Hot New Restaurant Openings In London For February 2026

Looking for the best new restaurants in London for 2026? The start of the new year is going to be exciting indeed; from Michelin-starred chefs launching bold new ventures to hidden gems popping up in unexpected postcodes, this is your ultimate guide to the capital’s hottest new openings this month and beyond.

We update this list every month with newly opened venues, upcoming launches, and trending spots across every corner of London - complete with cuisine styles, locations, and opening dates. Whether you're after fine dining or cheap eats, discover where to book next.

If you'd like to know more about how we curate our guides, please see our Editorial Policy. Other contributors to this article include Kiera Chapman, Scarlett Welch and Lauren Cole.

EDITOR'S PICK: February is shaping up to be a big month for London foodies - here are three openings we're especially excited about:

  • Napoli on the Road Soho - Europe's best pizzeria arrives in Central London with a fancy seven-course tasting menu
  • Hell's Kitchen - Gordon Ramsay is bringing his US-loved immersive dining experience to London this month
  • Bambi 2.0 - this date-night favourite is expanding and getting a glow-up, with a previous Lagom chef heading the kitchen and DJs spinning records every night

Discover more of the latest openings below. Updated February 2026.

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New February Restaurants

Napoli On The Road Soho

  • Opening date: late February 2026
  • Location: 140 Wardour Street, Soho, W1F 8ZT
  • Cuisine: pizza
  • Why we recommend: not only has Napoli on the Road earned major awards at its Chiswick and Richmond spots, such as Europe's Best Pizzeria in 2024 and 2025, but the man behind it all, Michele Pascarella, was also named World Pizza Maker of the Year in 2023. With such incredible credentials behind it, you know that the more central Soho location is going to be incredibly popular - especially as this new opening will be offering a unique seven-course pizza tasting menu

What started out life as a roaming pizza van in 2016 (in a classic Piaggio Ape, no less), Napoli on the Road has gone from strength to strength - later opening successful restaurants in Chiswick and Richmond, which earned the brand numerous awards (including Europe's Best Pizzeria two years in a row, impressive). Now, they've set their eyes on Soho - due to launch on Wardour Street this February.

The venue will spread across two floors: the lower half offering a casual a la carte dining format reminiscent of their Chiswick and Richmond restaurants (make sure to try the Ricordi d'Infanzia - the holy grail of pizzas, topped with slow-cooked beef ragu, basil and Parmigiano Reggiano fondue, that has helped win them their long list of accolades). The upstairs, on the other hand, will add a little fine dining flair with their new seven-course tasting menu (£100 per person, with a drinks pairing included). This will explore all things pizza, including techniques, textures and bases, with a few extra Italian dishes thrown in for good measure.

Margherita pizza from Napoli on the Road, featuring mozzarella, tomato and basil on pizza dough.

We're incredibly excited to be able to eat Napoli on the Road's slices in Soho.

Bambi 2.0

  • Opening date: 3rd February 2026 
  • Location: 1 Westgate Street, Hackney, E8 3RL
  • Cuisine: modern European
  • Why we're excited: Bambi has been a favourite of ours for a while, and we can't wait to see what more space allows the vinyl-forward venue to do, especially with food from Jamie Thorneycroft

London Fields' favourite Bambi is getting a major glow-up. After snapping up the space behind them, the restaurant and record bar is expanding into Bambi 2.0, doubling its size with a new mezzanine, extra tables, and more room to soak up the sun in the front courtyard.

Jamie Thorneycroft, formerly of Lagom, is taking over the kitchen, bringing a charcoal grill, dry-ager, and a fresh menu that includes chalkstream trout tostadas and butterflied whole bream with coconut saffron sauce. The party energy is being dialled up too. DJs will now spin every night, with weekend mini raves once the tables clear for dancing. 

The food and a glass of wine at Bambi.

Bambi 2.0 is coming.

Forza Wine Soho

  • Opening date: 22nd February 2026
  • Location: Manette Street, Soho, W1D 4AL
  • Cuisine: European 
  • Why we're excited: Forza Wine at the National Theatre and Peckham have always been our go-to destination for a group dinner, thanks to its delicious sharing plates, so we can't wait to see what its Soho location has to offer

Forza Wine are at it again. After winning Londoners over with their Peckham rooftop and that slick follow-up at the National Theatre, the team are now setting their sights on Soho. They’re moving into the former Daroco site, bringing with them a signature mix of buzzy vibes, killer cocktails, and Italian plates made for sharing.

The new spot isn’t short on space either: think a roomy terrace perfect for al fresco sipping, plus a sprawling downstairs bar area just waiting to be filled with negroni-swigging crowds. While they’re keeping tight-lipped on exact plans, expect the same winning formula: concise but crave-worthy Italian small plates, a wine list leaning into low-intervention bottles, and cocktails that put margaritas and negronis front and centre. 

Forza Wine food.

Forza Wine (pictured).

