Claro opens at St James’s
The second level features two private rooms for 12 and 60 guests, with their own lounge bar
Eastern Mediterranean restaurant Claro has opened its doors in St James’s London.
The restaurant was founded by a close-knit team of four partners, all long-time friends.
Led by chef Shadi Issawy, the London kitchen offers a dining experience that mirrors the “celebrated” culinary approach of their restaurant in Tel Aviv, which has been open for over a decade.
Claro features bar seating, dining tables and an open kitchen, with outdoor seating set to follow next Summer.
The open kitchen is located on the ground floor within a large, double-height main area.
The second level features two private rooms for 12 and 60 guests, with their own lounge bar.
Once a historic banking hall, the space has been reimagined by the award-winning agency DesignLSM, who have transformed the interiors to honour the heritage of St James’s Clubland, where the restaurant now sits.
The menu champions seasonality, with dishes designed to be shared. Starting with a selection of snacks including Claro’s signature Frena bread with matbucha, labneh, spicy zhug and olives or Fried brussels sprouts with caper aioli.
The menu is further broken down across three sections, featuring a selection of fish, meat and vegetable options.
Highlights include Yellowtail sashimi with freekeh tabbouleh, Winter squash steak with mustard leaves, Octopus carpaccio with red prune salsa, Short rib tortellini with onion cream, Shrimp gnocchi with charred corn, Slow cooked salsify with skordalia cream, Butter-roasted stuffed cabbage with za’atar, Smoked pink trout with potato salad, Fillet of beef with snow peas and a showstopper Lamb platter with picked vegetables and pita bread.
Meanwhile, dessert options feature a “playful” twist with a Parsnip carrot cake, Strawberries and beetroot, Bread pudding and Date and Whiskey caramel cake.
The menu is complemented by a selection of premium wines and champagnes from across the world, and a collection of cocktails which favour fresh ingredients.
The drinks list includes Basilica – Tanqueray Gin, homemade pear syrup, purple and green basil, lemon juice; Lime & Ginger – Plantation 3 Stars White Rum, black lime, fresh lime, mint, Claro’s homemade ginger beer; Tea Time – Casamigos Tequila, agave syrup, homemade chilli hibiscus iced tea.