The new London restaurants to try in August 2024

We've always got one eye on any new restaurants opening on the London food scene. Our editors are on the ball for the latest openings in each London neighbourhood, from Covent Garden restaurants to Shoreditch hotspots. For the ultimate list of places to eat in the city, check out our definitive guide to London's best restaurants. These are the places that we consider the crème de la crème, from generations-old spots that have stood the test of time and Michelin-starred dining rooms that get better each year to mind-blowing new openings from this list that we decided deserved a spot on the ultimate round-up of the best restaurants in London.

For new restaurants opening in London this year, we've seen follow-ups from some of the city's biggest-name chefs. In January, Tom Sellers reopened Restaurant Story after closing for a multi-million-pound renovation, while Claude Bosi opened Lyonnaise restaurant Josephine. Endo Kazutoshi opened a rooftop sushi spot at The OWO, and Akira Back is at the helm of the restaurant at the new Mandarin Oriental Mayfair. In the second half of the year, we can expect a cluster of openings from Jason Atherton, Santiago Lastra's Kol follow-up, and a West London outpost of Covent Garden cult favourite, The Barbary.

How we choose the tastiest new restaurant openings in London

The best new restaurants in London are the most exciting places to eat that have just opened in the capital city. Ranging from small affairs with daily changing menus from up-and-coming chefs to Michelin-starred spots with fresh new menus, these are London's new restaurants we've got our eye on right now.

Every restaurant on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has eaten at that restaurant. When choosing new restaurants, our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for stand-out dishes, a great location, warm service, and serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new restaurants open in London.

Best new London restaurants in August 2024

Goodbye Horses

Coffee by day, wine and dine by night. That is the offering from co-founders Alex Young and George de Vos in an old restored pub building found on a quiet corner of Islington. Goodbye Horses, the duo's restaurant and wine bar, is connected to Day Trip, their coffee shop, through a shared bar area, with the team also planning to launch an ice cream parlour across the road to round up their trio of summer openings. Focusing on seasonal and sustainable ingredients, the team strips back all the frills of fine dining to put their hearty dishes in the spotlight with a carefully selected menu of small and large sharing plates. Highlights include the oxtail ragout rice, a sticky, melt-in-the-mouth dish with a light crunch, and the reimagined egg mayonnaise, serving boiled eggs doused in creamy sauce topped with a generous sprinkle of lemon-flavoured chips. For the perfect wine pairing, drinks director Nathalie Nelles guides you through her curated list, which celebrates only the most organic wines. We love the eclectic interiors, too, combining rustic oak tables and hand-painted curtains with shelves of vinyl albums to play on the vintage record player. Goodbye Horses itself is a nod to the cult classic song of the same name, made famous through its appearance in psychological horror The Silence of the Lambs, although the restaurant experience is more like something out of a romance. Unwind with the taste of delicate wines and nostalgic dishes like Dorset clams while immersed in their cosy, candle-lit atmosphere accompanied by the soft hum of vinyl. In other words, dining at Goodbye Horses feels like a warm and comforting hug. Layla Quaedvlieg

Address: 21 Halliford St, London N1 3HB
Price: ££
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Julie’s

Picture this. Notting Hill, London circa 1980s; Tina Turner is dancing on tables, Princess Di is having dinner with friends, and Kate Moss is throwing herself a 22nd birthday party at the wine bar. Julie’s bleeds pop icon history and, despite the change in hands over the years, is resurging under the new ownership by Holland Park resident Tara Macbain. Tucked down a residential cul de sac, you’ll know the place by the modish, designer-clad locals, drinking and dining under the signposted awning out front. Pleasantly unassuming, the botanically themed bohemian decor with intimate nooks and scatter cushions by interior designer Rosanna Bossom will leave you feeling as though you’ve stumbled into a bistro on the 11th arrondissement. The Michelin-worthy service and fare to match by Chef Patron Owen Kenworthy, previously of Brawn and The Pelican, combines traditional French cuisine with seasonally British ingredients for a menu of noteworthy dishes, including the delectable beef fillet tartare with fermented beer relish and a spider crab “toast” the in-the-know regulars are already accustomed to. The spicy ‘nduja quail egg is considered a “snack” but is more substantial and complex than expected, working well as a precursor alongside the crisp East Sussex Cuvée on offer. For the main, the Sole meunière comes highly recommended, but on this particular occasion, the Onglet bordelaise had my attention; that is, until the Lobster soufflé arrived – a densely rich dish made with gruyère and leeks and served to the table in a skillet. Needless to say, if you’re dining with a party of three or more, ordering for the table is a must as each dish will undoubtedly upstage the next. In true Hollywood fashion, you can even enjoy a Martini or two tableside. Megan Wilkes