FENIX

  • Opening date: late February 2026
  • Location: 80 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 8HX
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Why we recommend: Tattu is a huge name in the Chinese restaurant game, with beautiful restaurant across the UK. Fenix is one of their more recent restaurants, which opened its Instagrammable, Greek-inspired restaurant in Manchester in 2023 - and we're incredible excited that they're going to follow suit in London

Another Permanently Unique Group success making its way down to London from Manchester, FENIX first launched up north in 2023. With a name and look inspired by the phoenix it's named after, this Instagrammable restaurant has a Mediterranean feel. To give you an idea of what to expect, the current location has a staircase sculpted around a 25-foot olive tree, hanging barley to reflect Greece's agricultural heritage, artisanal stonework, and a double-height cliff face. 

While we eagerly await for an opening date and address to be announced, we can get an idea of what will be on offer from by peeking at the Manchester menu. Think modern Greek dishes from head chef Zisis Giannouras, spanning halloumi cheese tempura with yuzu hollandaise and shiso vinaigrette, wagyu stifado, and chicken in a spicy oregano anticucho sauce with crispy potato and smoked yoghurt.

Fenix Greek restaurant featuring cascading plants around the windows, booths built into neutral toned masonry and marble-topped tables.

Like its Manchester counterpart, FENIX London is sure to be a beauty.

Hell's Kitchen - Gordon Ramsay

  • Opening date: February 2026
  • Location: The Cumberland Hotel, Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, W1H 7DL
  • Cuisine: grill, American
  • Why we're excited: a new celebrity chef opening is always exciting, particularly one so beloved in the States. We're expecting plenty of theatre alongside the menu, which promises some fantastic options for meat lovers

Famous for its sites in Las Vegas, Miami and other US cities, Hell's Kitchen is a meat-heavy, immersive dining experience by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. He's opening the first UK site in Marble Arch in early 2026, found inside The Cumberland Hotel.

Expect plenty of theatrical performance as well as great quality food, inspired by Ramsay's hit TV show of the same name. Their existing menus feature the likes of foie gras, pan-seared scallops, Gordon's signature beef Wellington, steaks and much more, so you can expect similar from the London location, with a few extra additions.

Gordon Ramsay.

The celebrity chef is opening his first London site for Hell's Kitchen in 2026.

Sale E Pepe Mare

  • Opening date: 2nd March 2026
  • Location: The Langham Hotel, 1C Portland Place, Regent Street, W1B 1JA
  • Cuisine: seafood-focused Italian
  • Why we're excited: the Thesleff Group is bringing a fresh seafood spin to the iconic Sale e Pepe brand, with theatrical tableside service and a dramatic display of fresh catches

The Langham's main restaurant space is finally getting a bold new chapter with Sale e Pepe Mare. The Thesleff Group, behind the original Knightsbridge Sale e Pepe, is transforming the 5,000-square-foot space into a seafood haven. Expect a dramatic seafood display showcasing the day’s freshest catches, alongside trolley service bringing lobster linguine, seabass crudo, Caesar salads, bucatini cacio e pepe and even tiramisù right to your table.

The menu is designed to impress at both lunch and dinner, with Champagne and Negroni trolleys adding a sense of occasion to every visit. With a nod to the Knightsbridge legacy while reimagining it for today, Sale e Pepe Mare looks set to be the London restaurant revival everyone’s been waiting for.

The Langham and lobster linguine.

The lobster linguine at Sale E Pepe (pictured right) and The Langham (left).

Osteria Vibrato

  • Opening date: 26th February 2026
  • Location: 6 Greek Street, Soho W1B 5PB
  • Summary: Italian cuisine at its best - 'unapologetically simple', and served in intimate surroundings

From the same man as The Laughing Heart comes Osteria Vibrato. This time, Charlie Mellor joins forces with sommelier Cameron Dewar (formerly of Luca and Burnt Ends) and has also collaborated with Gaia Enria (Burro e Salvia founder) on the menu, which seeks to give a sweeping view of Italy's regional diversity.

Bringing a vibe as soulful as its name, which is a musical term referring to undulating, rapid changes in pitch by a vocalist, this restaurant pays tribute to classic Italian cuisine; from smaller dishes and antipasti to Brodo di Vasto (a seafood stew from Abruzzo). Expect a small dining room lit by candles, featuring red leather seating and terrazzo floors, alongside an intimate 12-seater cocktail bar to the rear.

Charlie Mellor and Cameron Dewar.

Charlie Mellor and Cameron Dewar head up this anticipated Italian restaurant.

Temaki

  • Opening date: February 2026
  • Location: 11 Maddox Street, Mayfair, W1S 2QF
  • Cuisine: Japanese
  • Why we're excited: the loss of Temaki in Brixton was felt across the city, and we can't wait to be able to dive into their delicious Japanese menu in a swanky new setting

After it closed its doors in Brixton last August, popular spot Temaki is coming back with a bang. Their new Mayfair venue has been highly anticipated, and it will be larger than the original, with a ground floor bar that seats 16 and a downstairs space with room for 28.

This is inspired by Japanese listening bars, a popular concept in London right now. As for the food, you can expect temaki rolls, of course, alongside crispy rice, A4 wagyu sliders, sashimi and sandos. On the drinks front, there'll be plenty of sake to enjoy, as well as a curated cocktail list.

