectic dining destination in London." The afternoon tea in The Gallery is one of the city's most sought-after bookings.

Available for dine-in at 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair W1S. Phone 020 7659 4500. Multiple restaurants from afternoon tea to three-Michelin-star fine dining. Own website: sketch.london.