As inevitable as the passing of time, there will always be a table set and waiting for you at a newly opened London restaurant.
With 2023 already well over halfway gone, a host of new bars and restaurants have served their first signature dishes and shaken up their inaugural cocktail. And there are plenty more new places still yet to open this year. Prepare your palettes, crack open those diaries, and make your reservations. These are the new bars and restaurants in London that you should be spending an evening at this year.
New London restaurants and bars
1. Fazenda
🍽️ What is it? A premium offering of the traditional South American grill and Rodizio concept finds them offering a special à la carte menu alongside the Rodizio experience. With 170 covers, three private dining rooms, a mezzanine lounge, and al-fresco tables to boot, the table-side carving experience truly reaches another level. You are invited to “experience the Pampas”.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The South-American restaurant group has already brought their Fazenda Rodizio experiences to other cities in the UK, and now London finally gets its own branch.
😋 What to order? Kick things off with the Gamba Patagonica (giant king prawns with spicy chimichurri), before settling in for the Rodizio experience. A steady stream of twelve grilled meats will make their way to be carved at the table, from Picanha (beef rump) to Chuletas de Cordero (lamb cutlets), Barriga de Porco (pork belly), and Sobrecoxa de Frango (chicken thighs). It’s all about the meat!
🗺️ Where is it? 100 Bishopsgate, EC2M 1GT. The nearest stations are Liverpool Street and Aldgate.
Find out more here.
2. Lórian
🍽️ What is it? A stunning new restaurant, bakery, and deli from some of London’s most green-thumbed restaurateurs. Expect aggressive seasonality and produce-led offerings with ingredients from their much-loved small producers. Dishes will rotate, accented by a rotating selection of cakes from Lauren Duncan (founder of Presto London) and a daily selection of pastries.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Taz Fustok and Jonathan Krauss, the team behind Notting Hill’s Laylow, have assembled a super team with Head Chef Emily Dobbs (Petersham Nurseries and Ducksoup) working alongside Johnnie Collins (180 The Strand) and plenty of other collaborators.
😋 What to order? Whatever they recommend, and whatever pastries are special for the day.
🗺️ Where is it? 162B Sloane Street, SW1X 9BS. The nearest station is Sloane Square.
Find out more here.
3. 64 Old Compton Street
🍽️ What is it? Affordable, but incredible, Italian food in a small family-run restaurant. It’s classic Italian food, in a classic Soho environment, and sleek interiors that belie the value of the seasonal dishes on offer.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The same legendary mind behind the iconic 40 Dean Street, which is just around the corner: Nima Safei.
😋 What to order? The linguine tiger prawns, the Pork & Beef Meatballs, and a White Pizza – with a glass of wine, of course. If you have room at the end, sweeten things up with the Pistachio tiramisu. If you’re after a cocktail opt for the Refuel Martini with watermelon juice, sugar syrup, and Stolichnaya.
🗺️ Where is it? erm… in case the name doesn’t give it away – 64 Old Compton Street, W1D 4UQ. The nearest stations are Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.
Find out more here.
4. The Parakeet
🍽️ What is it? Launched on the site of the landmark pub The Oxford Tavern, following its unfortunate closure, The Parakeet has brought in heavy-weight cooking talent for what just might be some of the best food you can get in a pub. They also recently launched their bar food menu, with snack-y versions of the restaurant’s signature dishes to enjoy over a few pints.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Head Chef Ben Allen previously worked at the incredible Brat restaurant and was shortlisted as one to watch at the National Restaurant Awards 2023.
😋 What to order? If you’re eating in the bar, munch on the Smoked Chicken Hot Dog (made in-house), Oysters Of The Day (with garnish changing daily), and the Leeks, Smoked Mushroom, And Pecorino on skewers. The restaurant’s menu changes often, so order widely and consult your server for advice.
🗺️ Where is it? 256 Kentish Town Rd, NW5 2AA. The nearest station is Kentish Town.
Find out more here.
5. Broken Eggs
🍽️ What is it? Spain’s greatest dish (according to our Jack Saddler, and strongly supported by me) the tortilla gets its dedicated restaurant in London. A variety of flavours and sizes make it possible to share with friends or keep them all for yourself!