Oudh 1722

  • Opening date: Spring 2026
  • Location: Borough
  • Cuisine: Awadhi
  • Why we're excited: this is our first chance to enjoy Aktar Islam's celebrated cooking in the heart of London, and we can't wait 

Spring 2026 is set to heat up with the debut of Oudh 1722, the capital’s first dedicated home for Awadhi cuisine, from one of Britain’s most celebrated chefs, Aktar Islam. Known for his two Michelin-starred Birmingham institution Opheem, Islam brings his signature finesse to Borough, serving up the royal flavours of northern India. Spread across three floors of a stunning Victorian building, Oudh 1722 promises a journey through the lavish culinary heritage of Lucknow, where dishes are defined by their elegance, depth, and slow-cooked technique.

Expect silken kebabs, aromatic curries, and intricately layered biryanis, each prepared with the legendary dum pukht method, where food is gently cooked over a low flame to build rich, layered flavour. Islam, who began his culinary journey in his father’s restaurant at 13, has spent over two decades reshaping how the UK experiences Indian cuisine. With Oudh 1722, he’s bringing the opulence and generosity of the Nawabi courts of Lucknow to London.

Two Michelin-starred chef Aktar Islam.

Two Michelin-starred chef Aktar Islam (pictured).

Cafe Kowloon 

  • Opening date: 4th February
  • Location: 392-393 Mentmore Terrace, London Fields, E8 3PH
  • Cuisine: Cantonese
  • Why we're excited: the menu from Owners Frank Yeung (whose dad is from Hong Kong) and Abhinav Malde sounds amazing, and they're soft launching it on the 30th and 31st of January with 50% off food

Hidden away at the back of the bao slinging spot from the team behind Mr Bao and Daddy Bao is Cafe Kowloon, a low-key, secret-ish Cantonese restaurant. This is Hong Kong cooking, but filtered through a contemporary London lens. Owners Frank Yeung (whose family roots trace back to Hong Kong) and Abhinav Malde are steering the menu into nostalgic territory with just enough reinvention to keep things interesting.

Expect curry fish ball skewers, monkey head cheung fun, and the return of that cult Ibérico secreto char siu that once had Soho devotees mourning the loss of Wun’s Tea House. Dessert isn’t phoning it in either: Hong Kong French toast, reimagined with peanut butter crème pâtissière, is very much the sort of thing you’ll order 'to share' and then absolutely won’t.

Food from Cafe Kowloon in London Fields.

Cafe Kowloon is coming to London Fields. 

Last Month's Highlights - New Restaurant Openings In London January 2026

Tiella Trattoria & Bar

  • Opening date: 16th January
  • Location: 109 Columbia Road, Bethnal Green, E2 7RL
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Why we're excited: after a residency at a small pub, Tiella is getting its own bricks and mortar restaurant on the ever-trendy Columbia Road - championing fresh Italian dishes made with gorgeous British ingredients

Progressing from a residency at cosy Canonbury pub The Compton Arms, which gained London foodies' attention for its standout food, Tiella is launching its own trattoria and bar this January. The launch comes from Dara Klein, who spent her childhood between Emilia Romagna in Italy and New Zealand, and her adult years working in the kitchens of Trullo, Brawn and Sager & Wild - some of London's trendiest neighbourhood restaurants.

Keeping on the pub-meets-trattoria vibe, she'll be taking over an old pub on Columbia Road. The venue is set to champion some of its original features, like a central bar, complete with a cosy dining room with an open kitchen and an alfresco terrace. Get ready for an Italian-led menu made with British produce, including dishes such as orecchiette with cime di rapa and pangrattato, and chicken Milanese - and finish it off with glass of something Italian or a pint from the draught taps.

The Azuki

  • Opening date: 20th January 2026
  • Location: Rolls Passage, City of London, EC4A 1HL
  • Cuisine: Japanese
  • Why we're excited: we love the food at Dotori, and this stylish new City restaurant looks like it'll become a firm favourite too

The hugely popular Korean/Japanese restaurant Dotori is expanding, as the owner Alan Tse is now opening The Azuki. This is taking over the site that used to be The Pineapple Club on Rolls Passage, promising to be an intimate restaurant that blends "Japanese cuisine with the soulful energy of a Tokyo backstreet izakaya".

Across two stories, you can tuck into everything from chicken skewers in plum sauce to charcoal-grilled tiger prawns and black cod. They've got a 2am license too, meaning you can enjoy small plates and cocktails until late.

Food at The Azuki London.

Enjoy a range of Japanese plates at The Azuki.

Claridge's Bakery

  • Opening date: 21st January 2026
  • Location: Brook's Mews, Mayfair, W1K 4HR
  • Cuisine: baked goods
  • Why we're excited: we all love an indulgent baked treat, and this high-end bakery promises a luxury version of all our favourites

London-born Richard Hart has made a name for himself as one of the world's best bakers, having run the famous Tartine in San Francisco for seven years, before co-founding Copenhagen bakery Hart Bagery alongside René Redzepi of Noma. And now, he's opening Claridge's Bakery, inside the iconic hotel.

