Guide to the best new restaurants in London

Inis is a charming canalside restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, complemented by relaxed weekend brunches and Sunday roasts. This contemporary venue features outdoor seating during the warmer months and offers a selection of seasonal British and Irish fare. Highlights from the menu include the likes of a full Irish breakfast, whiskey-smoked salmon on Irish brown bread with crème fraiche and pickled onion, and mussels accompanied by chips and garlic bread.

Cloth, a dining and wine bar establishment in Farringdon, resides within a historic Grade II-listed building on Cloth Fair. This venue features both a casual bar space, where patrons can enjoy a variety of drinks and snacks, and a more formal dining area that serves lunch and dinner. The menu highlights seasonal British ingredients in specialties such as brown crab and Berkswell tagliarini, or hogget sausage paired with chickpeas. A rotating weekly set lunch is offered as well.

Roe in Wood Wharf comes from the trio behind Fallow. Spread across three levels, it features a terrace with views of the canal and an exclusive dining area on the mezzanine. It also boasts the world's first plant-based, compostable 3D-printed interior, highlighting a commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness. In line with Fallow's ethos of waste reduction, Roe offers a diverse á la carte menu specialising in nose-to-tail cooking with a focus on British ingredients and underutilised produce.

Jamie Oliver's Catherine Street restaurant marks the famous chef's UK return, his first eatery here since his British restaurants went into administration. Situated in a Grade I heritage building in Covent Garden, this ingredient-focused venue celebrates local vendors and British dishes, blending classic Oliver creations with fresh recipes and daily specials. It also features an alfresco terrace.

Located in Whitechapel, Sotto Cucina & Bar is an intimate Italian restaurant that focuses on flavours from Sicily. Modern dishes here are prepared using fine British ingredients along with some special imported products. Sicilian and Mediterranean wines are on offer to pair with the food. The subterranean space is enhanced with specially-commissioned art.

Peckham's Café Britaly presents a unique "authentically Britalian" gastronomic adventure, merging British and Italian cuisine. This café is the inaugural joint venture of chef Alex Purdie, with a background at Bouchon Racine and Bocca di Lupo, and Richard Crampton-Platt, who has worked with both Bocca di Lupo and Gelupo. Patrons can anticipate unique dishes such as a full Britalian breakfast and a bold version of carbonara with cream.

Fellini embodies the essence of timeless Italian hospitality and la dolce vita, presenting a chic, upscale dining experience in Mayfair. Decorated with black-and-white framed photographs, a terrazzo marble bar, and lush greenery for a summer feel, the restaurant offers authentic Italian dishes with a variety of sharing options, making it ideal for group dining. Additionally, outdoor seating is available during the warmer months.

At All'onda, a refined restaurant in Fitzrovia, the spotlight is on risotto. The skilled head chef artfully blends time-honoured techniques with modern twists to present a seasonal selection of this beloved Italian dish, ranging from the traditional squid ink risotto to creative concoctions like sweetbread and artichoke. With its combination of dark wood, tasteful decorative touches, and cosy, inviting lighting, the restaurant elegantly enhances the local dining landscape.

Originating from Lecce, Tabisca brings a touch of elegance to London as a restaurant and lounge, boasting a captivating interior adorned with striking artwork. Specialising in meat, its menu centres on premium cuts sourced globally, paired with an exquisite selection of fine wines. Located in Chelsea, a standout feature of Tabisca's menu includes an array of charcuterie and cheese platters, brimming with high-quality Italian meats and dairy products.

Grasso, situated on Dean Street, is a New York Italian-style eatery offering an array of traditional dishes, including the signature spaghetti and meatballs, chicken Parmesan, a hefty Caesar salad, and a vodka sauce pizza. Spread across two floors, this venue features private dining spaces, a DJ booth, and twin bars, merging classic Italian warmth with a contemporary dining ambiance.