🧑🍳 Who is it? Sibling duo, Gabriel and Marta Larraz first started Broken Eggs as a Deliveroo exclusive before launching a proper restaurant location.
😋 What to order? Go classic for a truly authentic taste of Spain, or if you want to try a variety, opt for the pintxo.
🗺️ Where is it? 24-25 Foley Street, Fitzrovia, W1W6DX. The nearest station is Goodge Street.
Find out more here.
6. Tendril
🍽️ What is it? A (mostly) vegan kitchen and bar that aims to showcase the possibility of plant-based cooking finds a permanent location after years of cult success pop-ups. The aim of Tendril is to not rely on meat substitutes, but embrace what plants can and do provide to dishes already. They just really, really like vegetables.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Chef and founder, Rishim Sachdeva, was once a hardcore meat-eater, until a Veganuary challenge turned his life (and opinions) around. However, he can’t resist a bit of cheese – thus why Tendril is ‘mostly’ vegan.
😋 What to order? Opt for the set Discovery Lunch or Discovery Dinner and prepare to never look at vegetables the same way again.
🗺️ Where is it? 5 Princes Street, W1B 2LQ. The nearest station is Oxford Circus.
Find out more here.
7. Epicurus
🍽️ What is it? The traditional American diner gets a modern twist with Middle Eastern flavours and inspirations. The likes of smash burgers, ribs, hot dogs and more get made over and “[repainted] with spices, flavours, and ingenuity”.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Co-founders Shiri Kraus and Amir Batito also co-founded the delectable Camden steakhouse The Black Cow, and have worked in such flavour-packed institutions as Palomar and Barbary.
😋 What to order? A burger is a must, as are the Sticky Rack ribs, the Epicurus herb-topped chips, and the Oof Gozal wings with amba mango and scotch bonnet. You also can’t leave without trying one of their alcoholic shakes made with Dondurma Turkish Ice cream. Our choice is the Baklava, Honey and Whisky Shake.
🗺️ Where is it? Unit 90, The North Yard, Camden Stables Market, NW1 8AH. The nearest stations are Camden Road and Camden Town.
Find out more here.
8. Taca Tacos
🍽️ What is it? The second brick-and-mortar location from the cult taco vendors sees them expanding over to Peckham Rye. It’s their biggest site yet, with 32 covers inside, a full-size bar, and a beer garden with room for another 30 diners.
🧑🍳 Who is it? TACA Tacos are already legends in Deptford, even though their archway taqueria only opened last year! Their street food pop-ups, which kicked off in 2019, quickly found them being regarded as some of the best tacos in South London.
😋 What to order? They’re famed for their six-hour birria, so definitely opt for at least two of those (served quesataco-style with melty cheese, of course). But be sure not to miss the Baja fish tacos, and definitely order their Taco of the Month, which always satisfies.
🗺️ Where is it?200 Rye Lane, SE15 4RX. The nearest station is Peckham Rye.
Find out more here.
9. Little Kudu
🍽️ What is it? A South-African restaurant offering up tapas and wine. Located under the railway arches, the interiors are stunning, and the food is accessible yet still offers up something new. On a sunny day, check out the little outdoor terrace for wonderful vibes.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Little Kudu is the third restaurant from the husband and wife duo behind the Kudu brand of venues, Amy Corbin and Patrick Williams.
😋 What to order? The menu changes often, but if they have the Braaibrodjie (essentially a South African Grilled Cheese) – order it immediately.
🗺️ Where is it? 133 Queen’s Rd, Peckham, SE15 2ND. The nearest station is Queen’s Road Peckham.
Find out more here.
10. Bar Rioja
🍽️ What is it? It’s a quaint little wine bar dedicated entirely to wines from the Rioja wine-producing region. Don’t be fooled, though, there’s more than just red wine on offer! They also serve up plenty of tapas and small bites, inspired by pincho-style bar snacks from the area’s capital, Logroño.
🧑🍳 Who is it? It’s the newest venture from Camino co-founder Richard Bigg, and replaces the group’s previously much-loved Bar Pepito.
😋 What to order? Try as varied a selection of wines as you can – including the less well-known whites and sparkling wines from Rioja. Be sure to also grab whatever special small platters they have on the day.