This will be found at the back of the hotel, close to their current ArtSpace Cafe. It will focus on British bakes, from savoury bites like Marmite cheese straws and Hampshire pork scotch eggs to Bakewell tarts, lardy cakes and their own premium version of French fancies.

Connie's Pizza

  • Opening date: 26th January 2026
  • Location: 133 Queen’s Road, Peckham, SE15 2ND
  • Cuisine: pizza
  • Why we're excited: 081 Pizzeria is one of London's best pizza spots, and we can't wait to see what the team will do at their new Peckham venue

A brand new pizzeria is opening in Peckham this January: Connie's. This is brought to you by Andrea Asciuti, the founder of 081 Pizzeria, which was ranked 43rd on the best pizzas in Europe list by 50 Top Pizza in 2024. They're taking over the former site of Little Kudu, and the venue is named after Asciuti's wife.

Expect a range of light, crispy pizzas, made with 36-48 hour fermented dough. Their menu features eight different kinds of pizza, from tomato and aubergine to mozzarella, nduja and British stracciatella. Plus, you can pair these with sides like deep-fried mac ‘n’ cheese and mozzarella sticks.

Pizzas, sides and drinks at Connie's in Peckham.

Try thin, crispy pizzas at Connie's.

MA/NA

  • Opening date: January 2026
  • Location: 30 Upper Grosvenor Street, Mayfair, W1K 7PH
  • Cuisine: Japanese
  • Why we're excited: we're huge fans of Los Mochis (including its LUNA Omakase and Juno Omakase little sisters) and Italian hotspot Sale E Pepe, and can't wait to see what the team's next venture brings

Brought to you by Markus Thesleff, the CEO behind Los Mochis, LUNA Omakase, Juno Omakase, and Sale e Pepe, MA/NA is a luxury Japanese restaurant and bar coming to Mayfair. It will feature dark wooden panelling, warm amber lighting and a striking dragon-shaped banquette.

Their menu will follow the Japanese philosophy that every ingredient carries an invisible power, shaped by nature and bringing emotion to the meal. Executive Chef Leo Tanyag will be running the kitchen, cooking up the likes of spicy tuna crispy rice, seared wagyu, king crab salad and much more. Plus, there'll be a wide array of sake and cocktails to enjoy alongside your food.

DakaDaka

  • Opening date: 15th January 2026
  • Location: 10 Heddon Street, Mayfair, W1B 4BX
  • Cuisine: Modern Georgian, natural wine
  • Why we're excited: DakaDaka brings one of the world’s oldest yet underexplored cuisines to London, combining bold Georgian flavours, open-fire cooking, and an exceptional natural wine programme in a stylish two-floor Mayfair townhouse

DakaDaka, the new venture from Berkeley Square Hospitality founders Giorgi Mindiashvili and Chef Patron Mitz Vora, reimagines Georgian dining for the London scene. Guests can expect a menu rooted in tradition, from colourful spreads of Pkhali and steaming Khinkali to wood-fired Khachapuri and perfectly grilled meats, all paired with a curated selection of Georgian wines overseen by Wine Director Honey Spencer.

The space spans two floors, with a ground-floor open kitchen featuring a wood-fired hearth and charcoal grill alongside a Persian marble bar. Downstairs, a dedicated wine and cocktail bar, PDR, hosts events with vinyl and DJ sets. Interiors by Katya Samsonadze of Communal Design Studio celebrate Georgian craft with hand-blown chandeliers, carved woodwork, naturally dyed textiles, and limewashed walls, complemented by artwork from Niko Pirosmani and traditional folk artefacts. 

Food at DakaDaka.

DakaDaka will open in 2026.

Tortello

  • Opening date: January 2026
  • Location: Lancaster Terrace, Lancaster Gate, W2 2TY
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Why we're excited: the fresh pasta here looks incredible, and the views of Hyde Park make for a great new date night destination

Overlooking the Italian Gardens of Hyde Park, Tortello is a contemporary, trattoria-style restaurant coming to the Royal Lancaster London hotel. The interiors feature a walkway lined with olive trees and aromatic herbs, alongside a hand-painted mural of a vineyard and even a 1960s Fiat 500.

Chef Giuseppe is bringing an ingredient-led approach to the kitchen, promising handmade pasta that uses flours from specialist Italian mills. Standout dishes include Delica pumpkin tortelli and eight-hour slow-cooked beef shin ragù, with a focus on seasonality and simplicity.

Burro 

  • Opening date: early 2026
  • Location:  2 Floral Court, Floral Street, London WC2E 9FB
  • Cuisine: Italian 
  • Why we're excited: the space also comes with a hidden terrace, which will come alive in the summer

Burro is the first solo venture from Conor Gadd, chef and co-owner of Islington favourite Trullo. He’s taken over the former Petersham restaurant site, bringing with him a loyal following, serious Italian credentials and a reputation for food that’s unfussy, seasonal and quietly excellent.

