An atmospheric Mayfair gem, the restaurant offers an adventure in flavour with vibrant sharing plates and inventive cocktails
Tucked away inconspicuously on Grosvenor Square, Lucky Cat offers an immersive experience that transports you straight to the glamour and mystery of Tokyo’s 1930s underground jazz clubs, the kissas. Think plush seating, ambient lighting, and a distinct Asian flair that sets the tone for an evening that’s both stylish and sophisticated. We’re here for business – hybrid working has meant we rarely get the whole team together – but from start to finish, it is all pleasure.
After a welcoming Champagne reception, in which we vehemently catch up on missed office chats, we dive straight in with the chef’s menu. It’s designed for sharing, making it an ideal choice for larger gatherings. There’s something deeply communal about this style of dining, passing around beautifully presented plates and sharing our collective oohs and ahhs at each dish’s artistry. The menu is a curated selection of Gordon Ramsay’s finest: think Japanese-inspired small plates that blend bold flavours with exquisite presentation.
Our culinary journey kicks off with pea guac and shrimp crackers, an inventive twist that pairs creamy avocado with a crisp bite. Next up, a light and refreshing tomato salad drizzled in house dressing, with a tofu cream that surprises us all with its velvety texture. The spicy tuna roll, laced with gochujang, adds a dash of heat and vibrancy, the kind that hits your tastebuds and leaves you wanting more. While the pork and kimchi gyoza, with its sharp yuzu dip, perfectly balances rich, savoury pork with a zesty citrus lift.
As the plates keep arriving, it’s clear we’re on an adventure in flavour. The grilled miso salmon is a light and beautifully cooked fillet with wasabi miso and a delicate sprinkle of roe adding a pop of saltiness. The baby chicken, expertly flavoured with wakame and lemon, is juicy and tender, pairing perfectly with the grilled tender stem broccoli in a smoky emulsion. It has a kind of subtlety and depth that makes it one of the table’s favourites.
We’ve been fooled (yet again) into thinking we’re eating like birds with our delicate and diminutive sharing plates, but in reality, the meal is so flavoursome and filling that the thought of pud is a definite no – save for a little chewy and refreshing mochi bite, which, true to form, is bursting with fresh fruity flavour, and we’re glad we saved the tiniest space for it.
Here, it’s rude not to partake in the creatively named 9 Lives cocktail menu, in which expert mixologists have taken classic Asian flavours and woven them into some truly inventive concoctions. A favourite is the Lychee Daisy – lychee liqueur, lychee juice, ginger ale, lime, and gin for a refreshing injection of flavour, while others rave about the Mizu, a sophisticated mix of Honjozo sake, elderflower, and yuzu, which feels both fresh and delicately floral.
Lucky Cat’s attention to detail extends to its interiors, and the ambience is just as much a part of the experience as the food and drink offering. The dim lighting, plush seating, and ornate décor details create a warm, inviting space that’s ideal for a cosy dinner for two but also scales up beautifully for larger groups. There’s an unmistakable sense of nocturnal drama about the place, it is dark, and sexy, adding an extra layer to this holistic dining experience.
All in, this is a vibrant spot where every element, from the food to the cocktails to the setting, works together seamlessly. The chef’s menu is an inspired choice for a group, with plenty of variety to keep things interesting, and the cocktails offer a touch of Mayfair luxury, too. Whatever the occasion, this place is set to impress. Lucky Cat? Lucky us.
