Isabel Mayfair enters a new culinary chapter led by Catarina Almeida

First opening its doors in 2017, the Albemarle Street restaurant quickly established itself as one of London’s most distinctive restaurant and bar destinations. Serving ingredient-led, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and a seasonally changing bar programme, Isabel Mayfair features one of the UK’s largest selections of tequila and mezcal, served within its playful, opulent interiors, adorned with gold accents, mirrored panels and silk brocade walls. 

Launched at the start of the summer, the refreshed menu puts seasonality back in focus with a revised menu from newly appointed Head Chef Catarina Almeida. Born in Portugal and shaped by seven years at Petersham Nurseries, Almeida’s passion for food is infused with her history of growing up between family farms, olive groves and home-grown produce. Her childhood experiences of food first informed her passion for seasonality, provenance and the community food fosters. Having learned techniques passed down through generations, Almeida brings a storytelling approach to the new menu that is both personal and inspired.

As the newly appointed Head Chef, Almeida has curated a menu that pulls from the diverse cultures surrounding the Mediterranean. “I want each dish to tell a story, whether that’s through the ingredients, the place that inspired it or the memories and traditions it’s connected to,” she says.

For Almeida, the way food is experienced is equally as important as the food being served on the plate. Isabel Mayfair brings elegance and energy to the service, showing inspiration from both the spirit, as well as the flavours of the Mediterranean and creating food that is generous, elegant and memorable.

“Mediterranean food is about more than recipes; it’s about bringing people together around the table and creating moments that are meant to be shared,” Almeida notes.

Menu highlights include the Wagyu Toastie, consisting of Akune Gold Wagyu, soft as butter, served on brioche toast with spicy mayonnaise. This reflects Almeida’s exquisite taste level and commitment to only working with the finest produce available, as well as a playfulness and experimentation in taking ingredients and transforming them. The Lobster Calamarata, made with fresh calamarata pasta, lobster meat, bisque and chives, reflects Almeida’s Portuguese heritage and her years of experience cooking within Italian-influenced kitchens. 

Pairing beautifully with the food menu is the drinks list, which champions refined technique, bold flavours and rare spirits. A particular highlight of the dining experience, the cocktails on offer combine classic influences with modern flair, seasonal ingredients and one of the most extensive agave selections in London.

Marking Almeida’s appointment and introducing the new menu, Isabel Mayfair is now offering “The Welcome Lunch Menu”, a three-course lunch menu priced at £20 per person, available seven days a week until the end of August.

Guests are welcomed for lunch, dinner and late-night cocktails – and for those seeking more weekend revelry, The Dragon Room is the hidden dining lounge-meets-club beneath the restaurant, offering an immersive world of music and style.

Reservations can be made via www.isabelw1.london