Burro is Italian at heart, but the design nods to Gadd’s Irish roots, described as 'part Irish country house kitchen, part Italian 1950s bistro'. The menu is comfort food with intent. Starters include bruschetta with Venetian chicken livers and fried artichokes with bottarga and chilli. Pasta is non-negotiable: expect tagliatelle with duck and porcini ragù, a Roman fettuccine Alfredo, and dishes that do exactly what they say on the tin. 

Burro Chef Connor.

Chef Conor Gadd (pictured).

Previous Restaurant Openings - 2025 Archive

December 2025

Mazarine

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 22 Hanover Square, W1S 1JA
  • Cuisine: French

Coming to the well-known Hanover Square in Central London, Mazarine is a high-end French restaurant team led by Thierry Laborde, the award-winning chef with multiple Michelin star restaurants under his belt. This place is inspired by the rhythm and beauty of the sea, from the menu down to the vibrant interiors designed by Bolt Design.

The food draws from classic French cuisine, using innovative new techniques to elevate the dining experience. Seafood is the primary focus, though there are other options too, with dishes ranging from smoked eel croquettes to octopus bearnaise and aged fillet of beef.

Seafood at Mazarine London.

Sample premium seafood at Mazarine.

HOAX

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 390 Kingsland Road, Dalston, E8 4AA
  • Cuisine: Italian

Taking over the old Chick n Sours site on Kingsland Road, HOAX is a modern Italian restaurant created by husband and wife team Simone and Lidia Crepaldi, who have been working for Callooh Callay and Pho respectively. They're keeping things family-run, with Simeone's cousin Riccardo Lottero (formerly at Soho House) working as the chef.

Expect a menu full of slow-cooked beef cheek, black truffle chicken and a house cacio e pepe, as well as tableside tiramisu. Even better? There's a hidden cocktail bar downstairs: The Devil You Know.

Dim Sum Library

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: Covent Garden, London
  • Cuisine: Modern Cantonese, contemporary dim sum

Aqua Restaurant Group is bringing a touch of Hong Kong glamour to Covent Garden this winter with the UK debut of its acclaimed concept, Dim Sum Library. Opening on the 8th of December 2025, an auspicious choice, with the number 8 symbolising luck, it arrives as an all-day dining destination that shifts from quick lunches to leisurely teas, from after-work dim sum and cocktails to pre-theatre feasting. To celebrate its launch, diners can look forward to a special treat: 888 complimentary dim sums on opening day.

Expect the same artistry and sleek modernity that made the Hong Kong original a hit, with Chefs Jian Jia and Dim Sum Master Leung Kwok Wah crafting inventive plates like wagyu beef puff with black pepper, dan dan xiao long bao, and black garlic siu mai, alongside signatures such as black truffle crispy chicken and steamed Alaskan black cod. A Chinoiserie-inspired cocktail bar anchors the space, serving tea-infused creations like the punchy Chinese Whisper, while interiors blend refined comfort with nods to Hong Kong’s street-food culture. Vintage posters and an immersive dim sum-making station set the tone, offering diners a window into the craft behind each dish. 

Dim Sum Library.

Dim Sum library comes to Covent Garden.

November 2025

Ria's

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 29 Fouberts Place, Soho, W1F 7QF
  • Cuisine: Detroit-style pizza
  • Why we're excited: we can't get enough of Ria's scrumptious Detroit pizzas, and we can't wait for them to be open in a second, more central location

Since its debut in Notting Hill a couple of years ago, Ria's has proven to be a popular dining destination. So much so that they're opening a second venue this November, found just off Carnaby Street. This promises more of what we love: small plates, Detroit-style pizzas and natural wine.

Owners David and Ria Morgan-Ratcliffe are describing this new venture as  "the older sibling: same DNA, a little wiser, still a lot of fun". Expect crispy Detroit pizzas, available whole or by the slice, with toppings including pickled jalapenos, stracciatella, hot honey and much more. This will be an intimate space, seating just 38 people across two floors, with a large sharing table downstairs.

Collage of dishes at Ria's London.

Savour Detroit pizzas and small plates at Ria's.

Bonheur 

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 43 Upper Brook St, Mayfair, W1K 7QR
  • Cuisine: modern French
  • Why we're excited: this solo restaurant from Matt Abé is an exciting debut that I can't wait to launch - bringing his experience from Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, he'll be offering a distinctive culinary style across contemporary French dishes

Chef Matt Abé, renowned for his work at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, is set to launch his debut solo restaurant named Bonheur. Scheduled to open in London later this year, Bonheur promises a fresh and exciting dining experience inspired by Chef Abé’s passion for modern French cuisine.

The new venue aims to blend refined culinary techniques with a welcoming atmosphere, showcasing seasonal ingredients and innovative dishes that highlight Chef Abé’s distinctive style. Food lovers and fine dining enthusiasts can look forward to an elegant yet approachable spot that reflects the chef’s dedication to excellence and creativity.

Chef Matt Abe from Bonheur.

Bonheur means happiness in French. 

Maggie Jones

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 6 Old Court Place, Kensington, W8 4PL
  • Cuisine: traditional British and French dishes
  • Why we're excited: this famous restaurant has been serving the locals of Kensington for over 40 years, offering traditional dishes in a warm, friendly environment, yet closed after a fire in 2023 - it's been a long wait, but we can't wait for their reopening later this year

Maggie Jones’s, a beloved staple in Kensington for over 40 years, is reopening this summer with all the charm that has made it a local favourite.

Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac between Kensington High Street and Kensington Church Street, the new place to eat in London exudes a cosy, rustic, and romantic atmosphere that’s perfect for any occasion. With its warm, welcoming vibe and traditional decor, this charming restaurant serves up a generous menu full of beautifully cooked classic dishes. 

The rustic interiors of Maggie Jones in Kensington.

This aesthetically pleasing and popular restaurant is returning after a refurbishment this summer. 

som saa

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 43a Commercial Street, Spitalfields, E1 6BD
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Why we're excited: Andy Oliver and Mark Dobbie met at London's acclaimed Michelin star restaurant Nahm, so the return of som saa after a temporary 6-month closure (due to a kitchen fire) is something we've eagerly anticipated

Thai food is really having its moment right now, particularly in the hands of Michelin-standard chefs, and Spitalfields' som saa was one of the key figures creating that wave of popularity in London. Having endured a kitchen fire and period of closure, the restaurant is now back with its everlasting commitment to creating authentic Thai food using ingredients from Britain and Thailand. 

Expect new dishes like lemongrass salad with squid, pork and cashew nuts and salted beef and fresh bamboo braised in coconut cream sitting alongside established, returning favourites such as Isaan style deep fried seabass, plus regularly changing specials. The drinks menu has been refreshed too, adding cocktails spanning a Green Negroni (clarified Campari, pandan-infused gin, Cocchi Americano) and the Snowglobe Sour (bourbon, coconut cream, lime, Thai tea and cassia foam).

Reopening Thai restaurant som saa's interiors.

Refreshed interiors at som saa. Image credit: Eleonora Boscarelli.

Humble Grape, Bow Lane

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: St Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside, London EC2
  • Cuisine: European sharing plates
  • Why we're excited: the team behind Humble Grape are bringing their award-winning wine expertise to one of the most atmospheric locations in the City

Humble Grape, Bow Lane is set to become the City’s new go-to wine bar, tucked away in the 11th-century crypt of St Mary-le-Bow. The venue, which takes over the space formerly home to Café Below, will seat 60 guests under the original Norman arches, with additional terrace space for warmer days. Mood lighting and candles promise a dramatic, intimate setting, perfect for unwinding after a long day in the City.

The wine list is extensive, with 500 bottles curated by expert sommeliers, while the food menu is all about European sharing plates. Expect baked Camembert, cheese and charcuterie boards, and perfectly cooked steaks designed to pair beautifully with your wine of choice. 

Wonton Charlie's

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 392-393 Mentmore Terrace, London Fields, E8 3PH
  • Cuisine: Taiwanese
  • Why we're excited: this restaurant group are known for serving some of the best Taiwanese fare in the city, and this short but sweet menu is packed full of flavour

From the team behind Mr Bao and Daddy Bao, Wonton Charlie's is a Taiwanese restaurant that's finally brining the group's stellar cooking to North London. The London Fields venue is an intimate space that seats just 18 people, open on a walk-in only basis.

Unsurprisingly, the menu is all about wonton soup. Everything is made in-house, from the egg noodles to the broth, and there are three different kinds of wonton to choose from - pork, prawn and fish skin. You can enjoy these in chicken or fish broth, or served with lo mein-style noodles.

Food at Wonton Charlie's London.

Get your fix of wonton soup at this London Fields newcomer.

Ivan Ramen

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 98 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3EA
  • Cuisine: ramen
  • Why we're excited: this popular ramen restaurant has got a real cult following, thanks to its celebrity chef ownership and fantastic menu, and their first UK opening has been a long time coming

Cult ramen restaurant Ivan Ramen is finally opening its first London site this November, located in Farringdon. Founded by Ivan Orkin, as seen on Netflix's Chef's Table, this popular chain has achieved huge success in Tokyo and New York, and they sold out their menu at their London pop-up in 2023.

This intimate, 26-seat venue will be serving all their classics, from tonkotsu to spicy miso ramen and kara-age chicken. Plus, they've unveiled a brand new dish for this site: the salt beef bao, combining the flavours of East Asia and East London.

Hawksmoor St. Pancras and The Martini Bar 

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Road, NW1 2AR
  • Cuisine: steak, seafood, cocktails
  • Why we're excited: Hawksmoor is taking over one of London’s most iconic buildings, bringing its legendary steaks, seafood, and cocktails to a Grade I-listed masterpiece designed by Victorian Gothic Revival legend Sir George Gilbert Scott

Opening late-November, Hawksmoor St. Pancras will seat 95 guests across a beautifully restored dining room, complete with a private dining space and a chef’s table, open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Alongside the restaurant, The Martini Bar will occupy the building’s extraordinary high-ceilinged bar, featuring an outdoor terrace, DJ stage, and a menu of cocktails to toast arrivals, departures, and everything in between.