Dalla encapsulates its founders' dream of a welcoming neighbourhood hub dishing out soothing Italian cuisine. Occupying the compact location that previously housed Bright, Dalla's intimate ambiance is enhanced with Italian designer touches, providing a serene oasis in bustling Hackney. Here, age-old Italian recipes meet contemporary surroundings, all paired with exquisite wines and a sense of coming home to family.

Once a hotspot for celebrities in West London, the famed Julie's shut its doors in 2022. It made a comeback a few years later, reinventing itself as a French brasserie under the leadership of a chef trained at Le Cordon Bleu. The new establishment stretches across a ground-floor dining room and bar, a basement dining space, and an alfresco terrace. One of Julie's standout features is the martini trolley, which delivers a theatrical cocktail experience right to your table.

Originating from the Michelin-starred Wild Honey St James, Bistrot at Wild Honey occupies the lower-level entrance of the same location, drawing inspiration from Parisian bistro culture. With its informal setting, complete with a counter and red leather banquettes, Bistrot offers lunch and dinner, complemented by a select wine list and signature cocktails. Dishes include the likes of ricotta gnudi, steak frites, and Paris Brest.

July in Fitzrovia is an elegant all-day dining destination and wine bar, drawing inspiration from the Alsace region of France. Offering food throughout the day, it serves meals from morning breakfast and coffee to late-night bar snacks. Accompanying the food is a thoughtfully selected wine list, emphasising low-intervention wines sourced from small-scale European producers.

Josephine in Chelsea, a new restaurant by renowned chef Claude Bosi, is a homage to his grandmother and his early days in Lyon. This bistro offers a selection of traditional Lyonnaise dishes and timeless French favourites, all influenced by the recipes of Bosi's grandmother. The space is roomy and inviting.

Mistress of Mayfair, an elegant Parisian-style restaurant in St James's Street, specialises in sophisticated French cuisine with a contemporary flair. The menu features delicacies such as lobster rolls, caviar, and oysters, paired with a champagne trolley, classic cocktails, and an extensive wine selection. Adding to the lively vibe, DJs play music late into the night, though entry after 11pm is only for members.

Camille, a charming French bistro with both indoor and outdoor seating, is run by the same group responsible for Ducksoup and Little Duck The Picklery. Situated in close proximity to Borough Market, Camille uses the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients available there to present a menu steeped in regional French culinary traditions, drawing inspiration from travels across France. The food is complemented by a thoughtfully selected wine list that features small, artisanal French winemakers.

La Palombe, the sister establishment and next-door companion to Il Portico – London's longest-standing family-owned restaurant – specialises in French Basque-style grilling. The eatery prides itself on rustic dishes, top-notch ingredients, and upscale culinary techniques. It boasts an open kitchen design, highlighting a spacious open-fire grill and rotisserie, and also offers a selection of game meats on its menu.

Boca a Boca offers a taste of Spain throughout the day, presenting a diverse range of tapas and traditional regional delights like paella. Patrons can enjoy a curated selection of Spanish wines alongside their meals. The establishment includes a bar, an in-house jamoneria deli, and a private space available for events, which hosts activities such as wine tastings, live music sessions, and more.

Oma, led by chefs formerly of Kiln and Sabor, draws its culinary influence from the Greek islands. The menu is rich in fresh seafood and wholesome Mediterranean dishes, including hummus masabacha, harissa-grilled prawns, and lamb belly skewers. The restaurant's design is inspired by natural landscapes, featuring earthy tones and textures, and includes a raw bar, an open-plan kitchen, and an expansive terrace with views of Borough Market.

The sibling establishment to the upstairs Oma, Agora contrasts its counterpart's elegance with a vibrant ambience, energised by the buzz of Borough Market. This laid-back Greek eatery offers smoky street food from Athens, such as spit-roast pork, paired with refreshing cocktails. Throughout the day, you can also grab a takeaway coffee or pastry here. Come evening, anticipate a cosier yet spirited atmosphere.

Carmel, established by the founders of Berber & Q, brings fresh Mediterranean vibes to Fitzrovia. This minimalistic restaurant and bar, open for meals throughout the day, specialises in live-fire and wood-roasted cooking. It offers a variety of both small and large dishes, designed for sharing around the table. Additionally, Carmel features a brunch menu boasting distinctive Middle Eastern culinary delights.

