Isabel is a feast for the senses

Isabel Mayfair is a total feast for the senses. Upon first impressions you’ll be wowed by the gold-fabric lined walls, mirrored ebony bar and polished brass lamps adorning the ceiling. The Mayfair hotspot was opened in 2017 by Chilean banker turned restaurateur Juan Santa Cruz, making it the sister venture to the glossy Casa Cruz in Notting Hill; the name Isabel is a tribute to Santa Cruz’s grandmother.

Everything here is polished to perfection. Upon arrival you’ll be greeted by stylish hostesses dressed in glamorous outfits custom-made by Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz.

Venture down the hallway and you’ll discover a gilded dining room, decked out in a mix of Art Deco and Chinoiserie décor and filled with suitably well-heeled diners – who glow even more than usual under the light of 300 overhead lamps, designed to enhance skin tones. Perhaps the most Instagram-friendly of all, though, are the bathrooms, with each loo featuring hand-painted wallpaper from de Gournay.

As well as being a feast for the eyes, Isabel is also now a feast for the ears thanks to the team bringing back brunch-style specials on Sundays and coupling them hand-in-hand with chic Latin rhythms, complete with live band, The Legends, every Sunday from 12.30pm – 4pm. 

Spend your Sunday afternoon dining in elegance whilst enjoying the sounds of Santiago de Cuba’s finest.

The Legends have toured the globe and have now taken home in London’s chicest hideaway spot on Sundays. Curated through the smoothest, grooviest and most evocative pieces from the traditional Cuban songbook, their unique repertoire is set to rejuvenate your Sundays.

Whilst listening to smooth Latin tones, diners can enjoy a feast for their taste buds in Isabel’s à la carte menu with brunch specials featuring classics such as Eggs Benedict with lashings of hollandaise and Fried Chicken with waffles and maple syrup, Pancakes with whipped cream and banana or berries and Pain Perdu with créme fraiche and a dusting of cinnamon.

If you’re looking for something that’s not Sunday brunch, you can still order from the à la carte menu. The Beef carpaccio with dijon mustard and pickled shimeji is wonderful, while the Burrata with marinated tomatoes, rocket and lemon dressing is light, zesty and refreshing.

For mains, try either the expertly cooked Cotswold chicken breast with heritage carrots, crispy kale and jus gras, or the especially exquisite Hand rolled tagliolini with Devon crab, red chillis, lemon and parsley. Order some Grilled cabbage, bacon and crispy shallot on the side, too. It’s to die for.

For dessert, I’d suggest the Yuzu tartelette with milk ice cream as a delicious way to round off a great lunch, or the Cafe Gourmand if you need a caffeine fix and can’t decide which particular dessert you want (you’ll get mini versions of them all).

Looking for something fancy to turn your brunch into a sophisticatedly boozy one? The cocktails at Isabel are superb. We love the zesty Cucumber Smash (Italicus di Bergamoto, Agwa de Bolivia Coca Leaf, Lime Juice, Agave Syrup, Fresh Cucumber) and the aromatic Coconut Paloma (Código Rosa Tequila, Aluna Coconut Rum, RW Organic Coconut Water, Lime Juice and Agave Syrup).

Sunday Sessions at Isabel is vibrant, playful and alluring. The live music set creates an enchanting and dazzling ambience, which will transport you straight to Latin America or the glamorous Mediterranean this summer.

For more information, visit www.isabelw1.london