If you believe mimosas and pancakes are the only decision that should be made on weekends, then Claro in London’s St. James’s might just be your new obsession. Forget about your typical eggs and avocado toast (well, unless you’re into that, but we’re talking about the next level of brunch). Claro, a chic Eastern Mediterranean restaurant housed in a beautifully restored historic banking hall, has launched a brunch menu that’s anything but ordinary. It’s the kind of place where the food feels like a mini-holiday – no passport required.
Chef Shadi Issawy, whose career spans kitchens from Israel to Greece (with a few pit stops in Germany and the Netherlands along the way), has crafted a menu that takes brunch staples and gives them an enticing Middle Eastern twist. Picture this: a plate of Shakshuka, with its rich, tomatoey goodness, perfectly paired with fluffy challah bread. This is the kind of dish that makes you want to cancel your spin class and just lean into the indulgence. For a truly decadent affair, try the Breakfast Tray for two, where the stars of the show include eggs cooked to your liking, a basket of freshly baked goods with artisanal jams, cured salmon, labneh, olives, and even a vibrant market vegetable salad. Paired with freshly squeezed juice and coffee, this tray is like the brunch equivalent of a spa day.
But let’s talk about the Benedict Burek – an absolute game changer. Poached eggs, hollandaise, and wild mushrooms atop flaky homemade burek? Yes, please. It’s everything you love about eggs Benedict, with a Middle Eastern flair that will have your tastebuds doing a happy dance. And if you’re the type who enjoys a little liver and onions, Claro’s Chopped Liver with caramelised onions on challah bread is a total throwback with a twist. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the Guilty Pleasures Toast with ham, gouda and finished off with a cornflake crust. It’ll make you roll your eyes with delight.
Now, if your sweet tooth is calling your name louder than your savoury cravings (no judgment here), the French Toast at Claro has a crème brûlée twist that will change your brunch game forever. Caramelised quince and mascarpone elevate this dish to the realm of unforgettable, and you’ll wonder why all French Toast isn’t made this way. This dish is like dessert and brunch had a love child.
But brunch isn’t the only thing Claro does well. For the lunch crowd (or those who just can’t decide between brunch or lunch), the Wild Mushroom Gnocchi with bacon butter, macadamia nuts, and Parmesan is a perfect indulgence, while the Rotisserie Porchetta served with pumpkin msabbaha, apple gravy, and rocket is hearty and satisfying – ideal for anyone who prefers their weekend meals with a side of comfort.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior in search of a post-sleep-in feast or someone who believes brunch should be an all-day affair, Claro has you covered. Available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and until 4 p.m. on Sundays, this is a place where leisurely meals and great company are the order of the day. With its warm and inviting vibe, Claro offers the perfect backdrop to linger over your food (and perhaps a second or third Gazpacho Bloody Mary).
So, gather your friends, family, or anyone who appreciates food that’s both innovative and comforting, and make Claro your weekend destination. After all, breakfast is a meal but brunch is a culture.
12 Waterloo Pl, London SW1Y 4AU
