A stone’s throw from the manicured gardens of Regents Park, and the curved aristocratic residence of Park Crescent, is a lively treat for the senses. Chameleon London ticks all the boxes: cutting-edge menus, live acts under a canopy of flowers, fitness and wellness sessions by day, and zesty brunches on weekends. It all happens at the foot of the Grade I listed building of One Marylebone. Whilst the setting transports you to a Garden of Eden, the Tel Aviv sharing plates whisk you away to the Middle-East.

The restaurant is set in the Neo-Classical church grounds of One Marylebone, the stunning design by Sir John Soane, the same architect behind the Bank of England. Walking through a floral archway you are spirited around the building to – as they call it at Chameleon – God’s Garden. The setting is lush – greenery and flowers draping over the gates and adorning the tables. Additionally, privately hired ‘Greenhouses’, seasonally dressed with citrus, bougainvillaea and wisteria vines growing overhead. Chameleon is an al fresco dining experience with the comfort of heaters and full coverage for those colder days.

The inviting layout is transformed with lighting and ambience from brunch to dinner. But the sumptuous Tel Avivian sharing plates endure.  Moreover, every experience is accompanied by a soundtrack. Because the Chameleon team tailor live bands and resident DJs to the mood and time of day.

Flavoursome Fusions

Critically acclaimed chef Elior Balbul’s concept came from the sharing plates of Tel Aviv, his hometown, and his Moroccan heritage. This fusion is the inspiration for the elegant yet daring flavours behind each dish. His contemporary menu is a nod to the thriving food scene of Tel Aviv, now a top food destination, and the recently acclaimed gastronomy of Israel. The restaurant is as vibrant and chic as the Mediterranean city. 

A country with a concoction of ethnicities, Israel’s food scene is a taste sensation, bursting with fresh earthy flavours and hearty dishes. Elior travelled the world, opened a hit restaurant in New York, and became an expert in the culinary circle. Now Elior Balbul now brings his passion to the heart of London. 

Chameleon serves up the kind of dishes that Londoners rave about for weeks to come. It celebrates the diverse flavours of Israel, with Tel Aviv’s sharing plates at the top of the food chain. Chameleon is Elior Balbul’s culinary playground where in the kitchen, the old and the bold collide. His palette is influenced by gourmet kosher food, Mediterraenan and North African traditions. 

Weekend brunch offers small plates of Babaganoush with grape molasses, spicy Zhug – a Yemanite hot citrusy sauce, and beetroot cured salmon. There are also bigger plates for bigger appetites like Cowshuka – a take on the household favourite Shakshuka, literally meaning ‘all mixed up’. Chameleon London mixes up this staple dish with charred ribeye, eggs, tomato and aubergine. 

Dinner plates should always be accompanied by the freshly baked Kubana brioche, glistening and perfectly risen, ready to be ripped and dipped into tangy yoghurt, sweet harissa and herby za’atar. Then tantalisingly rich Manjari chocolate cremeux with a hint of cardamom for dessert. From the start to every finishing touch, each dish is artistically presented.

Even the cocktails are unparalleled, each one having a Middle-Eastern twist, like the Fig Negroni and the Date Old Fashioned. Chameleon’s signature cocktail, The Rimon, their freshly squeezed pomegranate margarita, adds a woody aroma to the sour classic. The whole package is inventive, sophisticated and will have you bragging fervently to your foodie friends.

More than a Restaurant

As if the setting and the dishes are not photogenic enough, Chameleon also houses a flower market, a rotating art exhibition, a curated performance space, a fitness studio, and soon, a late night private members club. Private viewings at the Sloane art gallery can be arranged for an after dinner stroll. If hedonism is more your thing, Chameleon also hosts a once-a-month ‘multi-sensory’ event – dinner followed by an immersive performance of headline DJs, 3D visuals and elaborate set design. 

Later this year, Cillian’s House will open its doors to private members wanting to dine, lounge and dance, all in the vaults under the 19th century church. Whilst Xscape Studio takes advantage of the perfect acoustics and ambience of the church by offering sound healing workshops, breathwork and yoga classes. 

Chameleon is the kind of place where rustic meets glamorous, from the menu, to the events, and the al fresco dining experience. It’s buzzing and cosy simultaneously, and all the fine details are there. Chameleon is an oasis with Mediterranean vibes, indulgent offerings, and one seriously talented chef. Find out why Chameleon is enticing so many Londoners, just make sure you arrive hungry.