Aside from MA/NA, Leonard Tanyag is also Group Executive Chef at Los Mochis and Omakase spots LUNA and JUNO.
Helmed by Executive Chef Leonard Tanyag, this Mayfair gem blends traditional Japanese techniques with high-end ingredients from around the world.
Thesleff Group's latest concept is a masterclass in Japanese fine dining. Perched along Upper Grosvenor St and sandwiched between Hyde Park and Grosvenor Square, MA/NA is a behemoth of a restaurant that quietly draws you in from the street. It’s unostentatious and unassuming, save for a grand entrance framed by pot plants.
Cocooning Interiors
Stepping into the softly-lit reception area feels like walking into a luxurious hotel lobby. Large bonsai trees catch the eye, while glimmers of gold and chocolate brown invoke an immediate sense of calm. The main dining room leans into this same aesthetic.
Designed by Los Angeles studio, OV&CO, the interiors blend Kyoto autumn serenity with the buzz of Tokyo by night. Plush banquette seating weaves its way, serpentine-like, towards a private dining area tucked away at the back, low lighting makes the space feel cosy and intimate, while towering bonsai trees bring the outdoors inside. As the evening progresses, the atmosphere shifts, making way for a lively playlist and late night diners slinking in from 9pm.
MA/NA’s Umami-Rich Tasting Menu
MA/NA’s kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef, Leo Tanyag whose menu is inspired by Japan’s rich culinary landscape. The restaurant’s moniker is derived from the HaJapanese philosophy of ‘mana’, where every ingredient “carries an invisible power shaped by nature and those that honour it”. Dishes are ingredient-led, balancing both tradition and modernity.
The evening began with invigorating cocktails to awaken the taste buds. After glancing at the inspired menu split into four distinct sections, I opted for the Goya Sour concoction laced with Haku vodka, Yuntaku Japanese Amaro, tropical fruits and fresh passionfruit.
We feasted on the tasting menu which commenced with edamame dusted in a luxurious blend of teriyaki and truffle - an unexpected combination that set the tone for the entire meal. Fatty tuna tartare then arrived ceremoniously on a bed of ice alongside a layer of smashed avocado and topped with truffle soy, kaiware, tobiko, and daikon. My guest and I used the accompanying shallot and rice crisps to scoop up this refreshing appetiser, savouring the medley of textures with each bite.
Next came a bowlful of tempura Iwa-Ebi (shrimp) topped with a creamy, wasabi mayonnaise and glossy roe. The prawns were beautifully sweet and encased in a light batter for a subtle crunch. Theatrical flair came in the form of the Avocado Aburi which arrived on a mound of flaming salt. Buttery-soft from the light torching, it melded seamlessly with the sliced teriyaki mushrooms and asparagus.
For mains, we enjoyed slithers of yellowtail carpaccio with citrus ponzu, flaky cod with yuzu dressing - a dish that paired exceptionally well with the zesty Rueda white wine - fried rice with freshly grated truffle, and a tower of spinach slicked with garlic, sesame dressing and yet more truffle. Whilst I'm an ardent truffle aficionado, the double dose felt occasionally overpowering alongside the delicate fish. Concluding this section of the meal was wasabi grilled rib eye coated in a sticky, rich sauce featuring fiery ginger, garlic, fresh wasabi, karashi (Japanese mustard), and spicy leek.
To conclude, we tucked into a decadent dark chocolate fondant with wasabi-infused ice cream. Albeit an unconventional pairing, the wasabi gently cut through the molten sweetness, resulting in a seriously moreish dish that had us fighting for the final spoonful.
Final Thoughts
MA/NA is a luxurious Mayfair hotspot that combines traditional Japanese techniques with global ingredients and contemporary flair. The tasting menu is a celebration of umami flavours, with truffle notes featuring heavily throughout - a dream if you have a weakness for the fruity fungi. Food aside, the service and setting are outstanding, making it an ideal choice for a sophisticated dinner with friends or a swanky date night.
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