🗺️ Where is it? 3 Varnishers Yard, The Regent Quarter, King’s Cross, N1 9FD. The nearest station is King’s Cross St. Pancras.
Find out more here.
11. The Table
🍽️ What is it? The second venue for the award-winning brunch institution has opened in Battersea. They’ve even extended their hours into the evenings for guests to enjoy cocktails and small plates. The focus is, however, still very much on the brunchin’ crowd.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The Table has been keeping Londoners fed and watered with their delicious brunch offering in Southwark for 17 years. It’s helmed by the owner, Paul Appleton, and the new Director, Venus Loudon.
😋 What to order? Just go for it and order the Brunch Club, with bacon, sausage, and scrambled eggs served on either Pancakes or gluten-free Waffles, all drizzled with maple syrup. You know you want to – treat yourself.
🗺️ Where is it? 35-37 Battersea Rise, SW11 1HG. The nearest station is Clapham Junction.
Find out more here.
12. Nipperkin Bar
🍽️ What is it? A hideaway cocktail bar at the recently opened 20 Berkeley, where cocktails make use of in-house distilled spirits. Guests can enjoy a drink at the lower-ground level bar before or after their meal, sipping on creations that blend simplicity and unexpected flavour combinations. The bar itself is inspired by traditional English country manor houses and the vibe of the surrounding Mayfair area.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Angelos Bafas heads up the bar, following a storied career working across a diverse array of London’s most exciting bars and venues.
😋 What to order? The Black Mustard, a straight-up gimlet that highlights the bar’s ethos by showcasing British ingredients, including Dorset wasabi distillate mixed with Cotswolds apple eau de vie.
🗺️ Where is it? 20 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, W1J 8EE. The nearest station is Green Park.
Find out more here.
13. Cantinetta Antinori
🍽️ What is it? Promising the “finest Tuscan hospitality and exquisite wines” Cantinetta Antinori is bringing an authentic taste of Italy to London with the Antinori family’s first UK restaurant. Spread over three storeys, it’s all elegance, pasta, and live jazz in the evenings – you know the vibes.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The Antinoris are a renowned wine-making family that has been producing wine since as far back as 1385, now under the management of the 26th generation of family members.
😋 What to order? Wine – obviously, but we recommend checking with the sommelier team for the best choice. And definitely save room for the tiramisù, which is served tableside.
🗺️ Where is it? 4 Harriet Street, SW1X 9JR. The nearest station is Knightsbridge.
Find out more here.
14. Meet Bros
🍽️ What is it? A subterranean Asian-inspired steakhouse with a ‘semi-fine dining experience’ that welcomes the meet-ing of Asian and Western cuisines. Don’t be put off by its (partially) below-ground location, though – it’s absolutely GORGEOUS inside.
Fun fact: Her Majesty Queen of Malaysia Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Binti Almarhum Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj attended the grand launch opening.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Meet Bros comes from the same people that popularized the Malaysian chain Me’nate Steak Hub, and Serai Group.
😋 What to order? Select your own cut of meat (from ribeye to tomahawk) from the chiller station, and then pick an Asian marinade to infuse it with. The venue is fully halal, and so is alcohol-free.
🗺️ Where is it? 29-31 Craven Road, W2 3BX. The nearest station is Paddington.
Find out more here.
15. Najma Lebanon
🍽️ What is it? The flavoursome food of Lebanon and the warmth of Middle-Eastern hospitality combine at InterContinental London Park Lane’s new restaurant. Expect plenty of mezzeh and showstopping sharing dishes.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The team was inspired by the food from Georges Rahme, the acclaimed Lebanese chef based in IHG Hotels and Resorts in Dubai’s Festival City.
😋 What to order? Opt for the set menu for two and you’ll be in for a feast: “four mezzeh, two salads, a mixed grill platter laden with lamb chops, beef kofta, chicken wings and skewers, served with chilli garlic aioli, wild rice and baklava.”
🗺️ Where is it? One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J 7QY. The nearest station is Marble Arch.
Find out more here.