Address: Julie's Restaurant, 135 Portland Road, London W11 4LW
Price: £££
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Abajo, Mayfair

Michelin-starred HUMO, with its sizzling four-metre wood-fire grill showcasing the chefs working under glimmering lowlights, has made a splash as one of Mayfair’s hottest addresses to book. But downstairs, the team has been working on a new take on the concept, showcasing the best of Colombian cuisine. Abajo – translating literally as ‘below’ – sits beneath a spiral staircase in a subterranean private dining room for 10. Fridges against the walls showcase the day’s catch, cuts of meat and micro herbs, ready and waiting to be transformed under the expert hand of executive chef Miller Prada and head chef Moris Moreno, both hailing from Colombia. There’s no a la carte menu here – instead, we are taken through a tasting experience of five ‘chapters’. Each is centred around a traditional staple ingredient with its own wine pairing, lovingly curated by charismatic sommelier Darcy Swindell. To start, a selection of bites put sweetcorn at the forefront – crisp charred sweetcorn on a buckwheat cracker, creamy lobster claw with trout mousse and a drizzle of silky sweetcorn sauce – followed by odes to bluefin tuna, quail, beef and tomato for dessert, served up pretty as can be with charcoal-blackened pillows of meringue and nectarine jewels. In keeping with HUMO’s ethos, charcoal, ash and smoky flavours shine through, with the vast majority of dishes getting the wood-fired treatment; thick slices of grilled brisket came served with sugar cane honey and deep pink seared quail breast with wild garlic and celeriac is finished with a coating of blackened shallot ashes. In one particular standout, the bones of the quail are used with achiote and ash-aged pecorino to make a cooking liquid for carnaroli rice. Nothing goes to waste here and the presentation reflects this – a spherical carimanola of tuna collar comes served delicately balanced atop the fish’s collar bone. A briefing prefaces each chapter to explain the connection to each ingredient, and Darcy talks through each wine pairing with sheer joyful enthusiasm. To finish, executive chef Miller Prada came for a chat, presenting each of us with a bag of Colombian coffee, a final thoughtful touch on an evening where deep knowledge, passion and flair are on full display throughout. Charley Ward

Address: 12 St. George Street, London W1S 2FB
Price: ££££
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Best new London restaurants in July 2024

Tollington's, Finsbury Park

There's nothing like a good chippy – the fish and chip shop is a British institution, as engrained in our culture as Sunday roasts and pints at the pub. But here is a new twist on the old classic. This opening is from Ed McIlroy of Four Legs, the team behind The Plimsoll's cult burger, which we named one of London's most iconic dishes. Now, McIlroy is revamping a North London neighbourhood restaurant into an Iberian-inspired spot for seafood suppers. The makeover has kept much of the old-school chippy intact, restoring the original tiling and turning the utilitarian metal counter into the pass, which now houses octopus, scallops and prawns rather than saveloy sausage. Interiors take inspiration from Spanish hole-in-the-wall eateries, with stools perched next to thin wooden counters and a distinct lack of frills, while a few tables outside are a hot commodity on sunny days (although this being London, punters are just as happy to enjoy a bottle of chilled white Rioja and a plate of chips standing on the street). One new detail transports diners straight to sunnier climes: a floor mosaic depicting the view from Ed’s family home in Spain by artist Anja Maye. The menu is heavy on fish: think plates of vibrant red prawns cooked a la plancha, scallops topped with delicate truffle, buttery sardines served whole. Salty potatoes served with salsa verde make for an ugly-delicious side dish, and the delightfully wobbly flan earns its spot as one of the only puddings on the menu. The drinks list is just as stripped back but still looks to Spain, with beer, vermouth and Basque-style cider available. This is a fresh local hangout that's drawing hungry Londoners from across the city without turning its back on the past. Sarah James

Address: 172 Tollington Park, Finsbury Park, London N4 3AJ
Price: ££
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Cloth, Farringdon

More than just yet another hyped-up wine bar-restaurant, Cloth is a story of friendship as much as it is of food. The brainchild of friends and wine importers Joe Haynes and Ben Butterworth, together they’ve joined forces with Tom Hurst – whose track record includes the likes of Lasdun, Brawn, The Marksman and Levan – to bring London’s most exciting new neighbourhood dining spot.

