Marylebone, Fusion Restaurant Guide

A ‘no-borders kitchen’ philosophy informs the “funky mixture of Middle Eastern, Indian and African food” at chef and food-writer Ravinder Bhogul’s “busy and buzzing” Marylebone venue: it serves “combinations of ingredients you might think won’t work but really do”, and these “are matched by the equally unusual spice cocktails”. Top Tip – “the set lunch is a steal and the caramelised aubergine is amazing”.

2021 Review: Swish, Greek-owned, late-2018 yearling, which occupies two floors of a five-storey Mayfair townhouse (the remainder being dedicated to a bar, club, roof terrace, etc) which aims to ‘brings the spirit of Mykonos to London’ on a site that once housed the HQ of Cartier’s watch-making empire. Ex-Novikov chef, Sicilian Carmelo Carnevale, oversees a Mediterranean/Asian mash-up of a menu, which earned solid ratings in early feedback, alongside perhaps predictable concerns about the slightly scary pricing.

2024 Review: This high-street Nikkei hangout’s first Chelsea branch opened in 2021 and shut in mid 2023 in favour of a new Marylebone location. No feedback as yet on either site, which purveys a trendy fusion of sushi, tacos, ceviche and robata bites, and of course pisco sours, sakes and cocktails aplenty.

2023 Review: “Modern Italian with a Japanese twist” – this late summer 2022 launch in Great Portland Street from Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini, founder of legendary Cannes pop-up Cosy Box, marries the two food cultures to good effect. Italian-born chef Ivan Simeoli says he’s “not limited by tradition, but uses it as an inspiration” for a menu dominated by fish and seafood with plenty of raw options, while Italian Fassona and Japanese wagyu beef have cameo roles.