16. Karapincha
🍽️ What is it? The first brick-and-mortar location for the much-loved Sri Lankan soul food vendors.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Identical twin sisters Vasanthini and Dharshini Perumal founded the food vendor after leaving careers in finance. They also have market sites in Vauxhall, Elephant & Castle and Spitalfields.
😋 What to order? Grab a ham and cheese stuffed roti for breakfast on the go, or settle in with your very own customised curry for a hearty meal
🗺️ Where is it? Unit 14, Canary Wharf Station, E14 4HJ. The nearest station is Canary Wharf.
Find out more here.
17. Anita Gelato
🍽️ What is it? The first UK location for the world-famous Israeli ice cream brand, with 150 flavours to choose from. Every scoop of frozen delights is created on-site.
🧑🍳 Who is it? A family-owned gelato store that traces its origins back to 2002 in Tel Aviv, before opening locations in the US, Australia, Spain, Cyprus, and now London’s West End.
😋 What to order? Everyone’s ice cream order is deeply personal, so we’ll let you decide.
🗺️ Where is it? 4 Upper St Martin’s Lane, WC2H 9NY. The nearest station is Leicester Square.
Find out more here.
18. Five Points Courtyard
🍽️ What is it? In the vast courtyard area outside East London brewery, Five Points’ brewhouse and taproom, open-fire BBQ and Middle Eastern tacos are being served up alongside fresh pints and killer cocktails. Expect special collab menus as the food team invite all their friends down to cook up weird and wacky specials over the weekends.
🧑🍳 Who is it? BBQ comes courtesy of From The Ashes, and anoosh is serving up the Middle Eastern tacos. Beer comes from the brewery itself (obviously) and cocktails come from Dalston institution, Pamela.
😋 What to order? If you’re with mates and you’re all hungry, grab ‘The Works’ from annosh, which nets you two of each taco, and one of each side. But if you can only eat one thing, order the absolutely absurd Del Piero Doughnut with smoked pork, chilli jam, and nduja.
🗺️ Where is it? 61 Mare Street, E8 4RG. The nearest station is London Fields.
Find out more here.
19. Luci
🍽️ What is it? A two-storey Italian ‘dining bakery’ that draws inspiration from Milanese cafes. At the heart of it all is the 18-metre-long ‘bancone‘ (or counter) where guests can enjoy freshly baked goods and dishes from the ovens – which stay on all day long. Upstairs, a more intimate experience treats guests to seasonal Italian cuisine that draws heavily from the classics.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Chef Andrea Pesenti (formerly executive chef of Princi) heads up the kitchen of the venue, which comes from the Aqua Restaurant Group.
😋 What to order? If you only have one thing, grab Pesenti’s signature dish: the Florentine-style focaccia which comes topped with thinly-sliced green and yellow zucchini.
🗺️ Where is it? 136 Long Acre, WC2E 9AA. The nearest stations are Leicester Square and Covent Garden.
Find out more here.
20. Maroto
🍽️ What is it? An opulent new late-night bar and lounge in Marylebone, Maroto brings a touch of luxurious Brazilian flair to the city. Lounge back on plush sofas, drink in hand, as you while away the hours at this bar that is open until very, very late.
🧑🍳 Who is it? A sister venue to the recently opened Brazilian restaurant, Bossa, guests can also enjoy small plates from the restaurant while they relax at Maroto.
😋 What to order? The Basilao: a mix of Zeca de Mato Cachaça, Apple, Egg White, Basil, Lime, and Orange.
🗺️ Where is it? 4 Vere Street, W1G 0DH. The nearest station is Bond Street.
Find out more here.
21. Little Cellars
🍽️ What is it? A delightful little wine bar and shop serving up small plates and snacks and plenty of vino.
🧑🍳 Who is it? We can thank hospitality trio Helen Hall, Luke West-Whylie and Ben McVeigh for the new opening, who, together, are the founders of southeast London’s Peckham Cellars.
😋 What to order? Grab a glass of vino (just ask the staff what they recommend) and if you’re there on Saturday make sure to check out their rotating Saturday Sandwich Special.
🗺️ Where is it? 75 Camberwell Church Street, Camberwell, SE5 8TU. The nearest station is Denmark Hill.
Find out more here.