Tucked away down a historic sidestreet in Farringdon, the unmarked dark frontage of Cloth makes it easy to walk straight past. It’s this discreteness, I find, that embodies what Cloth is about – a hidden gem that knows it doesn’t need to shout to garner attention that, I guarantee, will come on its own. It’s all about honest produce that showcases the best of the British natural larder and the finest of the European wine cellar. We tucked into the freshest sea bass crudo, followed by crab from Dorset in a moist tagliarini that delivered an unexpected kick. Away from the sea and onto the land, a sumptuous pork chop stole the show for me. Buttery mouthfuls of meat were slick with a sharp and salty sauce that would have me reminiscing for weeks. We concluded our British produce tour with honey custard and cherries, an ode to the heart-shaped fruit that made me grateful to catch them at the peak of their short but sweet season. We shouldn’t forget the wine, of course. Sifting through a list of almost biblical proportions, we settled on a cool and juicy Austrian red to refresh us on this muggy summer evening. The menu has a constantly rotating by-the-glass list, and an impressive selection of rare bottles staff will enthusiastically explain to you. All in all, I think I’ve found my favourite new neighbourhood restaurant in town (even if it’s not my neighbourhood). Lucy Bruton

Address: Cloth, 44 Cloth Fair, London EC1A 7JQ
Price: ££
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Koyn Thai, Mayfair

Samyukta Nair is on a roll. The restaurateur behind Socca and Mimi Mei Fair and KOYN has just opened a new Thai place on Grosvenor Street to add to her list of eateries that are keeping Mayfair diners very well fed. KOYN Thai – launched in collaboration with chef Rose Chalalai Singh (of Rose’s Kitchen) – is tucked into the terracotta-tiled basement of sister restaurant KOYN Japanese and looks set to be a firm crowd-puller. Bangkok-born Singh has eschewed the tasting menu trend sweeping her home city in favour of rootsy offerings inspired by her grandma’s cooking and Singh’s adopted hometown, Paris. The starter menu delivers one winner after another, from the Chiang Mai platter’s fiery lemongrass sausage to the hot and sour Tom Yum Khon Nam broth filled with chicken and mushrooms. The roti and escargot in green chilli and Thai basil is an intriguing, tri-continental fusion, but most outstanding was the crispy squid in all its sweet and tender gorgeousness. The pomelo salad's uncomplex sugariness slightly killed the vibe, but mains such as the crispy sea bass regained momentum, its accompanying ‘special sauce’ living up to its coy name. Another standout was the yellow crab curry and cha poo leaves, spooned onto sticky white rice. Our evening culminated in mercifully light desserts, including mango sticky rice (a creamier version of its quintessential self) and an almost drinkable passionfruit panna cotta. In short: we love this place, and you will too. Noo Saro-Wiwa

Address: 38 Grosvenor Street, London, W1K 4AQ
Price: ££
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Best new London restaurants in June 2024

Roe, Canary Wharf

The three guys behind mega-successful spot Fallow have just opened a new joint, Roe, in often overlooked Canary Wharf. Not to be confused with a fish restaurant, Roe is named after the deer – and yes, venison does feature on the menu. But the interiors give off an under-the-sea theme with a huge 3D-printed art installation filled with red printed coral sprinkled throughout the restaurant. The chef’s counter, with seating, is for all to see; running through the ground floor of the restaurant and upstairs. Here, you’ll find rows of green vines sporting padron peppers, chillies and tomatoes, as well as herbs which are freshly pruned by the chefs – a homage to the restaurant's sustainable ethos. The menu is jam-packed with experimental flavours, creativity and playfulness. Dishes often change based on seasonal produce and customer feedback. We started with snacks of juicy breaded mushrooms and garlic mayonnaise, and some Padron peppers sprinkled with salt and pepper. Plates are made to share, and skewers of octopus, Thai-flavoured pork and chicken wing must be ordered. Daring customers should try the unusual snail vindaloo with bacon and mint yoghurt on a warm flatbread. For mains we loved the Jacobs ladder – a fall-off-the-bone beef shin served with a rich mushroom xo sauce and the huge market fish topped with clamps, samphire and drizzled in creamy chicken broth. Space is needed for the showstopper pudding, which took chefs six months of trial and error to master. Using every part of the banana, this impressive sweet treat is a reason to return to Roe. Banana skins are peeled and marinated in sugar for a week, fried and placed on top of a reconstructed banana flavoured parfit and served with toasted vanilla and sprinkled with peanuts. Sophie Knight

Address: Roe, 5 Park Dr, London E14 9GG
Price: ££
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Henri, Covent Garden

