Claridge’s welcomes Dante Mayfair as permanent venue
New York institution Dante, which has been in residence at Claridge’s in London since last year, has now opened a permanent restaurant and bar at the hotel.
Dante Mayfair, operated by husband-and-wife restaurateurs Linden Pride and Nathalie Hudson, brings the vibrant spirit of downtown Manhattan to the UK, serving signature cocktails alongside a New York Italian-inspired menu.
At its heart are classic American favourites, from shrimp cocktail and iceberg wedge salad to a New York kale Caesar, Dante’s Smash Burger served on a silver tray and chicken alla Diavola with green goddess dressing. Theatrical tableside dishes include lobster linguine served with grilled half lobster and a bone-in rib-eye accompanied by homemade sides.
Desserts include the restaurant’s signature tiramisu, soft serve with s’mores and a sticky toffee doughnut with whisky flambé. A dedicated dessert cocktail menu completes the experience, featuring Dante classics such as the Grasshopper, Honey Bee and Espresso Martini.
Signature drinks include The Garibaldi with Campari and the bar’s signature ‘fluffy’ orange juice, the Dante Negroni, a Fluffy Margarita Royale made with pineapple, the classic Dante Martini and a Caviar Martini made using Calvisius caviar from northern Italy. Guests can also enjoy a daily Martini Hour.
Music plays a central role at Dante Mayfair, with live piano performances and singers each afternoon, followed by an evening soundtrack spanning artists from Muddy Waters and The Beatles to The Rolling Stones.
Designed by Nathalie Hudson in collaboration with Bryan O’Sullivan Studio, the interiors feature a fresh palette of green and blue tones, limewash finishes, gilded detailing and botanical murals by Beth Rodway inspired by Dante’s bistro café aesthetic. Finishing touches include photography by David Yarrow, Josef Hoffmann-inspired pendant lighting, dramatic curtains creating a sense of arrival and an extended bar area complete with armchairs and a honky-tonk piano.
“We are so proud to call Claridge’s, and London, our new home,” comments Pride. “At Dante Mayfair, we have amped up the volume on our New York roots across design, menu and music, aiming to bring an impish sense of fun to Davies Street. That sense of a neighbourhood that Dante created for decades in New York? Mayfair’s about to feel it!”
“We have loved seeing the energy the team at Dante have brought to Claridge’s, and bringing the magic of Manhattan to Mayfair has truly resonated with Londoners,” says Claridge’s Managing Director Thomas Kochs. “The goal is to make this restaurant the living room of Mayfair, a relaxed spot with great food, wonderful people and, of course, a buzzing atmosphere thanks to Dante’s signature Martini hour, and soulful live music.”
