Tel Aviv-based restaurant Claro makes its European debut with tomorrow’s opening of a branch at St James’s market, off Piccadilly Circus. It has taken over an ex-Villandry site with an outdoor terrace in what was once a bank building in Waterloo Place.

Featuring ‘contemporary, sophisticated Eastern Mediterranean cuisine’, Claro was founded in Tel Aviv 10 years ago by veteran chef Ran Shmueli (pictured), who has a reputation for his farm-to-fork approach.

He says, “We are very excited to open Claro in London, which is a culinary centre and a great challenge for us. We are looking forward to working closely with local farmers and artisan producers and serving our seasonal happy food in the beautiful capital of the UK.“

The opening menu features dishes such as fish tartare with yellow cherry tomato gazpacho, green tomatoes and sour cream; yellowtail sashimi with freekeh tabbouleh and yoghurt; short rib tortellini with onion cream and parmesan; and smoked pink trout with potatoes, green beans and horseradish.