Claro Review

I’m a big fan of Mediterranean food, so was very excited to be invited to the (relatively) newly opened Claro in St James. Their changing menu features fresh, seasonal, high-quality ingredients, including premium meat and fish.

We visited for Sunday brunch and it was the ideal spot for a laid-back lunch with family or friends – especially as the sun was pouring in through their floor to ceiling windows! The restaurant is in the heart of St James and is in a beautiful old building, with real atmosphere.

Instead of trying one of their tempting cocktails, we all started the meal by ordering a freshly squeezed fruit juice; Pear, pomegranate and spinach for me, and Carrot apple and lemon for the others. We also ordered Chopped liver to share, which was served with caramelised onion, pickled radish and challah bread. It’s safe to say it didn’t take very long for us to clear the plate!

Despite how sunny and bright it was when we visited, I had to order the shakshuka – the perfect winter brunch dish. It was rich and had a nice hint of spice in the tomato sauce. We also tried the twist on a traditional Eggs Florentine; Benedict burek. The homemade burek was plated up with a poached egg, hollandaise sauce and wild mushrooms, and it smelled delicious. The other two didn’t fancy a brunch dish as such, so they ordered the sirloin steak with potato puree and hollandaise sauce. The steak was cooked perfectly (medium rare) and was so tempting that I just had to steal a piece off their plate.

We were offered the dessert menu, but I have to say I was too full to try it this time – just another reason why I need to go back to visit!

Claro London is the perfect place for dining, great wines, and cocktails and is also ideal for private events. I look forward to going back for lunch and/or dinner soon and trying the rest of what they have to offer!