As every good gourmand knows, wherever there's a busy kitchen you'll find a lauded chef. Mayfair alone is home to 16 Michelin-starred restaurants and the accolades keep coming. Take the three Michelin-starred The Connaught headed by chef Hélène Darroze, for instance – or sketch, with its trio of golden stars awarded to chef Pierre Gagnaire. Elsewhere, Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay needs no introduction. His latest dining establishments include the Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill and Lucky Cat, the latter headed up by chef du jour, Luke Maynard, with both venues located in Grosvenor Square.
As International Chefs Day, on 20th October, honours the culinary profession and recognises the invaluable contributions of chefs worldwide – from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble kitchens – what better moment to appreciate the artistry, creativity and dedication of the chefs who bring delectable flavours to our tables? So, be sure to book your place at any of Bond Street's latest hotspots and pay your compliments to the culinary artists who are determined to cause a stir.
Akira Back, head chef at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
Born in Seoul, Korea and raised in Aspen, Colorado, Michelin-starred Akira Back’s dishes are inspired by memories of his childhood in Korea, combined with his world travels and deep love of global cuisine. Best known for twisting traditional flavours and reshaping modern Japanese dining, the ever-curious chef marks a successful partnership at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair with a flurry of new openings. Summer 2024 saw the launch of eponymous Akira Back, soon followed by late-night cocktail bar, ABar Lounge. The newest arrival, Dosa, is an exciting dining concept that offers just 14 diners the chance to try Back's Korean-inspired tasting menu at an intimate chef’s table. An experience like this is not to be missed.
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, 22 Hanover Square, W1S 1JP, book here.
Mike Shaw, head chef at Charlie’s, Brown's Hotel
Over the past 20 years, chef Shaw has worked alongside Brown's chef director, Adam Byatt in both of his Clapham restaurants, Michelin-starred Trinity and popular neighbourhood haunt, Bistro Union. He was first introduced to fresh local ingredients growing up cooking in his parents’ café in the Scottish Borders. Now, as head chef of Charlie’s and part of Brown's new kitchen leadership team headed by Byatt and executive chef Andrew Sawyer, he brings his love of all things British to the table.
Brown's Hotel, 33 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BP, book here.
Michael Zhen, head chef at Hakkasan Mayfair
Originally from the Guangdong Province, China, Michelin-starred chef Michael Zhen found his passion for cooking at an early age helping his father cater for large-scale local events. After completing high school aged 17, he donned his chef's whites, working in one of the city's popular restaurants. In 2002, after a little persuasion from a friend, Zhen upped sticks and headed to the UK where he joined the culinary team at the Royal China Group. From here, he worked as senior chef de partie at HKK, Hakkasan's first Michelin-starred restaurant in the City before moving to Hakkasan Mayfair in 2015 as senior sous chef. Since becoming head chef at Hakkasan Mayfair five years ago, the talented chef has created irresistible signature dishes including Peking duck with Royal Beluga Caviar and grilled Chilean sea bass. No wonder his loyal following keep on coming back for more.
Hakkasan, 17 Bruton Street, W1J 6QB, book here.
Vitelio Reyes, executive chef at Amazónico
Vitelio Reyes, Amazónico’s executive chef, hails from the capital city of Venezuela, Caracas, and has almost a decade of professional culinary experience spanning four continents. He learned the fine art of cooking from a clutch of accomplished Venezuelan chefs and recently worked with the renowned Peruvian chef Virgilio Martinez, chef patron of the celebrated Lima, Fitzrovia, to open his second Lima restaurant, in Covent Garden. With zesty flavours at the heart of Amazónico's vibrant menu, Reyes fuses tropical and Latin American cuisines to a tee. This month marks the start of the new weekend lunch menu, the “Amazónico Asado”, available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 4pm. Priced at £65 per person, the family feasting-style menu is best savoured with a signature cocktail such as the punchy Pinta De Ramos.
Amazónico, 10 Berkeley Square, W1J 6BR, book here.