Co-founders Will Beckett and Huw Gott describe this as a dream Hawksmoor: a historic, lively space where London and the world converge daily. Expect the same convivial, quality-driven experience Hawksmoor is known for, now set within one of the capital’s most dramatic and beautiful landmarks.

The Renaissance Hotel where Hawksmoor will be.

The interiors of St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, where Hawksmoor will be.

Trogolo

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 296 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, W11 2PS
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Summary: with Petersham Nurseries bringing the foodie flair and a worldly wine list courtesy of Marchesi Mazzei, we already know we're in for a treat with Trogolo

The next generation of the Petersham Nurseries dining dynasty is set to open the doors to Trogolo, a Florence-inspired trattoria in Notting Hill. Owners, Lara Boglione and her husband, Giovanni Mazzei, have set out a vision of long tables and communal dining, perfect for a quick plate of pasta, a long lunch or a leisurely late dinner. 

With a co-owner behind the Marchesi Mazzei winery, we can expect an epic wine list to sip through alongside blockbuster British and Italian produce. Beyond the vino and a la carte, you'll be able to tuck into snack plates of pollo al burro, puntarella and cantucci biscuits. Bellissimo.

Trogolo table

A typically tasteful table spread at Trogolo.

no drama. 

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: Bush Tavern, Goldhawk Road, W12 8QQ
  • Cuisine: burgers 
  • Why we're excited: after this cult burger favourite lost its lease in Acton, we were left with empty hearts and bellies, so this new permanent residency, not too far from its old digs, is brilliant news

If you’re hunting for a smash‑style burger fix in West London, no drama. is a spot that delivers exactly what it promises - juicy patties, crisp edges, and layers of perfectly balanced toppings.

Once a fixture on Old Oak Road, the joint is now opening a new permanent residency at Bush Tavern in Shepherd's Bush, much to fans' delight. The restaurant has earned a reputation for its cheeseburgers, all-day breakfast buns, and indulgent sides like hash browns, all served in a relaxed, casual setting where the focus is on flavour, not frills.

October 2025 - Now Open

74 Charlotte Street

  • Opening date: 31st October 2025
  • Location: 74 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 4QH
  • Cuisine: modern British
  • Why we're excited: chef Ben Murphy always cooks up exciting dishes and twists on classics, and we can't wait to try what he's preparing for his very own restaurant - which also promises a vast drinks offering

Taking over the former site of Mere, 74 Charlotte Street is the newest venture by chef Ben Murphy. This hotly anticipated restaurant comes after he finished at Launceston Place, promising some twists on his old favourite dishes - from beef Wellington served with braised beefy chips to a fig leaf soufflé with olive oil ice cream.

The venue is undergoing a lot of changes from when it was Mere, promising a much lighter feel. There's also a separate cocktail bar on the ground floor, and you can also expect a wine list of over 300 bottles.

The Hart 

  • Opening date: October 2025
  • Location: 56 Blandford Street, Marylebone, W1U 7JA
  • Cuisine: British pub food with local produce 
  • Why we're excited: with its mix of snug Victorian charm downstairs and elevated dining upstairs, it promises the best of both worlds: pints and pork pies at the bar, or a sit-down meal built on seasonal British ingredients straight from the group’s own farm - all from the same brains who brought us The Pelican in London, The Bull in the Cotswolds and more

This October, the Public House Group is introducing its latest concept: The Hart, a pub with a food-led mission in the heart of Marylebone. Located on the corner of Chiltern Street and Blandford Street, the venue nods to local history; the name 'Hart' references a family who ran a drinking house on the same site in the 1840s.

Inside, the ground floor will embrace a drinks-focused, convivial pub vibe with Victorian partition screens, booths, stools, original stained-glass windows, and a snack menu of pork scratchings, chicken liver toast, and pork pies. Upstairs, two further floors will host dining rooms featuring aged panelling, scalloped banquettes, bespoke lighting and gas fires, with a menu built around nostalgic British staples: crab cakes, bubble and squeak, steak and potatoes, meatballs with chard, chicken and anchovy salad, even banoffee pie - all drawn from seasonal, local produce via the group’s Market Garden at Bruern Farms.

Interiors of the hart in marylebone.

The Hart features Victorian-style partition screens. 

Crisp Pizza At The Marlborough Head 

  • Opening date: October 2025
  • Location: The Marlborough Head, 24 North Audley Street, Mayfair W1K 6WD
  • Cuisine: pizza
  • Why we're excited: if you haven't tried Crisp Pizza, where have you been?! Their cult-favourite slices have been lauded as the very best in London, and I've had their pizza more times than I count (it's well worth the schlep to Hammersmith). Now, the same team are opening a pub in Mayfair with support from The Devonshire, where they'll be serving Carl McCluskey's iconic New York-style, thin-crust pizzas accompanied by perfectly poured Guinness

One of London’s most buzzed-about pizza spots is finally making its move into central London. After months of speculation, it’s now confirmed: Crisp Pizza, the cult-favourite pizzeria from Hammersmith, is expanding to Mayfair. The team behind Crisp Pizza has long been eyeing the historic Marlborough Head pub on North Audley Street, and now it's official - Westminster Council has granted them a licence, clearing the final hurdle before opening.