Renowned Michelin-starred chef Jean-François Piège is at the helm of Mimosa Riviera Cuisine London, a culinary extension of a Paris-based restaurant influenced by the French Riviera. Located within the opulent Langham hotel, this eatery features playful, lush decor, offering a menu infused with Mediterranean flavours that highlight the finest French ingredients and culinary traditions.

Lita, created by the team behind Burger & Lobster, is led by the ex-head chef of Corrigan's in Mayfair. Located in Marylebone, the restaurant's focus is on live-fire cooking, showcased in its open kitchen. Lita takes great pride in procuring the highest quality ingredients from the UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe for its culinary creations.

Morchella, created by the minds behind Perilla in Newington Green, offers a minimalist Mediterranean dining experience, complete with an adjacent wine bar. Echoing the spirit of its sister restaurant, Morchella aims to be a laid-back local haunt, perfect for unwinding and enjoying a variety of seasonal, shareable plates. The restaurant also offers options for private dining and outdoor seating.

Led by a chef who previously honed his skills at Cecconi's and Cacciari's, Bellazul brings the warmth and friendliness of the Mediterranean to Marylebone. The restaurant and bar offer an extensive Mediterranean-inspired menu, featuring everything from tagines to pasta. Alongside these classic dishes, they introduce inventive twists like focaccia-infused gin, adding a unique flair to their culinary repertoire.

The Brush, located within the Art'otel London in Hoxton, spans two floors and draws inspiration from the opulent grand cafés of Central Europe. On the ground floor, guests are welcomed into a dining space enclosed by glass walls, offering refined European dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The upper level hosts a lounge ideal for working or unwinding, complete with a bar serving cocktails and evening live music for a relaxed ambience.

The Cardinal Bar and Kitchen at Hotel Saint is an all-day dining venue. It provides a choice of seating, both indoors and outdoors, and creates a welcoming, friendly environment. The restaurant specialises in European-style dishes, including options like steak frites and stracciatella with slow-roasted tomatoes, dukkah, and garlic toast. Additionally, there's a bar offering a range of signature cocktails and other drinks.

Thirty7, created by the minds behind The Oystermen, is a charming two-storey venue featuring a cocktail bar on the lower level. The establishment exudes a vintage ambiance, characterised by exposed brickwork and wooden furnishings.

Situated within the Studio Voltaire gallery, Crispin is a contemporary European eatery and bar, offering both indoor and al fresco dining options. This elegant yet simple venue presents a menu of seasonal fare, showcasing traditional British and European cuisine, paired with eco-friendly wines on tap and a carefully selected list of seasonal wines. Additionally, the establishment seeks to connect with the local artistic communities through a range of initiatives.

Famed restaurateur Jeremy King revisits the very spot that marked the beginning of his illustrious career journey. What was once Le Caprice, an iconic celebrity hotspot during the 1980s and 1990s, has been reborn as Arlington, breathing new life into a beloved classic. Brunch, lunch, and dinner are served here, with the menu revolving around modern European cuisine.

Kinkally in Fitzrovia offers an upscale spin on classic Georgian dumplings (khinkali), stuffing these miniature delicacies with ingredients like wagyu, butternut squash, and black truffle, or pheasant in a wild-mushroom broth. It also serves other Georgian small plates, desserts, and the like. The restaurant decor incorporates traditional Georgian symbols, yet maintains a light-hearted ambiance, further embracing its cheeky name with Bar Kinky in the basement.

Developed by two experienced individuals in the hospitality industry, Sune is ideally located alongside the canal at Broadway Market, featuring a delightful outdoor seating area. The restaurant welcomes guests for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, offering a menu of meticulously crafted dishes, including options like ricotta gnudi with octopus and n'duja, or lamb neck served with apple mustard and peppercorn gravy.

Grand European-style café The Wolseley has long been a staple of Piccadilly's dining scene and now it's expanded to King William Street in The City. This all-day dining destination serves classic British and European dishes, and has several on-site bars as well as private dining facilities. The decor is inspired by the original location.

