London, February 12th - Lita is delighted to announce the appointment of Kostas Papathanasiou as its new Culinary Director, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the neighbourhood restaurant.
With a stellar background, including experience in some of the world’s most respected kitchens, including The Fat Duck, The Ledbury, The Social Company, and Restaurant Frantzén, his career has been shaped by an uncompromising respect for ingredients, technical precision and a deep appreciation for thoughtful, ingredient-led cuisine.
At Lita, Kostas’ vision builds naturally on the restaurant’s existing identity - modern Mediterranean cooking with a strong focus on seasonality, simplicity and live fire. While rooted in classical technique, his cooking is instinctive and contemporary, and his skill has seamlessly enhanced the dining experience through an evolving menu that reflects his own culinary voice and creativity.
Kostas has been quietly leading the kitchen since November 2025, working closely with the team as the restaurant continues to grow and refine its offering. The restaurant proudly retained its Michelin star in the recently released Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2026, announced in Dublin on February 9th, a testament to the consistent excellence Chef Kostas has brought to the kitchen.
- ENDS -
Notes to the editor:
Address: 7-9 Paddington St, London W1U 5QH
Website: https://litamarylebone.com/
Instagram: @litamarylebone
Images: HERE
Press pack: HERE
For further information, contact Morena Kolmarkai at Lotus Land Agency via email lita@lotuslandagency.com or telephone +44 20 7751 5812
Lotus Land Instagram Lotuslandagency
About Culinary Director Kostas Papathanasiou
Chef Kostas Papathanasiou brings over two decades of experience from some of the world's most acclaimed kitchens. Born and raised in Lamia, Greece, his culinary journey began at age 16 with an internship at Ireland's five-star Ashford Castle before joining the three-Michelin-starred The Fat Duck, where he spent four and a half years rising to Sous Chef. His career continued at Singapore's Nouri, two-Michelin-starred The Ledbury in London, and five years with Jason Atherton's The Social Company, where he became Head Chef at No.5 Social. He later opened Studio Frantzén at Harrods and served as Executive Chef at three-Michelin-starred Frantzén in Stockholm. In November 2025, Chef Kostas joined Lita Marylebone as Culinary Director, bringing his technical precision and deep respect for seasonal ingredients to the Michelin-starred Mediterranean restaurant. Under his leadership, Lita retained its Michelin star in the 2026 guide.