Claro, the Eastern Mediterranean restaurant, is now serving lunch and dinner.
Situated in the prestigious St James’s District, Claro is dedicated to seasonal ingredients and high-quality produce, meticulously crafted to deliver contemporary Mediterranean dishes inspired by Middle Eastern flavors.
Founded by a tight-knit group of four lifelong friends, Claro is led by Chef Shadi Issawy. The London kitchen offers a dining experience reminiscent of their acclaimed Tel Aviv restaurant, which has been in operation for over a decade.
The menu celebrates seasonality with a focus on sharing dishes. Start your meal with an array of snacks, including Claro’s signature Frena bread paired with matbucha, labneh, spicy zhug, and olives, or try the Fried Brussels sprouts accompanied by caper aioli.
The communal dining experience includes three categories of dishes: fish, meat, and vegetables. Notable items feature 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 an impressive Lamb platter served with pickled vegetables and pita bread.
For dessert, the selection offers a whimsical twist with options such as Parsnip carrot cake, Strawberries & beetroot, Bread pudding, and Date & Whiskey caramel cake.
The beverage menu boasts a curated selection of premium wines and Champagnes from around the globe, alongside cocktails that emphasize fresh ingredients. Standout cocktails include Basilica – Tanqueray Gin, homemade pear syrup, and basil; Lime & Ginger – Plantation 3 Stars White Rum, black lime, fresh lime, mint, and Claro’s homemade ginger beer; and Tea Time – Casamigos Tequila, agave syrup, and homemade chili hibiscus iced tea.
Claro features a welcoming ambiance with food presented generously in an elegantly designed environment. The ground floor hosts an open kitchen within a striking double-height main area. Previously a historic banking hall, this space has been thoughtfully redesigned by the award-winning agency DesignLSM to honor the heritage of St James’s Clubland, blending the area’s elegance with a modern aesthetic.
With bar seating, dining tables, and an open kitchen, Claro plans to introduce outdoor seating by next summer. The second level offers two private rooms, accommodating 12 and 60 guests respectively, each with its own lounge bar, making it an ideal venue for private events.
A special weekend brunch is set to debut in early 2025.
