Name: The MAINE
Address: Lower Ground, 6, Medici Courtyard, London W1S 1JY, UK, London, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 3432 2192
Price range: ££££

Insider Compass

An expert assessment built on data, context and gastronomic judgement.

See how we rated it

6.88GOOD

6.8Plate

8.3Vibe

7.5Service

7.8Setting

About The MAINE

The MAINE Mayfair channels the grand brasserie tradition through a New England lens, set within a Georgian townhouse that unfolds across three floors and five distinct rooms—each with its own personality. From the jazz-filled main dining room with live burlesque to a hidden year-round terrace and a speakeasy-style club tucked behind a discreet entrance, it's designed to feel like a members' club without the membership. The kitchen under Sai Kaza delivers seafood-forward American-European cooking—oysters, lobster, prime steaks—with technique that's clean and confident, backed by a wine list that skews younger and more agile than the traditional Mayfair blueprint. Recognized as Best European Restaurant at the Fact Dining Awards London, it's built a devoted following among those seeking dinner as theatre.

Good to know

Book for 8pm on a Saturday to catch both the live jazz band and the burlesque performance—request a table near the stage in the main dining room for the full immersive experience.

The chef

Sai Kaza

Sai Kaza leads the kitchen at The MAINE Mayfair, guiding a menu that bridges New England brasserie traditions with European sensibilities. His approach emphasizes quality sourcing—particularly with shellfish and prime beef—and clean, confident execution that lets ingredients speak without unnecessary embellishment. While specific training details remain under wraps, his cooking philosophy is evident in the consistent technique and the kitchen's ability to deliver high-volume service without sacrificing precision. Under his direction, The MAINE earned recognition as Best European Restaurant at the Fact Dining Awards London, cementing its reputation as a destination for seafood-forward American and European cooking in the heart of Mayfair.

The Insider Compass

Four dimensions, each assessed independently against the same criteria everywhere we rate.

6.8PLATE

Plate

The menu leans heavily on pristine shellfish—oysters during the shuck fest happy hour, crab and avocado salad, butter-poached lobster—and dry-aged beef cooked with proper restraint. Regulars consistently cite the spicy shrimp linguine and filet mignon as standout plates, while starters like fish tacos and prawns show the kitchen's comfort with bold, clean flavors. Execution is consistent and unfussy, though some feel the repertoire plays it safe given the price point.

8.3VIBE

Vibe

Festive

This is dinner with a soundtrack—live jazz, swing, and Cuban rhythms create an electric, cabaret-style energy that ramps up as the evening progresses, especially when the burlesque performances take the stage. The crowd skews glamorous and well-heeled, drawn as much by the spectacle as the plates, and the atmosphere feels intentionally theatrical without tipping into theme-park territory. Expect volume, conversation, and a palpable sense of occasion—it's lively, not hushed.

7.5SERVICE

Service

The brigade moves with precision, balancing attentiveness with the kind of warmth that makes regulars feel recognized and first-timers feel welcomed. Staff demonstrate genuine knowledge of the menu and wine list, and the team has built a reputation for handling special occasions—birthdays, anniversaries—with thoughtful touches that don't feel scripted. Pacing can occasionally slip during peak service when the dining room is at full tilt, but the overall hospitality ethos is polished and professional.

7.8SETTING

Setting

The Georgian townhouse bones provide old-world elegance—high ceilings, ornate molding, chandeliers—while the interiors layer in 1920s-era glamour with rich fabrics, intimate lighting, and a layout that rewards exploration. The hidden terrace offers a quieter retreat, and the speakeasy club downstairs adds a layer of intrigue for those in the know. It's visually luxe without feeling stuffy, striking a balance between Mayfair formality and New England ease.

These four dimensions are a handful of the attributes we review. The Insider Rating also draws on research the compass does not display — among them the wine programme, the size and quality of the cellar, the location, and how long the house has operated. It is not an average of the scores above.