Veteran Japanese restaurant Yoshino is to reopen following a three-year search for new premises after losing its long-term perch in an alleyway off Piccadilly Circus.
It will move to St James’s, a few minutes walk away, taking over the premises until recently occupied by Al Duca in Duke of York Street. The family-run Italian restaurant has already relocated to Victoria.
Yoshino ran for almost 40 years at its original address, where it was a perennial fixture in the annual Harden’s guide until 2022, winning praise for the “best Japanese experience” hosted by popular manager Lisa.
The business has operated as a caterer while looking for its new venue. The reopening date has yet to be announced, pending a full refurb of the premises.
Al Duca enjoyed a 25-year run in St James’s under chef-owner Gianni Andolfi and his wife Mylene, winning praise from Harden’s for “excellent Italian food and good wines” at notably affordable prices for a prime central London site. Gianni has tweaked the menu to offer a simpler style and more choice at the new address in Willow Place, off Vauxhall Bridge Road.
