Tucked away on Bruton Street, Lilibet’s feels like it has always belonged in Mayfair – elegant, poised, and quietly magnetic. Step inside, and you’re welcomed into a space that feels almost like a Sunday lunch at a stately home: ornate, comfortable, and grand without ever tipping into excess. A soft amber glow bounces off brass accents and marble detailing, creating a room that feels both refined and deeply comforting. The atmosphere is calm and composed, with service that’s polished, fast, and quietly attentive. Unlike many new Mayfair openings where music competes with conversation, Lilibet’s remains peaceful – quiet enough to speak with ease, making it particularly well-suited to its older, more discerning crowd and perfect for a business lunch during the week.

Conceived by Ross Shonhan – formerly of Nobu, Zuma, and founder of Bone Daddies – Lilibet’s marries precision with personality. Shonhan’s cooking is confident but never showy, his plates elegant without excess. It’s the kind of place that feels effortlessly regal – refined enough for royalty, yet welcoming enough for those who simply appreciate excellence done quietly.

The meal begins with a flourish. Oysters arrive dressed, roasted, or fried – each a distinct expression of texture and flavor. Fire-roasted in aged beef fat, they’re indulgent and smoky; crisp and golden, they deliver a refined crunch. The hand-dived scallop with lemon and basil is bright and clean, while the red prawn carpaccio brings a gentle pulse of heat. Every dish feels intentional and beautifully balanced.

In the main dishes, Shonhan proves that less can be more – his cooking is refined and balanced. Cornish turbot with Pil Pil sauce is rich yet weightless, and John Dory with sauce épicée carries a subtle warmth beneath its silken texture. Lilibet’s celebrates the sea’s unsung gems – sea bream, gurnard, sea urchin – ingredients that might be overlooked elsewhere but are given the spotlight they deserve. The result is seafood elevated to quiet brilliance.

Dessert continues this theme of understated indulgence. The Princess Cake layers raspberry and almond with delicate finesse; the Crêpe Suzette adds a hint of theatre and nostalgia; and the chocolate mousse is smooth and deeply satisfying – the kind of dessert that briefly silences the table.

It’s perfect for a long lunch, ideal for a romantic dinner, and wonderful for groups, with an exceptional private dining room – The Hartnell Room – offering space for up to 22 guests seated. This is Mayfair at its most confident and composed.