Gallic flavours in a London setting – it’s a tale of two cities at chef Jackson Boxer’s latest venture, Henri. The renowned British chef behind Notting Hill’s Orasay has joined forces once again with French hospitality and cocktail connoisseurs Experimental Group to launch this Parisian-inspired restaurant in Covent Garden’s Henrietta Hotel. Similar to their Cowley Manor partnership in the Cotswolds, Henri serves all-day French cuisine. The starters and snacks stole the show: the classic Parisian fried pied de cochon with Agen prunes and beer mustard was a winner, closely trailed by the oysters in a refreshing apple and Chartreuse granita. But the crunchy allumettes fries sprinkled over raw beef, though enjoyable, didn’t particularly excite despite the added bed of duck liver. Galia melon chunks successfully livened up what might’ve been a bland raw tuna. Pick of the charcoal grill were the Brixham cod, crab bisque and lime leaf; and the juicy roast duck slices in blood orange sauce and green olives. Experimental brought their reliably strong cocktail game with concoctions like the ‘Annette’ (Hine VSOP Cognac, cherry liqueur, gin, lemon, strawberry and raspberry). The restaurant’s 19th-century townhouse dimensions make for cramped seating in parts, the tables squished together so tightly they unintentionally create a communal dining arrangement that trapped me in my seat – diners may win new friends but a strong bladder might be in order. Still, I would come back here for the riz au lait dessert alone, with its build-your-own topping of apricot, dulce de leche and rice krispies. Pure heaven.
Noo Saro-Wiwa

Address: 14-15 Henrietta Street, London, WC2E 8QH
Price: ££
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The Goring Dining Room, Belgravia

For those with a finger on the pulse of London’s buzzing hospitality and food scene, declaring an evening at The Goring Hotel is rightfully met with hums and oohs. Iconic by name and reputation, The Dining Room restaurant lives on the ground floor of this five-star heritage hotel, a short stroll from Buckingham Palace, deep in the heart of Belgravia. A favourite among the elite since its inception in 1910, this is the only hotel to have ever been granted a Royal Warrant by the Queen with impeccable standards felt by all who grace the halls. The Michelin star Dining Hall, closed for the better part of a year for refurbishment, has recently reopened its doors with a grand flourish, introducing an opulent new dining space inspired by the grand residences of London; designed by Russel Stage Studio, the sage floral walls, deep red, gold detailed booths and crystal chandeliers deem it worthy of a Bridgerton set. Seated in a wide central booth with 360-degree views of the Georgian-esque room, esteemed couples surround us as the attentive, red-jacketed, “excited to be back” team set the scene. With an entirely new fitted kitchen, headed by Chef Graham Squire, the menu has been reinvigorated seasonally. Each table is served champagne to mark the occasion alongside a sweet yet tart pink beetroot dome to cleanse the palette. The menu, forged with quintessentially British ingredients, includes Orkney scallops, duck liver, Wye Valley asparagus and Jersey rock oysters alongside further flung, decadent dishes including Oscietra and Beluga caviar. To start, we enjoyed the scallops, which were presented warm in a creamy, English pea-laced sauce decorated with pea shoots and flower petals alongside the light and earthy stuffed morel. With a choice between a fruity wine and a crisp Chardonnay, we tested the limits and opted for a seemingly rogue fruity option, which paired perfectly with each of these dishes. If sea fare feels like the order of the day, the Cornish monkfish and pate-like herb emulsion, wrapped in seaweed, is fresh but filling, while a deeper flavour palette can be sought through the thickly cut duck breast with a pain perdu tower topped with a piped plum sauce; a hazelnut crusted duck leg accompanies this dish on a side plate. With impeccable standards fit for royalty but felt by all, pudding is, of course, a must. Whether you opt for the delightful show of the rum baba tossed and flambeed tableside or something more understated like the violet mousse, you’ll leave feeling full, satisfied and questioning what you’ll try next time. Megan Wilkes

Address: The Goring Dining Room, 15 Beeston Place, London SW1W 0JW
Price: ££££
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Camille, Borough

For the seasoned Londoner, a trip to Borough Market may make one shy away for fear of pavement-hogging tourists and frenzied foodies on the hunt for the tastiest morsel. Tucked away on the fringes of the buzzy hotspot, however, Camille is enough to entice even the most jaded of food lovers back towards the chaos. An understatedly classy and candle-lit bolthole, Camille offers a welcome respite from the humdrum streets outside. Step through the doors and you feel as though you could have stepped through a portal to a ’50s family-run French bistro. Lots of wood, linen half-drapes and Art Deco-style lighting all add to the effect. The menu, too, is unapologetically French, and mostly classic in its sensibilities – think garlic, pig’s head and cream aplenty. The tiny space hums with conspiratorial conversation, as though everyone here is in on the new dining secret. We start our meal with a bright and bubbly Crémant before diving into the food menu, which changes with the seasons. To start, the most succulent quail that leaves us picking apart the carcass for any remaining scraps. This is followed by the highly recommended crab toast served with a fragrant and salty bisque. Over the much-needed interlude between courses, we wash down the flavours with a lively Beaujolais, before the Hereford Onglet is served. Steeped in the most sumptuous Café de Paris butter, the perfectly pink and plump slithers of meat are simple French indulgence at its finest. Full to the gills, we’re told it would be a sin to leave without sampling the burnt milk tart for dessert. Not one to shy away from a challenge, I engaged my “pudding stomach” and tucked in, and boy, was I glad I did. A sort of hybrid between a creme brulee and a treacle tart, this milk tart is at once feather light and delectably sweet, the sweetness of the filling a delightful contrast to the bitter burnt topping. Since opening at the beginning of the year, this small neighbourhood restaurant is proving that it punches well above its weight when it comes to flavour and style. For lovers of maximalist flavours and minimalist aesthetics, I’d strongly advise you to book now before it becomes one of those spots where you’ll be waiting months just to get your feet under the table. Lucy Bruton

