Mayfair is a weird place. It’s full of restaurants that look like gold-plated spaceships and charge you fifty quid just for looking at the bread basket. But then you’ve got North Audley Street. Specifically, you’ve got NAC. It stands for North Audley Cantine, though honestly, nobody calls it that anymore. Most people just say "NAC" and assume you know exactly which velvet chair they’re talking about. It’s been sitting there since 2013, which is basically a century in London restaurant years.
Why does it work?
It isn't just the truffle mac and cheese. Plenty of places do that. It’s the vibe. It’s that specific French-bistro-meets-Upper-East-Side energy that feels expensive but not stiff. You can wear a hoodie if it’s a nice one. You can also wear a three-piece suit. Nobody cares. That’s the magic of NAC North Audley Street.
The Reality of the "Mayfair Scene"
If you walk down North Audley Street on a Tuesday afternoon, you’ll see the crowd. It’s a mix of local residents who probably own half of Belgravia, fashion influencers trying to get the perfect shot of the "Crushed Milk Chocolate Cookie," and business people having a meeting that definitely could have been an email but is much better with a side of halloumi fries.
The founders—David, Gabriel, and Jeremy—had this idea of a "cantine." In France, a cantine is supposed to be simple. This is Mayfair simple. That means reclaimed wood, industrial lighting, and a basement bar that feels like a secret, even though everyone knows about it. It’s cozy. Sometimes it’s too cozy. You might end up elbowing a stranger while reaching for your wine, but in a weird way, that’s part of the charm. It feels alive.
What You’re Actually Eating (and Why)
Let’s talk about the food because that’s why you’re actually there. The menu at NAC North Audley Street is a bit of a polyglot. It’s French-ish. It’s Mediterranean-ish. It’s definitely "Instagram-ish."
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The shakshuka at brunch is legit. It’s spicy, the eggs are usually runny enough to satisfy the purists, and the pita is warm. But the real heavy hitters are the small plates. The popcorn chicken with spicy mayo is a cliché at this point, yet every single table orders it. Why? Because it’s salty, crunchy, and goes perfectly with a crisp glass of Provence rosé.
- The Truffle Mac & Cheese: It’s heavy. It’s rich. It’s unapologetic. If you’re on a diet, don't even look at it.
- The Miso Aubergine: This is for the people pretending to be healthy while their friend eats the mac and cheese. It’s savory and soft.
- Flamed Edamame: A bit of a curveball for a French-style bistro, but it works.
The thing about NAC is that they don’t try to reinvent the wheel. They just grease the wheel with really high-quality butter. They know their audience. They know people want comfort food that looks sophisticated.
The Cookie That Broke the Internet
We have to talk about the cookie. Honestly, it’s probably responsible for 30% of their foot traffic. The Crushed Milk Chocolate Cookie with Frosties soft serve.
Yes, Frosties. Like the cereal.
It sounds like something a sugar-crazed eight-year-old would invent, but it’s sophisticated. The cookie is served warm. It’s gooey in the middle. The cold cereal-milk ice cream cuts through the richness. It is, hands down, one of the most photographed desserts in London. Is it overrated? Maybe a little bit if you hate sugar. But for everyone else, it’s a mandatory order. You don’t go to NAC North Audley Street and skip the cookie. That’s like going to Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower. Just do it.
The Secret Basement and the Late Night Crowd
Most people see the bright, airy ground floor and think that’s the whole story. It isn't. Downstairs is where things get a bit moodier.
There’s a cocktail bar tucked away down there. It’s darker, louder, and feels significantly more "London" than the breezy French vibes upstairs. If you’re looking for a spot for a second date where you need to look cool but still be able to hear each other talk, this is it. The drinks are well-made. They aren't doing any of that molecular gastronomy nonsense where your drink comes in a smoking glass pipe. It’s just good spirits, fresh juice, and decent ice.
Is It Actually Worth the Hype?
Here is the thing: Mayfair is competitive. New spots open every week with massive PR budgets and celebrity backers. Yet NAC North Audley Street stays busy.
It’s because they’ve mastered the "third place" concept. It’s not home, it’s not the office, it’s the place you actually want to be. The service is usually pretty fast, though it can get a bit frantic during peak brunch hours on a Saturday. If you go at 1:00 PM on a weekend without a reservation, you’re going to be standing on the sidewalk for a while.
One thing people get wrong is thinking it's only for the "see and be seen" crowd. While there is plenty of that, the food actually holds up. The ingredients are fresh. The kitchen knows what it’s doing. It isn't just a backdrop for photos.
The Location Factor
North Audley Street itself has changed a lot lately. It’s become a bit of a culinary destination in its own right, moving out of the shadow of nearby Park Lane and Oxford Street. You’ve got BiBi just down the road, and the Audley Public House on the corner.
NAC acts as the anchor. It’s the reliable choice. If you can’t decide where to go, you go to NAC. It’s the safe bet that still feels like a treat. Plus, it’s a great spot for people-watching. Grab a table near the window and you’ll see the whole world walk by—from fashionistas to confused tourists who accidentally wandered off Oxford Street looking for a Primark.
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A Note on Reservations
Don't just turn up. Seriously.
Even on a Monday night, NAC North Audley Street can be surprisingly full. They use a standard booking system, but the prime slots—7:30 PM on a Friday or 12:30 PM on a Sunday—go weeks in advance. If you’re desperate, try going for an early dinner around 5:30 PM. It’s quieter, the light is better for photos (if you care about that), and you won't feel rushed.
Managing the Cost
It’s Mayfair. You knew that.
You’re going to spend money. A meal for two with a couple of drinks and that famous cookie will easily run you £100-£150. Is it "value for money"? That’s subjective. You’re paying for the location, the atmosphere, and the fact that you’re eating in one of the most expensive zip codes in the world. But compared to some of the stuffy, white-tablecloth spots nearby, it feels like a bargain because you actually enjoy yourself.
Common Misconceptions
People think NAC is a chain. It’s not. While the team has done other projects, this is the original. It has a soul that clones usually lack.
Another misconception is that it’s "just a brunch place." The dinner menu is actually quite extensive and leans more into the French bistro side of things. The steak frites is solid. The salads are actually filling. It’s a versatile spot.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
- Book Ahead: Use their online portal. Do it at least a week out for weekends.
- Dress Code: Smart casual. Think "I tried, but I’m not trying too hard."
- The Order: If you’re lost, get the popcorn chicken, the halloumi fries, the truffle mac, and the cookie. It’s the NAC starter pack.
- The Basement: If the upstairs feels too loud, ask if there’s space in the bar downstairs. It’s a totally different vibe.
- Timing: Breakfast is the best time for a quiet meeting. Lunch is for business. Brunch is for the "scene." Dinner is for dates.
NAC North Audley Street isn't trying to be the most innovative restaurant in the world. It’s trying to be the most consistent, stylish, and delicious version of a neighborhood bistro. In a city as chaotic as London, that consistency is exactly why it’s still the place everyone wants to be. It’s a slice of effortless cool in a neighborhood that often tries way too hard.
Go for the cookie. Stay for the people-watching. Just make sure you have a reservation so you aren't the one watching everyone else eat through the window.