Bonheur by Matt Abé opens with new fine dining vision in former Le Gavroche Mayfair site

Bonheur by Matt Abé, a new fine dining establishment from the former chef patron of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, officially opened this week on Upper Brook Street in Mayfair. The opening marks Abé’s first solo venture, following his tenure at Ramsay’s three Michelin-starred establishment. The restaurant occupies the former site of Le Gavroche, one of the capital’s most iconic food landmarks, and aims to continue the legacy of excellence while introducing its new leader’s personal culinary perspective.

The kitchen offers ingredient-focused cuisine rooted in classical techniques with contemporary interpretations, with a menu that both reflects Abé’s Australian heritage and features Asian influences. Diners can choose between à la carte options, a five-course tasting menu titled Journey, or the seven-course Dream selection at the six-seat chef’s table (known as Petit Bonheur) for an interactive experience with the kitchen team.

Signature dishes include a reimagined Quiche Lorraine, featuring creamed baby leeks, Gruyère, smoked pork belly and a vin jaune sauce. Another highlight is a 125-day Aged Cumbrian Blue Grey Sirloin – exclusively sourced and aged for Bonheur by Lake District Farmers – which is served with potato terrine, smoked bone marrow and Bordelaise sauce. For dessert, the Pecan Praline combines pecan, coffee and vanilla parfait with cocoa nib ice cream and Pedro Ximénez gel. The wine list, curated by head sommelier Eric Zwiebel in collaboration with Abé, balances established names with lesser-known producers. “Every bottle poured at Bonheur has been carefully selected to reflect the journey from vineyard to glass,” they explained, with selections including offerings from boutique Champagne house Henri Giraud.

Russell Sage Studio designed the interiors for a minimalist yet warm aesthetic. The space includes a lounge with a semi-circular bar and a subterranean dining room adorned with sculptural waiter stations and artworks by London-based abstract artist Rajan Seth. The colour palette and materials – such as horsehair wallpaper, velvet banquettes and leather tabletops – draw inspiration from Australia, in keeping with the chef’s background.

Born in Sydney, Abé began his culinary career at 16 and trained under Matt Moran at Aria before moving to Vue de Monde in Melbourne. He relocated to London at 22, joining Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s and later rising to become chef patron at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in 2020. Under his leadership, the restaurant maintained its three Michelin stars for eight consecutive years. The new launch represents a significant milestone in Abé’s career. “Bonheur will honour its storied legacy, while developing a new generation of talent poised to shape the future of fine dining,” the team said.

Food Desk