The Counter is a modern, chef-led eatery and bar, specialising in open-fire charcoal grill cooking. Influenced by the culinary traditions of South Eastern Anatolia and the Balkans, they procure the finest artisans to contribute their expertise to the menu, which is product-focused and changes with the seasons. Centrally located, the kitchen forms an open counter, inviting guests to convene and socialise. Outdoor seating is offered as well.

El Pastor is one of London's top places for tacos and soon you'll be able to get them at Battersea Power Station with the group's newest location, opening in 2024. Flavour-packed food is dished up in a colourful and vibrant setting, with classic taco fillings to choose from like chicken, mushrooms, or pulled pork. Alternatively, grab a sharing plate for a social meal.

Cult Hollywood star Danny Trejo brought his eponymous taco joint from the US to London in 2024, occupying a spacious location in Notting Hill complete with open-air seating and a hidden cocktail bar. Though its celebrity ties are undoubtedly part of the draw, the restaurant's success in the US is also due to its delicious Mexican offerings. Trejo's Tacos London showcases signature tacos filled with specialties like steak asada & pepita pesto, shrimp tostados, and more.

Situated in Chelsea, Ixchel is a modern Mexican eatery perfect for gatherings, thanks to its spacious tables that accommodate groups seeking to indulge in tacos and tequilas. Led by a skilled chef, the restaurant offers refined interpretations of ceviches, tostadas, quesadillas, and other beloved Mexican classics. Complementing the flavourful dishes is an extensive assortment of artisanal spirits from the Latin American country, also served in a hidden tequila bar.

Keep Chaating in Covent Garden is an Indian street-food venue led by seasoned chef Priti Prakash, who holds a deep passion for traditional street food from her native India. The menu boasts a variety of aromatic and authentic Indian dishes, encompassing a range of curries, wok-fried specials, and snacks like parathas. This cosy restaurant features a classic Indian ambience and also offers a selection of breakfast dishes.

The founders of the successful Islington hotspot, The Tamil Prince, have returned with their second venture, The Tamil Crown. Located in Angel, this spacious two-story establishment also offers outdoor seating. Anticipate the same delectable South Indian fare that propelled The Tamil Prince to fame, featuring both beloved classics and innovative creations. Complement your meal with a selection of cocktails and Indian beers, all within a lively pub atmosphere.

Endo Kazutoshi, a third-generation sushi master, elevates his delicate craft to new heights in the refurbished OWO building. Kioku by Endo, located on the grand rooftop of The OWO, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city along with exquisitely prepared Japanese delicacies, including the chef's table experience. Additionally, outdoor seating is available, and a separate ground-floor entrance leads to an accompanying sake bar.

Opened in 2023 as 20 Berkeley, this British restaurant was revamped a year later and reopened as Nijū, with renowned sushi master Endo Kazutoshi at the helm. Now focusing on an ingredient-driven menu, Nijū features 'Katei Ryori' home-cooked style dishes crafted by Kazutoshi. The restaurant maintains its upscale ambience, complete with a custom sushi bar, and offers an exclusive private dining room and a cosy bar for cocktails and Japanese-inspired sandwiches.

Clap London is a premium Japanese dining concept originally launched in Dubai. The London branch occupies three floors of the K1 redevelopment in Knightsbridge, with the upmarket venue spanning a café on the ground floor, a lavish restaurant, and a rooftop bar with stunning views of the area. Expect a range of refined Japanese delicacies on the menu, including sushi and top-grade wagyu, as well as an omakase experience.

A new venture from Los Mochis, Juno is an intimate omakase restaurant serving traditional Japanese dishes with a Mexican touch. Don't expect a menu here - instead you get 15 imaginative courses with drinks pairings available. This restaurant on the ground floor of Los Mochis has only six seats and two sittings per day, with diners eating in a low-lit and rustic space.

