Dante brings New York flair to London with permanent restaurant at Claridge’s

Dante, the century-old New York Italian restaurant and bar, has opened a permanent site at Claridge’s hotel in Mayfair, following a year-long residency. The new venue, named Dante Mayfair, opened this week and is operated by husband-and-wife restaurateurs Linden Pride and Nathalie Hudson, who relaunched the original New York establishment in 2015.

Founded in 1915 as a neighbourhood Italian café in Greenwich Village, Dante has previously been named the World’s Number One bar at the World’s 50 Best Bars awards, and has received accolades from Time Out New York and the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. The London opening follows what Claridge’s described as strong demand during the pop-up.

The menu features American-Italian classics like Shrimp Cocktail, Iceberg Wedge Salad, a New York Kale Caesar, the Dante’s Smash Burger served on a silver tray and Chicken alla Diavola with green goddess dressing. Tableside dishes include Lobster Linguine – served alongside a grilled half lobster – and a Rib Eye on the Bone. For dessert there’s a signature Tiramisu, Soft Serve with S’mores and a Sticky Toffee Donut with whisky flambé. Breakfast is also served, with options such as a Bacon, Egg and Cheese Bodega Breakfast and Huevos Rancheros Verde.

The cocktail list features the Garibaldi with Campari and “fluffy” orange juice, the Dante Negroni, a Fluffy Margarita Royale made with pineapple, the Dante Martini and a Caviar Martini made with Calvisius caviar from Northern Italy. A daily Martini Hour runs from 3-5pm, with martinis priced at £10. There’s also a dessert cocktail menu that has tipples like the Grasshopper, the Honey Bee and an Espresso Martini.

Claridge’s managing director Thomas Kochs said: “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. 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.”

Live piano music and singers will perform daily in the afternoons, with a blues-influenced soundtrack from the likes of Muddy Waters, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones in the evenings. The interiors, designed by Nathalie Hudson with Bryan O’Sullivan Studio, feature green and blue tones, limewash finishes, gilded detailing and botanical murals by Beth Rodway. Photography of the Amalfi Coast by David Yarrow is displayed throughout, alongside Josef Hoffmann-inspired pendant lighting. The venue also includes a secluded terrace for outdoor dining and a private dining room seating up to 14 guests.

Linden Pride said: “It’s that time of day that photographers call the magic hour, when the sun begins to set, the sky is streaked with pink and gold and friends gather over a drink – a Garibaldi… a Bellini… a spritz… The world slows down and takes a break. We want to welcome regulars at this time of day and become part of the rhythm of Mayfair daily life!”

He added: “We are so proud to call Claridge’s, and London, our new home. 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!”

Food Desk

To book a table at Dante Mayfair, Claridge’s, Brook Street, London W1K 4HR, visit the restaurant’s website here.