Lita retains Michelin star and appoints Kostas Papathanasiou as culinary director in Marylebone

Marylebone restaurant Lita has announced the appointment of Kostas Papathanasiou as its new culinary director. The news comes as the restaurant confirms it has retained its Michelin star in the recently published Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2026, presented in Dublin on 9^th February. Papathanasiou, who began leading the kitchen last November, brings more than two decades of experience from high-profile restaurants across Europe and Asia.

The chef’s career began in Lamia, Greece, and has included positions at several renowned establishments. He started in the culinary sector at age 16 with an internship at Ashford Castle in Ireland. He subsequently joined the three-Michelin-starred The Fat Duck in Bray, where he spent four and a half years and rose to the position of sous chef. His experience also includes time at Nouri in Singapore, the two-Michelin-starred The Ledbury in London, and five years with Jason Atherton’s The Social Company, where he became head chef at No 5 Social. More recently, he was involved in opening Studio Frantzén at Harrods and served as executive chef at the three-Michelin-starred Frantzén in Stockholm.

At Lita, Papathanasiou’s approach is described as building on the restaurant’s existing identity, emphasising seasonality, simplicity and live fire cooking. The incumbent staff say he has been “working closely with the team as the restaurant continues to grow and refine its offering”. His cooking, while rooted in classical technique, is “instinctive and contemporary”, contributing to an evolving modern Mediterranean menu that reflects his voice and creativity. The Michelin Guide’s decision to award a star for another year is seen as an endorsement of the restaurant’s consistency and the direction under Papathanasiou’s leadership. 

Food Desk

To book a table at Lita, 7-9 Paddington Street, London W1U 5QH, call 020 8191 2928 or visit the restaurant’s website here.