Time Out London's Food Editor, Leonie Cooper, has delivered a vivid review of Dover Street Counter, the latest culinary hotspot to grace the affluent streets of Mayfair. Described in a memorable turn of phrase as 'like McDonald's for oligarchs', this new diner is generating significant buzz among London's food enthusiasts and late-night revelers alike.
A Slick Addition to Mayfair's Dining Scene
Dover Street Counter emerges from the same creative team behind The Dover, a New York-style Italian restaurant that opened in 2023 and quickly earned a place on Time Out's list of the best restaurants in London. While The Dover established a reputation for its Italian fare, Dover Street Counter carves out a distinct identity by focusing on American-inspired comfort food, with the added convenience of being open for lunch service.
Menu Highlights and Culinary Delights
The menu at Dover Street Counter is a celebration of indulgent, feel-good dishes designed to satisfy cravings at any hour. Standout offerings include:
- Tuna melts and a variety of juicy sandwiches, such as fried chicken and a French dip with roast beef.
- Moreish 'disco fries', which are loaded chips topped with pickled chilli and ginger, mayo, and a tangy 'disco jus'.
- Salmon steak, lobster, buttermilk fried chicken, and a chopped salad, rounding out the diverse selection.
However, the star of the show is undoubtedly the cheeseburger. In her review, Cooper praises it as 'so on point as to almost be a cartoon-like rendition of the all-American meal'. She details a perky beef patty adorned with luminous yellow cheese, pickles, ketchup, and mustard, noting its almost magical hangover-curing properties after just a few bites.
Late-Night Hours and Practical Details
Positioned as a late-night destination, Dover Street Counter caters to London's nocturnal crowd with extended opening hours. The diner remains open until 1:30 AM from Thursday through Saturday, and until midnight from Monday to Wednesday. Unfortunately, it is closed on Sundays, so plan your visits accordingly. The restaurant is located at 31 Dover Street, Mayfair, W1S 4ND, making it an accessible spot for both locals and visitors exploring the upscale neighborhood.
This review underscores Dover Street Counter's potential to become a staple in Mayfair's vibrant dining landscape, offering a playful yet sophisticated take on classic diner fare that resonates with a discerning clientele.