Iné, the younger yet larger sibling of the renowned Taku omakase restaurant in Mayfair, continues the tradition of delivering an impeccable omakase experience, but at a friendlier price point. Located in Hampstead, Iné also features booths for à la carte dining, offering a full sushi and sashimi menu. On the first floor, you'll find a sophisticated bar for sake and snacks.

Mama Li, a family-owned Chinese restaurant, specialises in Hong Kong-style roasted meats, offering a variety of options including duck. The menu also includes noodles, small plates, and chef's special dishes, with vegetarian choices available. The dining area boasts a classic and simple design, but takeaway service is offered as well. It's an excellent choice for a quick grab-and-go pit stop.

Dream Xi'an, a new addition to chef Guirong Wei's collection of London-based Xi'an restaurants, offers classic street food from China's Xi'an province in a contemporary setting adorned with traditional Chinese motifs. Expect cult dishes like hand-pulled biang biang noodles and steamed dumplings, complemented by a range of chef's specials including kung pao chicken and potato slivers. This restaurant presents Chinese cuisine in a refreshingly unique way.

Uba in Shoreditch takes its guests on a journey through Asian cuisine. The restaurant boasts opulent furnishings, drawing inspiration from Asian cultural themes. It's adorned in a palette of red and gold, featuring banquette seating, lava-stone tables, and an eye-catching marble bar. The menu's highlights are dishes such as spicy salmon tartare or Angus beef gyoza. The dining experience is enhanced by live DJ performances, and private dining is also on offer.

Singapulah, a Soho-based restaurant and delicatessen, showcases the rich variety of Singaporean cuisine. Supported by the Singaporean government, this four-level establishment rotates its spotlight on various Singaporean brands and food manufacturers every six months. Authentic dishes in the restaurant incorporate these featured products, which are also available for purchase in the store.

Scott Hallsworth, formerly of Nobu, reopened his successful pop-up as a permanent site in a warm and inviting venue in Fulham and is now hitting the expansion trail. The Balham restaurant showcases the chef's unique interpretation of pan-Asian cuisine, fusing together different culinary traditions in innovative ways. The menu features inventive dishes such as the iconic salmon sashimi pizza with truffle ponzu, and black cod tacos with scorched red chili salsa.

Big Night in the former Nest space provides the ideal relaxed setting for a, yes, big night out. Drawing inspiration from Japanese izakayas, this vibrant Hackney venue specialises in skewering an array of seasonal British ingredients and grilling them over charcoal, infusing flavours from across Asia. It's a lively spot to engage in uplifting conversations with friends while enjoying delicious small plates and drinks.

Previously boasting the city's largest restaurant space, Gilgamesh London downsized to a more compact venue in 2023. Despite the reduction in size, the establishment maintains a grand presence with a lounge bar, a garden-themed mezzanine, and an intimate dining area on the lower level. The design takes inspiration from the “Epic of Gilgamesh”, while the upscale menu features a diverse array of dishes influenced by culinary traditions from across Asia.

A new concept from the backers of notable Filipino ventures like Mamasons and Panadera, Donia joins Kingly Court as a restaurant deeply rooted in Filipino heritage. Patrons can anticipate a captivating selection of inventive Filipino culinary delights.

Paradise Cove London marks the exciting new chapter of Chef Tee's cherished local haunt, formerly known as Sugarcane. This spot continues to deliver genuine Caribbean cuisine in a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. Despite its small size and the bustling crowd, the cosy space adds to the charm. The menu boasts a range of Caribbean favourites, featuring an abundance of fish, ribs, and plantains, and be sure to leave room for their signature rum-soaked cakes.

Fremantle Bar & Kitchen, located within the Crowne Plaza London Docklands hotel, provides all-day dining in an elegant open-plan space that draws inspiration from the local area's history. The menu at Fremantle features Australasian-inspired cuisine, complemented by a selection of international wines and locally-distilled spirits. The restaurant includes a year-round terrace and offers private dining spaces as well.

