The best restaurants and bars in St James

Taking over the site that was once Le Caprice, Jeremy King's Arlington is Le Caprice 2.0 in all but name. it's the restaurant that launched King's career and he's brought back legendary GM Jesus Adorno too. Expect a look that harkens back to the classic Le Caprice but shiny and up to date as well as some of the classic dishes from the original, like the iced berries in white chocolate sauce. It's a great place for a star-spot too.

Chefs Will Murray and Jack Croft met in the kitchens of Dinner by Heston and then teamed up with James Robson to come up with Fallow. They run big on sustainability, so they use interesting cuts and everything is super seasonal and focuses mainly on British and Irish produce. Fallow’s commitment to sustainability and seasonality extends to even growing its own mushrooms in-house - how’s that for food miles?

Paying homage to the grand brasseries of Paris and Lyon, Maison Francois quickly made a name for itself in St James when it opened in 2020. Downstairs there’s a huge wine cellar that’s a perfect private dining room and the basement bar, Frank’s, is a handy spot for a glass of wine post-work.

A popular St James haunt (and adjacent to Fortnums), this is always busy with a crowd that appreciates its super seasonal menu using the best of British produce. Enjoy the luxury of tableside service including a caviar trolley and the beef Wellington with sauce that’s flambeed right beside you.

One of London’s most elaborate dining rooms, the food here by the well-respected executive chef John Williams more than matches its surroundings. Here is a restaurant where you can expect domes to be lifted off dishes like veal cheek blanquette with white asparagus and Madeira. For sheer theatricality, order the crepes suzettes which are finished off in front of you.

Chef patron Ramael Scully is of Chinese, Indian, Balinese and Irish descent and these influences inspire his cooking. The restaurant is a particular lure for vegetarians who are attracted by dishes like the bbq tender-stem broccoli with salted egg yolk, onion chinkiang vinegar and wasabi pea furikake.

The great fact to bandy about Wiltons is that it’s older than the United States of America (the restaurant first opened 280 years ago). Looking good for its age, this is a place to perch up at the counter for oysters or find a booth at the back for luxe but traditional treats like Lobster Thermidor or an epic mixed grill.

For maximalists rather than minimalists this Italian restaurant took over a former bank just off Pall Mall, so expect acres of marble and gilt. In addition to the restaurant and bar, there’s also a walk-in wine cellar, whisky room and private dining room - it’s definitely a dress-up place for a special occasion.

Finding well-priced restaurant options in St James can be a bit tricky but this Italian pizzeria is always a good bet. The USP here is that they use Mediterranean seawater in the pizza dough - that may sound gimmicky but the proof is in the eating and the pizzas are really good.

Situated in a former car showroom, this Viennese style cafe is now a bona fide celebrity magnet where financiers rub shoulders with stars of the stage and screen. Breakfast is probably the hottest ticket here but they also do a very nice afternoon tea too.

This longstanding restaurant moved from its original Chelsea location to St James in 2015. Here in its new home, it attracts a regular clientele of VIPs. The menu roams every region of India’s culinary landscape from Tandoori Sea Bass Amritsari to Goa Green Chicken Curry.

The London outpost of one of Asia’s most Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant groups, Imperial Treasure is perhaps best known for its Peking Duck although its dim sum selection is also very refined. Here in London, you’ll find it in a Grade II listed building which suitably matches the high-end food.

Described by top chef Pierre Koffmann as “a restaurant of low-key excellence, serving some of the best food in the city” Wild Honey St James has seen chef Anthony Demetre turn this hotel restaurant into a genuine gastronomic destination. There’s a particularly good value set lunch option but if you can stay for longer, do order the slow-cooked crisp chicken with hand-cut macaroni and black truffles.

Notto sees top chef Phil Howard opening a fresh pasta restaurant on Piccadilly. More affordable than his previous restaurants, like Elystan Street, you can expect an Italian menu (and Italian cocktails) and his own takes on pasta, created together with chef Louis Korovilas.