After a critically acclaimed residency at Claridge’s, the legendary Greenwich Village restaurant has now opened its doors as a permanent fixture inside the storied Mayfair hotel. The arrival of Dante Mayfair marks more than another luxury restaurant launch; it is the transplantation of one of New York’s most beloved cultural landmarks into one of London’s most prestigious addresses. Founded in 1915 as an Italian café in Greenwich Village, Dante has evolved into one of the world’s most decorated bars, earning the coveted title of World’s Best Bar while becoming synonymous with impeccable cocktails, warm service and an unmistakable downtown energy.
Inside Claridge’s, Dante Mayfair captures the glamour of Manhattan while remaining unmistakably at home within one of London’s grandest hotels. Designed by Nathalie Hudson in collaboration with Bryan O’Sullivan Studio, the interiors balance timeless elegance with playful sophistication. Soft green and blue hues, textured limewash walls and gilded accents create an atmosphere that feels both refined and effortlessly relaxed, while bespoke botanical murals by artist Beth Rodway nod to the restaurant’s original café heritage. David Yarrow’s evocative photography, Josef Hoffmann-inspired lighting and a honky-tonk piano complete a space designed to feel less like a hotel restaurant and more like the neighbourhood living room of Mayfair.
The menu celebrates the comforting confidence of classic American dining, filtered through Dante’s Italian-American roots. Signature dishes include Shrimp Cocktail, Iceberg Wedge Salad and a New York Kale Caesar before moving into heartier favourites such as Dante’s famous Smash Burger, elegantly presented on a silver tray, alongside Chicken alla Diavola finished with green goddess dressing.
Having consistently ranked among the world’s finest bars, Dante brings its celebrated cocktail programme to London unchanged. The renowned Garibaldi — made with Campari and its famously cloud-like freshly whipped orange juice — sits alongside the house Dante Negroni, a tropical Fluffy Margarita Royale, the impeccably balanced Dante Martini and an indulgent Caviar Martini finished with Calvisius caviar from Northern Italy. Perhaps the most welcome tradition making the journey across the Atlantic is Martini Hour. Every afternoon from 3pm until 5pm, martinis are served on silver trays, transforming aperitivo into a daily ritual rather than an occasional indulgence.
Music, too, remains woven into Dante’s identity. Live piano performances and vocalists accompany afternoons before soulful blues, classic rock and jazz fill the evenings. It is a natural extension of Dante’s West Village heritage, where generations of artists, musicians and writers helped define one of New York’s most creative neighbourhoods. Outside, a secluded terrace offers one of Mayfair’s more discreet settings for al fresco cocktails throughout the summer, while an intimate private dining room surrounded by carefully curated artwork accommodates celebrations of up to fourteen guests.
For Claridge’s, Dante brings a welcome injection of downtown spontaneity. For London, it offers one of New York’s defining hospitality experiences without crossing the Atlantic. And for international travellers — particularly those who measure cities by where they gather over exceptional food, perfectly executed cocktails and timeless conversation — Dante Mayfair may quickly become one of the capital’s essential addresses.