Renowned French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten brings his celebrated NYC brand, ABC, to London with a new establishment at The Emory in Belgravia. Featuring stunning views of Hyde Park through its glass façade, this sophisticated restaurant provides all-day dining options showcasing the chef's acclaimed Latin-inspired dishes. Patrons can look forward to culinary delights like pizza oven-roasted lobster, pork confit tacos, and Wagyu steaks.

The Cocochine, a project by Larry Jayasekara, former National Chef of the Year and ex-head chef at Pétrus, and art dealer Tim Jefferies, is an upmarket Mayfair establishment with a distinctive artistic ambiance. Jayasekara's à la carte menu champions seasonal and regenerative ingredients, treating patrons to a cosmopolitan symphony of flavours. You can also book the chef's counter or the exclusive private dining space.

Yum Bug is a pioneering brand focusing on insect-based ingredients, especially edible crickets, touted as the future of food. Adventurous diners can choose from a menu offering an array of bug-infused dishes, such as cricket mince & pomegranate flatbreads, cricket kofte, or even whole roasted crickets as a snack. Yum Bug Restaurant was driven by the overwhelming popularity of the brand's pop-up events and features a stripped-down, industrial setting.

Celebrated chef Whyte Rushen transitioned from pop-up ventures to a permanent location in late 2023. In his snug, warmly lit restaurant in Hackney, he offers a menu featuring his signature eclectic dishes, drawing culinary inspiration from around the globe. The dining experience is enhanced by a variety of cocktails and a carefully chosen wine list that showcases international vintages.

Founded by the same team as Yaatra and located just beneath it, Shanghai Noir specialises in contemporary Indo-Chinese fusion, melding the tastes and cooking styles of both nations in a variety of creative dishes. Spicy food enthusiasts are welcomed with open arms here, with the chef's selection including a standout dish featuring Bhot Jolakhiya, the world's hottest chilli. To complement the fiery flavours, this chic underground restaurant offers a selection of cocktails and exquisite wines.

Azteca Öme, the Battersea-based spin-off of Chelsea favourite Azteca, invites patrons on a unique culinary journey fusing the flavours of Mexico and Japan. Featuring a diverse setup with a Cantina restaurant, outdoor veranda, the La Fiesta bar, and private dining options, Azteca Öme utilises local British ingredients in its menu for a contemporary touch. The interior features natural, earthy, and tribal elements, and live DJ music helps establish a vibrant ambiance.

In addition to its main dining area, Franklin & Baines, a laid-back steakhouse located in Clapham, features a lovely rooftop terrace during the warmer seasons. The menu highlights skilfully grilled steaks, complemented by a selection of small plates and other substantial options like pan-fried hake or broccoli steak. The establishment also offers a Sunday roast and various weekly deals, including 2-for-1 steak specials.

Located in Shoreditch, Pearly Queen is a trendy place to sample oysters and other inventive seafood dishes, paired with ocean-themed cocktails developed by drinks legend Max Venning. Visit the bar for drinks and snacks like shellfish hummus or have lunch or dinner in the restaurant, featuring indulgent seafood platters and 100-layer cuttlefish lasagne.

The Coco Restaurants promote a teetotaller lifestyle by providing a variety of non-alcoholic options such as mocktails and alcohol-free wine. Despite the absence of alcohol, patrons can still indulge in extravagant dishes like gold-flaked steaks. The Canary Wharf location boasts a lavishly sophisticated ambiance that complements the upscale cuisine.

Unlock, a genuine Neapolitan pizzeria in Hackney, is the brainchild of Napoli natives Arianna and Giovanni Izzo, offering pizzas crafted from traditional 30-hour fermented dough with a variety of classic and artisanal toppings. The establishment's unique character is enhanced by its eclectic decor, comprising assorted vintage furniture and a rotating display of art from both Italian and local artists. 

Temper Burger, an offshoot of the esteemed Temper steakhouses, shifts focus towards fashionable smash burger cuisine. Utilising the same high-quality beef as their steaks, the menu at Temper Burger features a variety of burgers and sides, ranging from traditional smash burgers to creative variations like the kimcheese smash burger. The venue also serves snacks like aged-beef nachos and offers a selection of decadent desserts.