Address: Camille, 2-3 Stoney Street, London SE1 9AA
Price: ££
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Akira Back, Mayfair

Akira Back’s been biding his time. The celebrated chef has been putting his Korean heritage, Colorado upbringing and experience in the world’s best Japanese restaurants into practice for some time now; restaurants include those in Paris’ Prince de Galles Hotel and one in Beverly Hills’ Beverly Center. So where better to launch his latest concept than London’s Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, officially London’s glitziest new hotel? The 148-cover restaurant is a sight to behold. Tokyo-based studio Curiosity led the design efforts, creating a sleek dining space flooded with natural light through the atrium. The emerald-green Ming marble spiral staircase is a strong contender for the capital’s most dramatic entrance. Fresh sushi and sashimi bites fly out of the open kitchen, where stealthy specialists slice through fish with surgical precision. The miso black cod dissolves in the mouth like a foam, while a stand-out was the gochujang rock shrimp – sweet and spicy with a homely, familial feel. While our visit was a lip-smacking one on the whole, a few dishes failed to hit the mark. These included the eringi pizza – a tortilla-style base topped with sliced mushrooms and umami aioli, and a texturally confusing seaweed salad. However, audible hums and lip-licking nods of approval at other tables made it clear not everyone shared this sentiment, so perhaps a clash of preferences. A spread of technicolour desserts was the perfect way to end the night, including a souffle-like pot of warming sponge with a banana kick, and a tart raspberry slice that wouldn’t look out of place in the Tate. Connor Sturges

Address: Akira Back London, 22 Hanover Square, London W1S 1JP
Price: £££
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Chez Roux, Marylebone

When Michel Roux Jr declared he was closing the doors of his beloved Le Gavroche after 56 years, a gasp ricocheted across London. But soon after, the legendary chef broke the news of a fresh venture – Chez Roux. Here, he's looking back to his childhood in Kent. The restaurant is set in the Palm Court of The Langham Hotel in Fitzrovia, a glossy spot with sparkling chandeliers, leather banquettes and silvery hues. Food served here blends British classics with Roux’s famed French cooking techniques. “Many of the recipes that graced tables in the ’60s have faded into obscurity, yet the essence of those dishes holds a special place in my heart – with a hint of nostalgia and boundless excitement,” the menu’s front page welcome from the chef reads. This nostalgia is reflected in dishes such as Welsh rarebit with French mustard, Montgomery cheddar and pickled walnuts; salmon rillettes on a bed of Jersey Royals and leeks, and – the star of the tasting menu – a Buccleuch beef fillet with the creamiest Colcannon mash. For drinks, start with a glass of fizz (the Hambledon Classic Cuvée is delightful) or a cocktail aperitif (the Madeira Cobbler is like a fruity starter in itself), and round off with a dessert wine to pair with the Stichelton and Pitchfork cheese course or the creamy vanilla rice pudding served tableside and topped with crystallised pistachios and a red currant coulis. If you’re craving classic comfort food cooked with flair and finished with a flourish, this is the place to book. Olivia Morelli

Address: 1C Portland Place, London W1B 1JA
Price: £££
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Best new London restaurants in May 2024

Lita, Marylebone

The vibes are high even from the outside of Lita, a beautiful and buzzy newcomer to Marylebone. I’m here on London’s first coat-free evening of the year, and the doors to Lita – the name comes from ‘abuelita’ – have cleverly vanished, with packed tables speckled with coupe glasses spilling out onto the sunny street. Inside there’s just as much sunny jour de vive to bask in under the exposed wooden joists, with a hive of The Bear-esque “chef, yes chef!” energy coming from the open kitchen. The open-standing fire grill is a form of carnivorous entertainment in itself, as chefs impressively manoeuvre gargantuan hunks of Galician beef and Peak District T-Bones on the racks. The seasonally-led menu meets elegantly rustic decor concept – all mahogany velvet banquettes and terracotta tile herringbone floors – comes via Irish chef Luke Ahearne, formerly head chef at Corrigan’s Mayfair. The menu ventures towards southern Europe – sharing plates of smoked Basque sardines swimming in an oily vinaigrette pool and fish-finger-sized chunks of Fuentes Bluefin tuna cocooned in zesty layers of corno peppers, coriander and capers. The sourdough bread is pillow-thick, best ordered with the summer-in-Spain topping of pan con tomate and Cantarian anchovy. Seafood is a highlight here, from the St Austell mussels and Cornish cockles in the linguine to the wild South Coast seabass. This fish finale is the whole Cornish turbo, all 1.3kg and £130 price tag, and one to share between a group. Although between the cracking cocktail menu and the cosy booths, Lita feels like it best lends itself to a romantic meal for two. One that should end on a sugar-high note via one of the pretty puddings – the Gariguette strawberry mille-feuille and the deconstructed Amalfi lemon meringue pie was just as much of a highlight as the mains. Lauren Burvill

