August 27, 2026 |
When brother duo Amine and Nacer Chadli decided to create a luxury dining experience in London, it needed to be of the highest standard and in the best location they could find. Enter Mayfair. Latine, the French-Latin fusion-inspired restaurant, is located just off the world-famous Bond Street, tucked away on the cobbled paths behind the main stretch. Quiet, secluded and newly restored, it’s hard to believe you’re still in the heart of Mayfair. Even when seated at the outdoor tables in the courtyard, the atmosphere is remarkably tranquil, with barely a sound of traffic nearby. Finding such a special location took approximately two years, followed by another year and a half of restoration.
The brothers enlisted interior expert Victoria Vogel to curate the space. Limewashed walls, parquet flooring and solid wood tables are paired with bouclé seating, to create a light and inviting environment. “We wanted Latine to feel transportive but still grounded in Mayfair,” says Vogel. “It was about balancing Latin warmth and energy with a more refined, European approach, creating a space that evolves as you move through it, from light and open to something more intimate and atmospheric as day progresses to night.”
At the helm of the kitchen is executive chef Francisco Lafee, whose menu combines the precision of classical French technique with the vibrancy of Latin flavours, bringing an inventive twist to some of the best-known classics. We started with the boeuf bourguignon tacos: slow-braised beef cheek, a French classic, folded into a corn tortilla with pickled pineapple and sweet potato purée. It was a mouthful of heaven. Next came the French escargots, which swapped their traditional garlic-parsley butter for a sharp, herby chimichurri. Another favourite was the super-crispy duck croquettes, served with guava and chipotle chutney.
For my main, I opted for the tender lamb chops with mashed potato and optional truffle shavings. The meal was then rounded off with another French classic, the tarte tatin au plantain, which replaced apple with ripe plantain and was served with coffee caramel and mascarpone ice cream. Its bouncy base and flaky pastry centre made it a particular stand out.
A few moments later, we resurfaced onto the busy stretch of Bond Street, surrounded once again by shoppers and the bustle of the city. It was hard to believe we had just been somewhere so secluded and special. So if sampling playful flavour combinations whilst dining in a peaceful oasis away from London’s hubbub sounds good to you, Latine is a must-try.
Photography courtesy of Latine.
