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Restaurant Francatelli at Althoff St. James’s Hotel & Club

A refined British restaurant in Mayfair, inspired by Queen Victoria’s chef and reimagined by a Michelin-starred executive chef.

4.6

Tucked inside the elegant Althoff St. James’s Hotel & Club in Mayfair, Restaurant Francatelli is a refined British dining destination inspired by Queen Victoria’s chef, Charles Elmé Francatelli. Executive chef William Drabble reinterprets 19th-century recipes with modern precision and seasonal British produce, offering a menu that balances tradition with contemporary flair. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet welcoming, ideal for a memorable lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea in the heart of London.

A brief summary to Francatelli

  • 7-8 Park Pl, London, SW1A 1LS, GB
  • +442073161621
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
  • Luxury
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Tuesday 12 pm-2 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-2 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-2 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-2 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-2 pm

Local tips

  • Reserve well in advance, especially for dinner and the tasting menu, as tables fill quickly in this popular Mayfair restaurant.
  • Try the set lunch menu for excellent value and a chance to sample several of chef William Drabble’s signature dishes.
  • Consider afternoon tea if you’re in the area during the day; it’s a stylish way to experience the restaurant’s elegance and seasonal offerings.
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A Legacy on the Plate

Restaurant Francatelli draws its soul from the pages of Charles Elmé Francatelli’s 1846 cookbook, The Modern Cook, once the bible of Victorian kitchens and the guide for Queen Victoria’s own chef. Rather than a museum piece, the restaurant treats this heritage as a living inspiration, reimagining classic British dishes with modern technique and a deep respect for seasonal ingredients. The menu, styled as a ‘Bill of Fare’, features dishes like Scotch Broth, pan-fried plaice with Francatelli’s tartar sauce, and refined takes on shepherd’s pie, all crafted under the direction of Michelin-starred executive chef William Drabble.

Modern British, Rooted in Tradition

Francatelli’s cuisine is British at its core, but far from predictable. Drabble’s background in high-end London kitchens informs a menu that is both comforting and surprising, where historical recipes are elevated with precision and quality produce. Expect rich, well-balanced flavours and beautifully composed plates that feel luxurious without being ostentatious. The restaurant offers a set lunch menu, an à la carte selection, and a tasting menu, alongside seasonal punches and signature cocktails that echo the Francatelli theme, making it a destination for both special occasions and refined everyday dining.

Inside the Mayfair Dining Room

The restaurant occupies a prime spot within the Althoff St. James’s Hotel & Club, blending the building’s historic Mayfair grandeur with a contemporary, elegant interior. The design strikes a balance between traditional club-like comfort and modern sophistication, creating a space that feels intimate yet lively. Whether seated for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner, guests are surrounded by an atmosphere of understated luxury, where attentive but unobtrusive service enhances the experience. The setting is particularly appealing for those seeking a high-quality British meal in a setting that feels both timeless and current.

More Than Just Dinner

Beyond the main menu, Francatelli offers all-day dining and a dedicated afternoon tea service, served daily in the elegant surroundings of the hotel. This makes it a flexible choice for visitors and locals alike, whether stopping by for a light bite, a full tasting menu, or a traditional tea with a modern twist. The restaurant’s location near St James’s Street and landmarks like The Royal Academy adds to its appeal as a convenient and stylish dining option in central London, combining culinary heritage with contemporary Mayfair elegance.

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