Address: 7-9 Paddington Street, London W1U 5QH
Price: £££
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July, Fitzrovia

There is something immensely satisfying when you feel as though you’ve stumbled upon a new favourite restaurant. This cutesy neighbourhood spot has that understated European feel so many London restaurants strive for, but few manage to pull off. Patchwork tiles set the tone for the interiors – serotonin-boosting primary colours come alive in the sunlight streaming in from the front windows, with canary yellow banquettes, red leather stools, and light-blue tables. Come sundown, delve further into the restaurant where moody low-lighting and candlelit tables create a more romantic setting. The menu is Alsace-inspired, blending recipes and techniques from France, Germany and Switzerland to suit the seasons – think deep-fried French cheese with cornichons and new potatoes drizzled with brown butter, braised sausages with a creamy mustard and bean mash with sauerkraut and perfectly flakey smoked trout with creamed nettle and horseradish. Dishes are simple but elegant and thoughtful – you’ll find no unnecessary flourishes or extravagant plating, just unpretentious, delicious cooking. The restaurant doubles as a wine bar, with an excellent array of whites, reds, ambers, sparkling and dessert wine, plus some innovative cocktails like a melon negroni or a walnut old fashioned. It’s uncomplicated European hospitality at its most delightful. Olivia Morelli

Address: 10 Charlotte Street, W1T 2LT
Price: ££
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Oma, Borough Market

It’s no easy task introducing a new restaurant to Borough Market. The food market is one of London’s oldest, and each new foodie hotspot that opens up is subject to the criticism of the hordes of weekend foodies searching for the next best thing. But if anyone knows a thing or two about how to cause a buzz in the London food scene, it's David Carter (Smokestak founder and co-founder of Manteca, two of the capital’s best-loved restaurants). Along with a team of chefs from the likes of Sabor, Kiln and E5 Bakehouse, Carter has created a menu of Greek-inspired dishes that bring the flavour of summer and the sea to central London. Inside, tables are arranged around an open kitchen, with flickering candles casting a romantic glow over the pared-back dining room. Dishes are split into sections: spreads for dipping fluffy hunks of bread into, crudo for zingy bowls of fresh fish, small plates and skewers for those who like to share and larger plates for those who’d rather not. The chalkstream trout tartare was a highlight, with sweet datterini tomatoes and pink fish offset with peppery red onions and a zesty, cheek-pinching dressing (I could drink bowls of the stuff); as was the spring asparagus skewer, with a wild garlic pesto and heaped shavings of Greek graviera cheese. Wine is also a focal point here – the restaurant has close to 500 bottles on offer, each fizzing with coastal minerals from Greek shorelines, and plenty of fresh, skin-contact and pink options to boot. For a reliable date night spot with delicious sharing plates (though you may fight over the last bite), Oma is the place to book. Olivia Morelli

Address: 2-4 Bedale St, London SE1 9AL
Price: ££
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Arlington, St. James's

“Have you been to Arlington yet?” must be one of the most asked questions in London at the moment. Those who can say “yes” do so with more than a hint of pride; those who can't return to frantically refreshing the website hoping to bag one of the hottest tables in town. The hype around this restaurant is unsurprising – it’s the homecoming of a beloved London legend. Jeremy King opened Le Caprice behind The Ritz at 20 Arlington Street with Chris Corbin in 1981. Forty years later, after opening several of London’s most famed restaurants, including The Ivy, J Sheekey, and Colbert, he returned to open Arlington. It’s as buzzy and brilliant as ever, with Jeremy moving ever so coolly between tables, greeting guests, royalty and rockstars like old friends (as many of them are). A thoroughly modern engine underpins art-deco elegance, the very best of a bygone era of the London restaurant scene masterfully refreshed for a new reign. The menu is bursting with British and European classics, including salmon fishcakes with sorrel sauce, shepherd’s pie and beer-battered haddock and chips. The bang bang chicken and crispy duck and watercress salad are the perfect warm-up acts – light, refreshing and fragrant, best enjoyed with an ice-cold glass of Cote de Provence rosé. The service is faultless, reassuringly weighty plates placed delicately with an ‘A’ perfectly positioned at the top. “This restaurant is fundamental to my history; it is in my DNA, my very soul”, declares Jeremy. Aren't we lucky that he also wants it to be part of his future. Louisa Parker Bowles

