Well-known for many years in its Marylebone location, my expectations were already high for this 2025 visit, and I was pleased to discover that the innovative blend of culinary traditions that first put Jikoni on the map remains alive and well.
Fire and Wine Sunday Lunch
Re-imagining the Sunday roast is a phrase that might not go down well with the traditionalists seeking roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. For everyone else, Fire and Wine is a wonderful mix of cosy vibes, good service, and a Sunday lunch menu that ticks all the boxes.
Junsei Marylebone – Authentic Japanese in London
Junsei is the kind of relaxed place where you could happily meet up with friends or go on a date, in which case, book a table at the bar counter. You could pop in for a beer and a couple of skewers or even a cocktail; the list looked impressive. Or you could work your way through the menu, taking your time to savour the range of dishes. At Junsei, you kick back, relax and eat well.
Nobu Portman Square – A Taste of Iconic Luxury
With its blend of Japanese tradition and contemporary luxury, Nobu has established itself as one of the world’s most recognisable hospitality and lifestyle brands. Co-founded by chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro and producer Meir Teper, Nobu is celebrated for its pioneering fusion cuisine. The brand has since expanded into a global collection of restaurants and hotels, each renowned for minimalist elegance, exceptional service and a distinctive sense of style. We’ve tried a few of their restaurants over the years – from New York to Doha via London, Park Lane – so we were delighted to be invited along to the latest London outpost to review.
Noreen – St Christopher’s Place
Noreen bills itself as a “Middle Eastern oasis in the heart of Marylebone,” and the description isn’t far off. Tucked away in St Christopher’s Place, the newly opened restaurant (its name meaning “two lights” in Arabic) offers weary Oxford Street shoppers, as well as anyone in search of refined cooking, a welcome retreat.
Brasserie of Light, Selfridges, Oxford Street
An iconic building on Oxford Street, Selfridges is a gloriously decadent department store that American architect Daniel Burnham designed in a grand Beaux-Art style and that opened in 1909. Grade II listed, the outside of the store features massive Ionic columns. Inside, it’s a retail paradise. The inspiration for the TV drama series Mr Selfridge was the American founder of the store, Harry Gordon Selfridge. If you love a little retail therapy, this is a great place to start. And, if you need a little sustenance, then you should head to The Brasserie of Light.
Boxcar Fire & Wine
Just a stone’s throw from the Marble Arch end of Oxford Street, Fire & Wine by Boxcar is somewhere to remember when you’ve finished shopping and want a break. But it’s worthy of being a destination restaurant too, one where you can meet with friends, share food and wine and relax.
Bellazul Mediterranean Restaurant
With a focus on Italian and Greek cuisine from the Mediterranean, Bellazul is a neighbourhood restaurant that opened in 2024 on a double-fronted site in Blandford St, Marylebone.
Hyatt Regency London, The Churchill. 1940s Sunday Brunch series
At the five-star hotel, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill. the hotel’s Montagu Kitchen has unveiled a delightfully retro 1940s-themed brunch, a monthly affair held on the last Sunday of each month.
Boxcar Bar & Grill Marylebone
If Boxcar Bar & Grill isn’t on your radar yet, it absolutely should be. With its inviting charm, thoughtful menu, and one of the best Sunday roasts in town, it’s a dining experience that promises to linger long after the plates are cleared.