After several iterations and notable culinary experiments, Claridge’s in Mayfair has introduced a new dining concept by partnering with Dante, a celebrated Italian café originating from New York’s Greenwich Village. The restaurant, situated within the luxury hotel’s restored Art Deco dining room, reopened following a one-year trial period and aims to blend sophisticated service with a relaxed, contemporary menu.

Claridge’s, known for its high-end hospitality and history of celebrated chefs, has undergone numerous transformations in recent years, including a brief venture into vegan dining led by a former Eleven Madison Park chef that ended abruptly in 2021. The latest chapter with Dante marks a departure from traditional fine dining towards a more casual, café-style offering, though with an upscale presentation and price point.

The interior melds Claridge’s classic decor with modern elements such as green banquettes, gold-accented fittings, and a large mural of foliage, creating an inviting yet refined atmosphere. Staff members, uniformly attired in crisp white, are noted for attentive, conversational service reminiscent of New York hospitality, though some of the senior team’s attire evokes a more formal aesthetic.

Dante’s menu features a curated selection of Italian-inspired dishes, including pastas, grilled meats, and salads, alongside a range of cocktails and signature items such as burrata and a focaccia-nan hybrid bread. Despite the casual label, prices reflect the hotel’s exclusivity, with items such as starters and main courses commanding premium rates. Signature cocktails are served with theatrical flair, though the martinis offered are premixed in advance—a departure from the traditional freshly prepared versions typically expected at this level.

Among the highlights, reviewers pointed to the grilled chicken “alla diavola,” described as light and flavorful if not particularly spicy, and caviar tartlets adorned with champagne pearls praised for their quality. The Dante smash burger and accompanying chips were regarded as competent but unremarkable fare, served with attention but lacking distinctiveness. Some dishes, including a prawn cocktail starter, were critiqued for sweetness and texture that lent a syrupy quality, raising questions about flavor balance.

Service remains a strong element, maintaining the hotel’s reputation for meticulous, high-standard hospitality, with staff noted for their professionalism and attentiveness throughout the dining experience. However, the overall cost for a party of three approached £500, underscoring the venue’s positioning within the luxury market. This includes a significant charge for a no-show reservation, which some sources view as excessive given Claridge’s established status.

Situated in Brook Street, London W1K, the new Dante at Claridge’s caters primarily to affluent guests, including international visitors and hotel residents. While the concept integrates a more relaxed dining style within an opulent setting, opinions on the balance of quality, cost, and authenticity vary, reflecting the challenges of innovating in historic, ultra-premium hospitality environments.