CHEF AMAN LAKHIANI'S INSIDER GUIDE TO MARYLEBONE
The Junsei Chef Patron Shares the Ultimate Guide to Marylebone's Best Cafes, Restaurants, Bars and Hidden Gems
![Chef Aman Lakhiani](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f82302_1850b40ed9c94e28a6159f7e9608890e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_940,h_600,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/f82302_1850b40ed9c94e28a6159f7e9608890e~mv2.jpg)
Chef Aman Lakhiani’s life changed when he found himself in Japan and fell in love with the culture, food and people, inspiring him to open his debut restaurant, Junsei in Marylebone.
Junsei means "pure" in Japanese and his yakitori restaurant strives to embody purity and simplicity, sharing the joy he felt on the streets of Tokyo, where he ate and drank with the locals.
The passionate Chef Patron holds the restaurant to a high standard of authenticity, from the meticulous choice of seasonings to the precise charcoal grilling technique, exclusively using Binchōtan charcoal, crafted from Japanese oak and renowned for its purity.
![Junsei](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f82302_d43b09ee4d8441a7b8bb0ca19c54f2f8~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_663,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/f82302_d43b09ee4d8441a7b8bb0ca19c54f2f8~mv2.jpg)
Zero waste is the essence of yakitori, and the Junsei team carefully skewer and grill every part of the chicken, to create a range of skewer variations.
Expect dishes like Beef Tongue, Lobster Salad with Caviar Mayo, Japanese Style Char Sui Pork with Mustard, and a Wagyu & Egg Yolk Onigiri.
Chef Aman has cast his discerning eye beyond his restaurant, to bring us his Insider Guide to Marylebone, from the ultimate dim sim and schnitzels to authentic Mexican food and a hidden gem, serving dreamy Pakistani food.
Junsei, 132 Seymour Pl, Marylebone, London, W1H 1NS
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COFFEE
Boxcar
![Boxcar](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f82302_9cd78e4a9608462fa3691283832a1626~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_735,h_348,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/f82302_9cd78e4a9608462fa3691283832a1626~mv2.jpg)
Boxcar is a fantastic choice for coffee. It's just around the corner from Junsei, so it's the perfect spot for me to grab a quick and delicious pick-me-up. It offers a delightful selection of Danish-style pastries, along with fresh juices.
Boxcar, 7a Wyndham Place, London W1H 1 England
BREAKFAST
EtnaCoffee
![EtnaCoffee](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f82302_d2699b7c09e94147ab624778c6b8c2d5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_545,h_292,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/f82302_d2699b7c09e94147ab624778c6b8c2d5~mv2.jpg)
Although breakfast isn't a regular part of my routine, when I do indulge, EtnaCoffee on Baker Street is my go-to spot. It's a charming little Italian cafe with a Roman-style ambiance. They serve up fantastic granita and arancini, which are just perfect for starting your day on the right note.
EtnaCoffee, 54 Baker St, London W1U 7BU
LUNCH
Royal China / Fischers
![Royal China restaurant](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f82302_b260f5cd306d437c86191e25653b9210~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_539,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/f82302_b260f5cd306d437c86191e25653b9210~mv2.jpg)
When I'm in the mood for some delicious dim sum, I make a beeline for Royal China on Baker Street. Their selection of dim sum is top-notch, and it's always a treat to indulge in their variety of dumplings and other delicacies.
Alternatively, if I'm craving Schnitzel and feel like indulging in a hearty meal followed by a nap, I head over to Fischers.
This charming spot offers authentic Austrian cuisine, including mouthwatering Schnitzel that never disappoints. It's the perfect place to enjoy a satisfying meal and then relax afterward.
Royal China, 24-26 Baker St, London W1U 3BZ
Fischers, 50 Marylebone High St, London W1U 5HN
DINNER
Cavita
![Cavita restaurant](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f82302_79aebb03800640029f4b4be5b4b919a3~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_526,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/f82302_79aebb03800640029f4b4be5b4b919a3~mv2.jpg)
Discovering Cavita near St. Christopher's was like stumbling upon a hidden gem for me. Finally, I found a place in London that captured the authentic flavours of Mexican cuisine, transporting me back to my time spent in Mexico. The dishes at Cavita are bursting with delicious flavours, and they're not afraid to bring the heat with their spicy offerings. It's the perfect spot for anyone craving a taste of Mexico right here in London.
Cavita, 60 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 2RZ
DRINKS
Mezcalaria
![Mezcalaria KOL](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f82302_17e89fcb7acb4e7fbedd232b05c6f736~mv2.webp/v1/fill/w_980,h_551,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/f82302_17e89fcb7acb4e7fbedd232b05c6f736~mv2.webp)
For an evening of delightful drinks, Mezcalaria below KOL is an absolute gem. Tucked beneath the vibrant ambiance of KOL, it offers an intimate and inviting atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Mezcalaria, 9 Seymour Street, Marylebone, London W1H 7BA
INSIDER TIP
Salwa
![Salwa baker street](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f82302_6de146eed81b4518b4e21b1527b3624d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_441,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/f82302_6de146eed81b4518b4e21b1527b3624d~mv2.jpg)
Just behind the Waitrose on Edgware Road, you'll find a quaint Pakistani eatery called Salwa. Renowned for their delicious chicken and lamb curries, served with a selection of flavourful breads, it's the perfect spot for a quick takeaway when cooking feels like too much effort.
Salwa, 4 Crawford Pl, London W1H 5NB
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