22. OATIS
🍽️ What is it? Another addition to West London’s breakfast/brunch scene, OATIS focuses (as the name might suggest) on oat bowls that come in both sweet and savoury varieties. But they’ve also got plenty of smoothies, sandwiches, salads, pancakes and more to keep you fed for breakfast and lunch (and maybe even an early dinner).
🧑🍳 Who is it? Ines Verniers, Creative Director and Co-Founder of OATIS, said, “We are incredibly excited to launch our debut café in Notting Hill and we’re looking forward to joining the buzzing community there.”
😋 What to order? Grab a Sticky Banana & Tahini oat bowl if you’re feeling sweet, or the Sesame Miso Salmon for a savoury fix.
🗺️ Where is it? 127 Queensway, W2 4SJ. The nearest station is Bayswater.
Find out more here.
23. The Avocado Show Covent Garden
🍽️ What is it? The second restaurant from London’s avocado-centric brand. Catering to the world’s avocado lovers, they serve up dishes such as fried, panko-crusted Avo Fries, Poké Bowls, multiple varieties of avocado toast (obviously), avocado bun burgers, and even pancakes with avocado.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The team behind The Avocado Show opened their first location in Amsterdam in 2017 and pretty quickly started “sharing the #avolove” internationally, with locations in the Netherlands, the UK, and beyond.
😋 What to order? Go big or go home – don’t shy away from the avocado when you’re here. Start off with the Avo Fries, grab a Sweet Stack of spirulina pancakes with peanut butter avo ice cream and avocado slices, and wrap your fingers around the avocado t0pped (and bottomed) Avo Burger.
🗺️ Where is it? 19 New Row, WC2N 4LA. The nearest station is Leicester Square.
Find out more here.
24. Gaucho Covent Garden
🍽️ What is it? The first new opening in London from the Gaucho restaurant group in over a decade promises all-day Argentinian dining with sustainable steaks and even breakfast dishes with Argentinian twists. In the evenings, head downstairs to their secret speakeasy bar for late-night tango, DJs and dancing, as well as delectable cocktails and a huge collection of South American wines.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The Gaucho restaurant group has opened restaurants all around the UK, but it all started with their first Argentinian restaurant in London, in 1994.
😋 What to order? The Gaucho Sampler allows you to try four of the restaurant’s high-quality steak cuts.
🗺️ Where is it? 8-9 James Street, WC2E 8BT. The nearest station is Covent Garden.
Find out more here.
25. EVE
🍽️ What is it? A beautiful new all-day restaurant, bar, and cafe space that flexes and changes throughout the day. The focus is on the cuisines and sharing cultures of the Eastern and Southern Mediterranean.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The restaurant comes courtesy of White RAbbit Projects, who have also worked with a number of brands, such as Kricket, Lina Stores and Island Poké. Executive Chef, Talia Prince has worked at Le Gavroche, The Fat Duck, and had her own Chef Residency at Soho House White City, among other positions.
😋 What to order? Well, it depends when you’re there! But we’ve got our eyes on the Sumac roast chicken pitta, and the Lamb sausage roll. And it looks like the absolute ideal locale for a perfectly-made negroni.
🗺️ Where is it? 202-220 Cromwell Road, SW5 0SW. The nearest station is Earl’s Court.
❗ Eve’s cafe and bar are currently open, but the restaurant is due to open on September 14.
Find out more here.
26. Fish Game
🍽️ What is it? Call it an about-face or a complementary offering, Fish Game moves away from the founder’s Macellaio RC restaurants and their meat-heavy offering for a menu of the UK’s best game and fish. It’s a love letter to British produce, with ultra-seasonal, sustainable British ingredients, cooked simply over charcoal at the signature grill.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Founder Roberto Costa, whose Macellaio RC’s celebrate all things Italian, opened a veritable legion of successful restaurants in his home-country of Italy before turning his attention to the UK. Off the back of his successful Macellaio RC venues, he’s expanding his food empire.
😋 What to order? Chow down on the Rabbit Croquettes to start, and the Raw Langoustines, before settling in for a main of the Cornish Monkfish. And be sure to grab an aperitivo from the Agave Bar.
