Seemor
ClaretteA-Worth Trying
44 Blandford St, London W1U 7HS
· Bar, Modern French restaurant, French restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (537 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
Stylish Marylebone wine bar-restaurant with polished service, creative French-leaning dishes, standout wine flights, and premium pricing; excellent for dates and private dining, but portions run small and service can slip at peak times.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Clarette delivers solid A-grade performance as a polished wine bar with modern French ambition. Exceptional wine guidance and stylish Tudor setting with terrace appeal anchor the experience, while strong core dishes like duck and risotto impress. However, inconsistent execution—cold dishes and over-salting on some visits— and occasional service lapses during peak hours prevent grade A territory, making it a reliable choice for wine lovers rather than a destination standout.
Restaurant Summary
Set in a handsome mock Tudor corner building, Clarette feels warm and polished—a Marylebone wine bar where sommeliers actually guide you. One guest put it simply: service that anticipates needs paired with a wine list that invites lingering. Terrace tables glow on sunny days; upstairs dining stays cosy and calm. In the kitchen, it is modern French with thoughtful twists—think nduja scotch egg, Champagne-sauced monkfish, and a well-cut tartare. Portions lean refined over hearty, so aim for a starter and a main, or supplement with a side. The real flex is the wine program: Margaux flights and sharp pairing advice make it a wine lover’s playground. For families, the menu skews adult: snails, tartare, monkfish, lamb rump, and refined desserts. Kids might enjoy warm baguette, fries, or simple pasta-like ravioli, but there is no kids menu and flavors trend sophisticated. Best for teens with adventurous tastes rather than picky eaters.
At a Glance
- Excellent wine list and guided flights
- Stylish setting with cosy upstairs and terrace
- Strong private dining capabilities
- Small portions and premium pricing
- Service can be slow or curt at peak
What Sets It Apart
- serious_wine_program_with_flights
- mock_tudor_corner_building
- private_dining_rooms
What People Love
- Sommelier guidance that elevates the meal
- Creative snacks like the nduja scotch egg
- Refined mains such as monkfish or duck
- A setting that feels special without stiffness
Points of Concern
- Some diners report small portions and leaving hungry, especially with snacks-only orders
- Service can feel rushed or curt during peak periods; occasional delays for groups
- Pricing is premium for Marylebone wine-bar dining; mains £27-48 plus sides
- Review patterns show isolated safety complaint and inconsistent pacing on busy nights
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£55-75 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with snails or stracciatella, share the nduja scotch egg, choose monkfish or lamb for mains, add Koffman fries, and finish with pistachio creme brulee; pair with a curated Bordeaux flight.
- ALERT: Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
- CONCERN: Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Perfect For
- Wine-centric date night with pairings
- Private celebrations in a stylish room
- Pre-theatre dinner with a short walk
- Long catch-ups over flights and small plates
Location Insights
Area: Chic Marylebone side street with affluent locals, boutique shops, and after-work drinks crowd.
Safety: Well-lit, busy and well-kept central area; low safety concerns into evening.
Nearby: Near Marylebone High Street boutiques, offices, and West End theatres within walking distance.
MaryleboneMarylebone offers a refined dining scene with a mix of traditional British pubs, modern eateries, and high-end restaurants. The area is known for its village-like atmosphere despite being in central London, with a focus on quality and a relaxed yet sophisticated social environment.
Blandford Street AreaThis micro-area around Blandford Street is quieter and more residential compared to the busier Oxford Street nearby, featuring charming streets with boutique shops and intimate dining options, appealing to those seeking a more relaxed West End experience.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–23:00
Tuesday12:00–23:00
Wednesday12:00–23:00
Thursday12:00–23:00
Friday12:00–23:00
Saturday12:00–23:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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