Somssi by Jihun Kim

Somssi by Jihun Kim was a 14-seat Korean chef's table inside Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, on Hanover Square. The name loosely translates as craftsmanship. Guests sat side by side around a single stone counter, facing an open kitchen where Chef Jihun Kim and his team finished each course in front of them.

The room was designed by the Tokyo studio Curiosity for the hotel's opening. Dark metal-clad walls and a faceted canopy suspended over the counter kept the light low and the focus on the kitchen. There was one dinner seating from Tuesday to Saturday, with lunch on Saturdays, so the table was never turned.

The food was a Korean-inspired tasting menu of eight courses, pairing traditional Korean technique with seasonal British produce and leaning hard on seafood. The restaurant held a Michelin star. With every seat at one counter, each evening had the feel of a private dinner.