Claro in St James’ earns Michelin Guide recognition within its first year, celebrating modern Mediterranean cuisine with Middle Eastern influences.
In the heart of St James’s, a new culinary address has quickly caught the attention of London’s dining scene. Claro, a modern Mediterranean restaurant with Middle Eastern influences, has secured a place in the Michelin Guide less than a year after opening. Since welcoming its first guests in October 2024, it has emerged as one of the capital’s most talked-about new restaurants.
The Vision of Claro
Claro was born from the idea of three friends who wanted to bring something fresh, bold and convivial to London. At the centre is Israeli chef and restaurateur Ran Shmueli, a figure with an established international reputation. Working alongside him is Head Chef Shadi Issawy, who brings precision and creativity to the kitchen.
Their collaboration has created a restaurant that honours Mediterranean tradition while pushing forward with modern ideas, staying firmly rooted in ingredient-driven cooking.
“We are thrilled to be recommended by the Michelin Guide,” says Shmueli. “Our focus has always been to deliver the best hospitality experience to our guests, and it’s an honour that in doing so, we have been recognised by such a prestigious culinary institution. This would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our team, and our Head Chef Shadi Issawy.”
A Culinary Philosophy Grounded in Seasonality
Seasonality is the cornerstone of Claro’s menu, which changes often to highlight the best of British produce. The restaurant’s style balances generosity with precision, offering food that is bold, ingredient-led and designed for sharing.
A signature option, the Taste of Claro mezze, comes with freshly baked frena bread and a spread of green tahini, aubergine, tzatziki with turmeric cucumber, labneh, harissa, pickles, olives and matbucha. Each element brings its own punch of flavour.
Other standouts include the Claro market salad with Greek feta and za’atar, and a lamb platter served with tzatziki, matbucha and pickled vegetables. The menu respects familiar traditions but sharpens them with contemporary technique.
Menus shift with the seasons, guided by close relationships with suppliers. While the cooking style stays consistent, authentic, thoughtful and flavour-focused, the dishes evolve, keeping the experience fresh for regular guests.
A Design that Marries Heritage with Modernity
Claro sits in a Grade II listed building on Waterloo Place. The design, led by DLSM Studio, highlights the building’s history while giving it a contemporary energy.
The open kitchen draws attention immediately, allowing diners to watch the team at work. Lighting, textures and furnishings have been carefully chosen to strike a balance between refinement and warmth.
For St James’s, long known for its tradition and discretion, Claro adds a new layer of vibrancy without feeling out of step with its surroundings.
Hospitality at the Core
Hospitality is central to Claro’s ethos. The restaurant aims to create genuine connections, with menus designed to encourage sharing and conversation, matched by attentive and warm service.
From brunch to dinner, the atmosphere is welcoming and adaptable, whether it’s a long lunch, a celebratory evening or a relaxed meal over mezze and wine.
The Michelin Recognition
Earning a place in the Michelin Guide within its first year is a rare achievement and underscores Claro’s strength of vision and execution. The Michelin team assesses ingredients, technique, consistency and the presence of the chef’s character in the cooking, all areas where Claro has excelled.
Claro’s Place in London’s Dining Scene
In London, where new restaurants open each month, Claro has managed to stand out quickly. Its distinctive Mediterranean style with a modern edge resonates with the capital’s appetite for inventive yet approachable dining.
St James’s has always carried an air of heritage and prestige. Claro complements this character while introducing a more energetic and outward-looking dimension. Its Michelin recognition places it firmly on the radar of diners across London and beyond.
Looking Ahead
Claro’s story is only beginning. With Shmueli’s vision and Issawy’s leadership, the team intends to refine the experience further while maintaining the principles that have defined its early success.
For guests, the appeal lies in more than the food; it is the generosity, warmth and spirit of hospitality that leave a lasting impression. The Michelin listing is both a recognition of what has been achieved and a sign of what is still to come.
Practical Information
Location: Claro, 12 Waterloo Place, St James’s, London
Website: www.claro-london.com
Reservations are strongly advised, as demand has risen sharply following its Michelin recognition.
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Dining and Cooking