Belgravia, Japanese Restaurant Guide

A Japanese accent to the pastries adds exoticism (and expense?) to a trip to this swish perch, in the beating bougie heart of Belgravia. It originally opened in the foyer of the stunning-looking Pantechnicon building next door, which – in summer 2024 – rebranded as ‘19 Motcomb Street’ – leading (we understand from the press) to a relocation of the café to the ‘Halkin Arcade’.

Feelgood vibes abound on the lovely rooftop (complete with retractable glass ceiling) of this swanky Belgravian site atop the building formerly known as ‘Pantechnicon’, whose crowd seems to be jetting in for the day from St Tropez (with pricing to match). It’s closed as we go to press as it undergoes a major reformatting, but we’re betting that on re-opening in late 2024 much of its original DNA will survive. The menu – on relaunch – will be Japanese (under the brand of what used to be the basement restaurant); and it will also be served in the space immediately below (previously Eldr).

2022 Review: On a strip of Sloane Street south of Harvey Nicks that has lacked its natural international passing trade in recent times, this outpost of the Moscow-based Sumosan empire serves a luxurious mix of Italian and Japanese dishes, often to the backing of live entertainment. Yet again, the level of expense is the main sticking point (and service can have its off days, too), but it has its fans for a glam night out.