Address: 20 Arlington Street, St. James's, London SW1A 1RG
Price: £££
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The Cocochine, Mayfair

It’s no easy feat to bag a Mayfair address. Locals and visitors alike are familiar with the grand storefronts lining Bond Street, so you can imagine our surprise when we turned onto a quiet mews in the heart of London searching for The Cocochine. We walked by the restaurant not once but twice before noticing the understated entry – a deep red awning framed by the warm glow of Mayfair’s newest address.

Cocochine is the love child of Sri Lankan-born Chef Larry Jayasekara and Hamiltons Gallery owner Tim Jefferies. And love child it is. It is apparent to us that each detail in this four-story townhouse was painstakingly considered; bespoke lighting to minimise shadows, a hand-painted mosaic inspired by Guido Mocafico and leather handrails that match that of the steak knives. The first floor is an intimate space where diners can enjoy an a la carte menu, while the second floor is home to the chef’s counter. Diners can sip on a glass of a Burgundy in the basement-slash-wine cellar, while the top floor is a private event space equipped with a kitchen, dining table and sumptuous couches.

We start with an array of off-menu canapés before moving on to the starters. The Orkney Island scallops with creamy pumpkin and a zingy elderflower sauce is the star, as was the melt-in-your-mouth Otoro topped with caviar. Next is the bread course, a soft, steaming bun with the taste and smell of comforting French onion soup. The mains included 40-day-aged beef sirloin with razor clams and, my favourite, the dry-aged wild fillet of turbot. We topped it off with a Cocochine chocolate biscuit with caviar and an apple savarin. Cocochine is still ironing out the kinks when it comes to ambience, but there is no arguing that the food and design are masterfully executed. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re a diner in search of a classy Mayfair den. Amber Port

Address: The Cocochine, 27 Bruton Place, London W1J 6NQ
Price: £££
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Mimosa, Marylebone

As I battle my way through the driving rain on what is supposed to be a spring evening in London, in my head I can picture no better place to be than on the sun-soaked French Riviera. Luckily, I’m getting as close as I can by visiting Mimosa, The Langham’s brand-new restaurant. The sister restaurant to its Paris counterpart, which opened in 2021, Mimosa aims to bring the spirit of the South of France and Italian Riviera to the city. As I step into the dining room, I’m enveloped by the warmth and glitz you might associate with such a theme. Opulent marble and dark wood are offset by a towering fig tree and bright, kitschy design details. The menu is an equally opulent and quirky roadmap of the Riviera. We spent many minutes – and a few semi-heated debates – poring over the variety of dishes on offer. Do we opt for the signature Mimosa egg with truffle or bottarga, the sea bream or beef carpaccio? Sidenote: as charming as sharing plates are in concept, it’s important to choose your dining partners wisely to avoid any hangry fallouts. We eventually settled for a wafer-thin beef carpaccio with fried capers, as well as a perfectly pink and plump yellowfin tuna belly with a rich, peppery sauce to start. Next, an unassuming corn-fed coquelet served with thyme, bulbous roasted garlic and lemon had us picking the carcass for every last strip of succulent meat. Buttery and herby crushed potatoes were served in abundance alongside, and a gargantuan meatball swimming in a sweet pomodoro sauce with lashings of stracciatella was really a sight to behold. We washed it all down with a light and lively Beaujolais – a deviation from the southern France theme but a delicious one at that. Finally, as we slumped deeper and deeper into the plush velvet sofa, we decided we had to opt for the original Italian ‘pick me up’, a tiramisu. Served “deconstructed”, we watched as the familiarly rich and decadent layers were pieced together at the table and finished with a flourish of cascading cocoa. While I still don’t really understand the benefit of serving a deconstructed dessert – or any dish for that matter – I can’t deny it was a suitably fun and over-the-top way to finish our dining experience.

Address: Mimosa, The Langham, London, 1C Portland Place, London W1B 1JA
Price: £££
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Best new London restaurants in March 2024

The Tamil Crown, Angel

Is the hype about The Tamil Crown – sister restaurant to the nearby The Tamil Prince – warranted? Plenty seem to think so. Entering the pub-meets-Indian gastro delight, I’m faced with bolshy hopefuls trying to score an elusive table anywhere on the premises, whether upstairs in the main dining room or the more casual ground-floor space. Truthfully, I enter every new Indian restaurant with some caution. So often, they’re designed to suit a Western palate, but being South Indian, I grew up eating food that essentially tastes like fire. So, when ordering the onion bhajis, I instinctively fear the worst and balance that with a vegetarian uttapam, a South Indian pancake I grew up eating. Joyfully, both small plates were the perfectly balanced combination of home cooking with a luxurious twist.