🗺️ Where is it? 20 Water Street, Canary Wharf, E14 9QG. The nearest station is Canary Wharf.
Find out more here.
27. BÓHA London
🍽️ What is it? Irish and British cuisine collide at this new restaurant and speakeasy amidst refined and luxurious environs. Expect elevated food, top-notch cocktails, and impeccable service.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The founding team includes Jay Bradley, Founder & CEO of The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., hospitality entrepreneur, Chase Hunter, and and Ian Duignan, MD of The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Executive Chef Anthony Fletcher has worked in Michelin-starred kitchens, and comes to BÓHA from The Ned. The group expected BÓHA to expand soon to New York, Dubai, and Miami.
😋 What to order? The brand’s approach to the classics of Irish and British cuisine can best be seen in their Wagyu short rib Irish stew, and the foraged mushroom toast served with whipped cauliflower & truffle. But really, you should go big and nab one of their Wagyu steaks. You should then finish it off with their decadent Bóha classic spiced Old Fashioned, made table side by an in-house mixologist with a rare single malt called The Taoscán.
🗺️ Where is it? 562 King’s Road, SW6 2DZ. The nearest station is Fulham Broadway.
Find out more here.
28. 65a
🍽️ What is it? Right on the edge of Spitalfields Market, 65a serves up an uncomplicated menu, peppered with French influence, in a warm, welcoming, but elegant, neighbourhood restaurant. Guests are encouraged to sit back, relax, and take their time with their meal.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Founder Patrick Frawley is the CEO and Founder of the East London Pub Co., which includes The Ten Bells (Spitalfields), The Gun (Spitalfields), The Lock Tavern (Camden), and The Saxon (Clapham). He’s brought his long-time Head Chef, Maura Baxter, with him to 65a, having previously headed up the kitchen at a number of the East London Pub Co. pubs.
😋 What to order? The menu is simple, so keep the order simple. Start with the French Onion Soup, move on to the Fillet steak with Café de Paris butter, and finish off with the Flourless gateau au chocolat. And be sure to imbibe widely from their impressive drinks offering.
🗺️ Where is it? 65a Brushfield Street, E1 6AA. The nearest station is Liverpool Street.
Find out more here.
29. Guilty by Olivier
🍽️ What is it? Describing itself as a ‘vibe dining’ concept, Guilty by Olivier wants to inject a bit of fun back into eating out. They do so with “high energy and playful service” and a guilt-inducingly decadent menu of Instagrammable dishes.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Guilty by Olivier has already opened venues in Lisbon, Porto, and Bangkok, and for their first London restaurant they’ve teamed up with the nhow London Hotel.
😋 What to order? Go for whatever sounds the most outrageous and over the top to you. It’s the only way to choose, to go as big as possible.
🗺️ Where is it? nhow London, 2 Macclesfield Road, EC1V 8DG. The nearest stations are Angel and Old Street.
Find out more here.
New London restaurants and bars that are coming soon
30. The Robin (opens imminently)
🍽️ What is it? An art-covered, plant-adorned, music-filled boozer that will (based on the merit of its new publican) become the pub to go to.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Publican Nick Bailey took the Southampton Arms and turned it into what is arguably one of the best pubs in London. Now he’s (sadly) left, but immediately moved on to reopening another boozer (once the Brave Sir Robin) that’s sure to have the same incredible care put into every aspect of its operation.
😋 What to order? Whether you’re a beer or a cider drinker, Nick will be bringing the same care and attention to both products as he did at Southampton Arms. So expect an incredible, city-leading selection.
🗺️ Where is it? 29 Crouch Hill, Finsbury Park, N4 4AP. The nearest station is Crouch Hill.
Find out more here.
31. The 411 (opens September 15)
🍽️ What is it? A new neighbourhood bar and kitchen, just moments away from Angel station, The 411 (pronounced four-one-one) is set to bring the “creative energy of New York’s Soho district” to North London. Heavy on the New York inspiration, the venue will be open from day to night for socializing, drinking, and nights full of music.
🧑🍳 Who is it? From the Inciop Group: the team behind The Prince, Pergola, and Lost in Brixton.
