Maai by Nikita

There’s much to like about Nikita Pathakji’s solo venture. As the first person to have won both MasterChef: The Professionals (2022) and Great British Menu Champion of Champions (2026), her brilliant addition to the south Clapham dining scene is an attractive space located in a row of shops and eateries. Inside, it's divided into a small bar and a relaxed, warm-toned dining room, with an equally warm, family vibe and genuinely personal service led by the chef's mother and sister. With an impressive fine-dining background, Nikita’s cooking has its roots in classical cuisine, but her style takes its cue from South Asian flavours. Every detail makes sense, from the sour hit of lime-pickle butter that elevates a pillow of straight-from-the-oven brioche to the subtle hint of chilli that infuses faultless roasted halibut with Malaysian fish-head curry sauce. High standards are also evident in accompaniments such as the potato-stuffed Padrón peppers that arrive with the halibut, or a confit duck croquette served alongside the tender breast (with blackberry and pistachio); these also get star billing on the bar-snack menu. Imaginative cocktails and appetising wines by the glass top an excellent global list.