We move to the larger plates which, as a word of warning to the hungry, aren’t that large. But the tamarind-infused aubergine curry, moreish coconut prawn moilee and excellent Thanjavur chicken curry worked beautifully shared between two, with coconut rice (ask for a side of yoghurt to have with it.) The soft, buttery roti tastes like the ultimate flour-based love child of a flaky Malabar paratha and a petal-soft rumali roti. Though nothing is hot or spicy as such, the rich flavours ensure my mouth isn’t left wanting at all.

If you don’t have space for pudding, take a speedy walk around the block and make some. The gulab jamun – or warm doughnut-like balls - came not in the usual sweet syrup, but in creamy payasam instead, a fragrant traditional south Indian milk-based soup-like pudding infused with cardamom and saffron. Despite being stuffed, it’s impossible to leave a morsel of its evocative and comforting sweetness behind. A week later and I’m already plotting my return. If you love unique flavours, Indian food and a relaxed setting, then this is sure to become your new favourite spot. Anita Bhagwandas

Address: The Tamil Crown, 16 Elia Street, London N1 8DE
Price: ££
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Best new London restaurants in January 2024

The Pelican, Notting Hill

Let’s face it, London is not short of buzzy gastro pubs with menus promising to be the one-stop food and drink destination in town. But what so many of these establishments sacrifice somewhere along the face-lift process is their soul, and that’s where The Pelican stands head and shoulders above the rest. Established in 1872, this Notting Hill boozer has earned its reputation as a cornerstone of West London, trying many different hats along the way with its long and storied history. The latest hat has been perfectly placed by restaurateur James Gummer alongside co-owners Phil Winser and Richard Squire who undertook a hefty refurb back in 2022. The resulting space is an understated delight, with a shabby-chic aesthetic, roaring open fire and plenty of cosy nooks and crannies perfect for sipping cool pints while spilling gossip between mouthfuls of bar snacks.

The success of the refurbishment is made obvious as we force our way through the doors on a bustling Friday night in January. Thankfully, the dining area is tucked away in the back – a snug, candlelit room reminiscent of a French farmhouse kitchen. Aside from the aesthetics, the real heart of the pub's transformation lies, of course, in the food. Helmed by the acclaimed head chef Owen Kenworthy, highlights from the carefully curated menu include succulent bone marrow with a fresh parsley salad (a not-so-subtle ode to the famed St John equivalent), the juiciest of langoustine with lashings of lemon and a crunchy chargrilled King cabbage. The pièce de résistance was a gargantuan black bream dubbed by my very discerning mother, “quite possibly the best fish I’ve ever had”. If you’re feeling hungry the lobster and monkfish pie looked like an absolute triumph. Made for sharing between two to four people, we were too defeatist to make an attempt on this visit, but trust me when I say I'll be back to tuck in – elastic waistband at the ready. Lucy Bruton

Address: 45 All Saints Rd, London W11 1HE
Price: £££
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Sune, Broadway Market

Renowned sommelier Honey Spencer and partner Charlie Sims (formerly of Copenhagen’s Noma) are a food-and-wine pairing in human form. The power duo – who between them have 35 years of experience via Sydney, Mexico, and London’s Michelin-starred Lyle’s – have joined forces to launch Broadway Market’s latest eatery. Sune (derived from the Old Norse word for ‘son’), serves up British fare with international accents. The starters are a joy, from the Carlingford oysters in a koji mignonette, to the grilled flatbread slathered with trout roe and a horseradish cream that clears the sinuses without immolating them. It takes some self-discipline not to linger permanently at this stage of the meal, but the mains maintain the high standard; highlights include strozzapreti pasta and tangy, wild mushrooms and Rockefeller toasties with a parmesan, bacon, pecorino and spinach filling. The grilled pork chop comes in a jus, whose prawn, lemongrass and miso notes give strong, pan-Asian vibes. Spencer, a wine director at Studio Paskin, has curated a sure-footed selection of natural wines, including the Yo El Rey Grenache and Syrah from Stellenbosch in South Africa, their quietly charismatic flavours pairing well with everything. The brown rice sake, however, evokes Marmite and proved equally divisive on our table. It’s all enjoyed amid warm and woody, candlelit interiors, with windows overlooking the Regent’s Canal. And with plans to build a balcony at the back, we can look forward to glorious sunsets over the water in the summer. Yet another reason, if more were needed, for a return visit. Noo Saro-Wiwa

Address: Sune, 129A Pritchard’s Road, London E2 9AP
Price: £££
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