😋 What to get? Grab some pizza at one of their Friday night events with bottomless NYC slices and live vinyl-spinning DJs. Pair it with a cocktail that makes use of American bourbon, for the proper experience.
🗺️ Where is it? Set to open in The Angel Building, 409 – 411 St John Street, EC1V 4AB. The nearest station is Angel.
Find out more here.
32. Finch (opens September 18)
🍽️ What is it? A pocket-sized wine bar that is set to open in the middle of Brixton Village, specialising in “English wines and other wonders”.
🧑🍳 Who is it? It’s the second opening from “wine-focused experience company, Grays and Feather”. They opened their first bar, Plume, in Covent Garden in 2018, and are also planning to open a third, avian-themed wine bar, Peregrine, at Leadenhall Market later this year.
😋 What to order? Vino – and plenty of it! We’re also intrigued by their purported headline dish: “a decadent Claw and Craw Roll featuring both lobster and crawfish with Marie Rose Sauce and chive in a brioche roll.”
🗺️ Where is it? Unit 89, Granville Arcade Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8PS. The nearest station is Brixton.
Find out more here.
33. Bocconcino Soho (Opens September 21)
🍽️ What is it? A luxurious Italian restaurant bringing a(nother) slice of la dolce vita to Soho. The menu “plays homage to Bocconcino’s original Forte dei Marme roots” and it just might steal the crown of the prettiest restaurant in Soho… They’ll also be opening a secret subterranean speakeasy below the restaurant in October – which just might nab the crown of prettiest bar too.
🧑🍳 Who is it? We all know Bocconcino Mayfair, right? Well, it’s the same founding team, and they’ve employed Head Chef Simone Serafini – previously of Cecconi’s and private members’ club 5 Hertford Street.
😋 What to order? They’ll have all the Bocconcino favourites such as Tagliatelle with Black Truffle and Tagliatelle with Pistachio Pesto and Sicilian Red Prawns, but we’re keen to try the tasting menu which has been inspired by Chef Simone’s upbringing in Florence and Turin.
🗺️ Where is it? 59 Great Marlborough Street, W1F 7JY. The nearest station is Oxford Circus.
Find out more here.
34. The Watermans Arms (opens September 28)
🍽️ What is it? A new pub and restaurant, overlooking the Thames, landing in Barnes. They hope to be a new neighbourhood spot with an “unfussy yet well-loved food menu alongside a carefully curated drinks list.” The opening will see the team bringing an old pub back to life, taking over a building that once housed an 1850s Watney pub.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Head Chef, Sam Andrews, and his team have previously headed up the kitchen at the Camberwell Arms and Soho’s famous Ducksoup. Simon Walsh, from Hammersmith’s Anglesea Arms, is general managing, while Joe Grossmann, founder of Patty&Bun, is spearheading the project.
😋 What to order? We’re particularly excited to try the lamb rib, yoghurt & honey and the sourdough charred over the coals finished with rouille and mussels.
🗺️ Where is it? 375 Lonsdale Road, Barnes, SW13 9PY. The nearest station is Barnes Bridge.
Find out more here.
35. Paper Moon London (Opens September 29)
🍽️ What is it? The renowned Italian restaurant will open its first UK site as part of the Old War Office (OWO) building following a six-year transformation.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Having first opened in Milano, in 1977, Paper Moon has gone on to open locations all around the world, from Doha and Portugal to Hong Kong and Istanbul.
😋 What to order? Go for the house-made pappardelle, and find out just what you’ve been missing out on.
🗺️ Where is it? Whitehall, SW1A 2EU. The nearest station is Embankment.
Find out more here.
36. Bistro Freddie (Opens September 30)
🍽️ What is it? Perhaps one of the most exciting new launches (for wine drinkers at least) is the latest restaurant from the team behind Crispin. An all-French wine list will accompany a menu of comforting bistro-style dishes in the throwback space that emulates the classic London bistros of yore.
🧑🍳 Who is it? With two widely acclaimed venues under their belts – Crispin (Spitalfields) and Bar Crispin (Soho) – it’s safe to say the team know what they’re doing. Head chef, Anna Søgaard will run the food, hot off of working at the revered Manchester restaurant Erst. Meanwhile, Alexandra Price, Crispin Group’s sommelier & group head of wine, will oversee the group’s wine offerings, having previously worked in Annabel’s cellars.
