The story
Kitty Fisher’s in London serves modern British cooking that rewards regular visits. Named for the historical courtesan who once lived down the street, the restaurant occupies a compact Georgian townhouse. Head Chef Tom Fairbank guides a kitchen where the menu shifts constantly to match what arrives fresh. The approach remains deliberately unfussy, letting quality ingredients carry the weight. This seasonal rhythm earned a Good Food Guide recognition for 2026, which cited how the rotating plates anchor the menu to current harvests rather than fixed traditions.
Starters often arrive as quiet studies in texture and acid. A spoonful of whipped cod’s roe sits beside crisp radishes, while soft peas rest on a thick layer of Graceburn cheese spread across sourdough. This British cooking style favors simple wood grill techniques, highlighting a Belted Galloway wing rib finished with melting tarragon and green peppercorn butter. Desserts follow the same straightforward logic, offering poached gooseberries with elderflower ice cream or a chocolate terrine paired with peanut butter brittle.
The dining space occupies a compact building just off Shepherd Market. Visitors move between two levels connected by a narrow wooden staircase, passing through a layout arranged with heavy timber tables and mismatched chairs. General Manager Peter Murray keeps the service pace steady, matching the relaxed architecture. Large umbrellas shade the pavement outside, inviting guests to step into the Mayfair light during warmer months.
The bar program focuses on European vineyards, offering Old World selections by the glass, carafe, or bottle. Prices begin at five pounds per glass, keeping the cellar accessible despite the central London postcode. Signature spirits include the notoriously strong Bad Kitty cocktail alongside classic martinis. Guests can also order the Negroni Float to round out an evening without needing to consult a lengthy digestif list.
Recognition
Details
History
2 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence
An animated local institution, this simple set of rooms has been a bright light in Shepherd Market since 2014. The two-tiered interior (linked by a narrow staircase) has a rustic, thrown-together look with clumping wood furniture, while diversion from basic comfort levels comes in the form of a regularly changing menu that plays obsessively off the seasons. The unfussy, purposeful cooking is all about first-class ingredients and big, bold flavours – the tone set immediately with starters of grilled fennel, pickles and mustard vinaigrette, silky cod’s roe with radishes and crackers, and a tangle of fresh peas and pea shoots atop soft, rich Graceburn cheese spread thickly on toast. The flavour of the wood grill is introduced judiciously, applying the sparest of preparations to a Belted Galloway wing rib (advertised for two but more than enough for three), nicely charred, deliciously fatty, seriously pink inside, smeared with a melting tarragon and green peppercorn butter and served with new potatoes and a watercress salad. A punchy side of grilled cauliflower and XO sauce provides the perfect accompaniment. Look out, too, for the whole grilled lemon sole and the pork chop served with salsa verde, pickled raisins and chicory. Finish with 'queen bee' parfait, boozy strawberries and pistachio. Plus points for the engaged staff, the pavement tables shaded by an awning and large umbrellas, and the modest but modern wine list, which starts at a remarkable (given the location) £5 a glass, £15 a carafe and £30 a bottle, with plenty of options below the £45 mark.
Location
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