😋 What to order? The menu will change frequently, but we’re excited by the teased Dorset snail flatbread, beef fat, garlic & parsley butter, and the Rabbit & apple cider pie. Oh, and lest it needs stating, drink widely my friend. Drink widely.
🗺️ Where is it? 74 Luke Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 4PY. The nearest stations are Shoreditch High Street and Old Street.
Find out more here.
37. Paro (Opens October 5)
🍽️ What is it? “A love letter to Calcutta”, Paro is set to bring the flavours of West Bengal to Covent Garden, through a modern interpretation.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Paro is the first solo restaurant from 23-year chef Niaz Caan, who has been cooking since the age of 14 at Brick Lane’s City Spice.
😋 What to order? The Toddy Shop tiger prawns and the signature slow roasted lamb shanks with saffron, charred garlic and coriander.
🗺️ Where is it? 21 Wellington Street, WC2E 7RQ. The nearest stations are Temple and Covent Garden.
❗ Paro is currently open on soft launch with 50% off food until Wednesday, 4th October. Head on down to try it out!
Find out more here.
38. Aragawa (Opens in October)
🍽️ What is it? The arrival of this iconic Japanese institution in London is set to be a very special occasion indeed. When the wagyu specialists open up, the restaurant will be the “first-ever appearance of the hyper-rare Tajima beef on London’s gastronomic scene, as it has never before been available outside Tokyo.”
🧑🍳 Who is it? The Michelin-Starred Head Chef, Fumiya Kase will also work alongside ‘steak master’ Kazuo Imayosh, who has worked for Aragawa Tokyo for the entirety of his career in this ultra specialist role, and will move to London solely for this new launch.
😋 What to order? Tajima beef. Obviously.
🗺️ Where is it? 38 Clarges Street, W1J 7EN. The nearest station is Green Park.
Find out more here.
39. Kink(all)y (Opens in October)
🍽️ What is it? It’s a twofer folks, Kink(all)y is a Georgian inspired restaurant, that comes with an accompanying subterranean cocktail bar, Kinky. They’ll focus on Georgian food with a twist, in particular the local dish khinkali: a dumpling with a striking, twisted form.
🧑🍳 Who is it? First-time restaurateur Diana Militski has partnered up with Andrew Pruts, who will run the bar, for the new venture. The award-winning architecture firm Da Bureau is also involved, so expect some seriously stunning interiors.
😋 What to order? As many of the namesake-ish khinkali as you can eat. Fillings move away from tradition, to the likes of wagyu beef with butternut squash and black truffle, Madagascan prawn with matzoon sauce and tarragon, and pheasant in a wild mushroom broth.
🗺️ Where is it? 43 Charlotte Street, W1T 1RS. The nearest station is Goodge Street.
Find out more here.
40. Akara (Opens in October)
🍽️ What is it? Named for the black-eye bean fritter with roots in West Africa, this new restaurant in Borough Yards is all about championing traditional flavours in a stylish, relaxed, and intimate setting.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Akara comes courtesy of Aji Akokomi, who also owns the fine dining restaurant Akoko.
😋 What to order? Obviously you have to get the namesake Akaras, which come with fillings that range from Hand dived Scallops to Ox Cheeks, Chanterelle Mushroom Patê, and more. Also don’t miss out on their barbequed meats and veggies, or Akara’s signature rice dish Edesi Isip, which originates from South East Nigeria.
🗺️ Where is it? Stoney Street, SE1 9AD. The nearest station is London Bridge.
Find out more here.
41. Bar Lina (Opening Autumn 2023)
🍽️ What is it? The Italian deli and restaurant brand is opening up a secretive little aperitivo bar underneath their Soho delicatessen.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Lina Stores have expanded from the original site in Soho, established in 1944 (!), to now even boasting a presence in Japan.
😋 What to order? Details are slim for the offerings, but they’re promising creative twists on classic Italian serves and delicious food that matches the drinks selection perfectly.
🗺️ Where is it? 18 Brewer Street, W1F 0SG. The nearest stations are Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square.
Find out more here.