For the uninitiated, Crisp Pizza has earned a near-legendary status among London foodies. Known for their thin and crispy New York-style slices, they’ve been serving out of a small pub kitchen near Hammersmith Bridge - and drawing big names in the process. Everyone from Barstool Pizza’s Dave Portnoy to Michel Roux has made the journey west to sample a slice. Founded by Carl McCluskey, whose family has deep roots in the pub world, Crisp Pizza quickly gained a loyal following. Now, with a move into Mayfair on the horizon, all eyes are on what’s next for this rising pizza empire.

Pizza from Crisp Pizza.

Carl took over The Chancellors in Hammersmith from his nan, transforming it into one of London’s go-to pizza destinations.

House of Louie 

  • Opening date: 8th October 2025 
  • Location: 13-15 West Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9NE
  • Cuisine: French, Japanese 
  • Why we're excited: House of Louie is set to redefine London dining and nightlife under one roof, offering three distinct yet interconnected experiences - elevated Japanese izakaya, chic French dining, and a vibrant rooftop bar - all in a stunning 19th-century townhouse

House of Louie, the latest venture by Paris Society, brings a fresh chapter to London’s hospitality scene with Wani Tzuki, Louie, and the Alligator Bar stacked across three floors of a historic Covent Garden townhouse. You can begin your journey at Wani Tzuki, an elevated izakaya where French-trained chefs reinterpret Japanese cuisine with precision, seasonality, and cross-cultural creativity. Designer Joanna Pera Duvocell blends the restrained elegance of Japanese aesthetics with the warmth of a classic bistro, creating an intimate yet lively dining atmosphere.

At the heart of the house, Louie reinvents French dining with soulful jazz, delicate interiors, and elevated antiques curated by Dion et Arles. Here, refined cuisine meets infectious beats, offering a space to savour French culinary artistry alongside musical entertainment. Upstairs, The Alligator Bar pulses with energy, offering a hidden terrace for daytime cocktails and a gilded indoor space for night-time revelry. 

Sushi bar and main bar from House of Louie.

House of Louie will have three destinations to explore.

Nora 

  • Opening date: October 2025 
  • Location: 7 West Lane, Canary Wharf, E22 3AA
  • Cuisine: modern Turkish
  • Why we're excited: Canary Wharf's restaurant repertoire is perpetually expanding, and Nora is certainly one to watch - we're expecting theatrical live-fire cooking, plus a blend of culinary traditions and contemporary creations at this new Turkish spot

Nora arrives in Canary Wharf this autumn 2025, bringing an Istanbul-inspired dining destination to the heart of London’s financial district. Created by the Akyuz brothers behind Café Beam, this ambitious concept blends traditional Turkish street‑food culture with contemporary grill cooking in a stylish, mid-century modern space. 

The menu spans classic Ottoman recipes and inventive modern dishes: expect spiced lamb borek with sivri pepper yoghurt; hellim with smoked olive oil and Epping honey, and more. The interiors, by Ola Jachymiak Studio, combine light woods, Anatolian textiles, and floor-to-ceiling windows to create a bright, airy setting reminiscent of seaside Istanbul meets refined Canary Wharf. 

Interiors of Nora in Canary Wharf.

Interiors of Nora in Canary Wharf.

Riley's At The Black Eel

  • Opening date: 24th October 2025 
  • Location: 41 Kingsland High Street, Dalston, E8 2JS
  • Cuisine: seasonal dishes 
  • Why we're excited: chef Billy Fisher comes from head chef roles at Lagom and The Hawke pub, so we know the food here is going to be good 

Dalston is getting a brand-new social hub this October with the arrival of The Black Eel, a lively pub, beer garden, and community hangout from the team behind Exale Brewing. Taking over the Grade II-listed former home of one of the East End’s oldest pie and mash shops, the space blends rich history with Exale’s trademark playful spirit - yes, there’s even a karaoke room.

In the kitchen, chef Billy Fisher (previously head chef at Lagom) is debuting his latest venture, Riley’s, serving up confident, seasonal plates and hearty Sunday roasts designed for sharing with friends over a pint.

Riley's At The Black Eel.

Dishes from Riley's at The Black Eel in Dalston.

Supa Ya 

  • Opening date: 16th October 2025
  • Location: Arcade, 103-105 New Oxford Street, WC1A 1AB
  • Cuisine: ramen, Japanese fusion
  • Why we’re excited: after a string of sell-out supper clubs and buzzy pop-ups, Supa Ya Ramen is finally getting the permanent home it deserves. Known for its self-proclaimed 'traditionally inauthentic' approach to ramen, this cult favourite blends Japanese flavours with British comfort food sensibilities - and we can’t wait to see what they do with a bigger stage

Supa Ya has long been one of London’s most exciting underground dining stories, captivating ramen lovers with bowls that are bold, inventive and downright addictive. Now, founder Luke Findlay and his team are setting up shop at Arcade on Tottenham Court Road, bringing their signature flair to the iconic food hall.

Expect slurp-worthy creations like roast chicken and corn ramen, a rich chicken soup with sesame miso, roast garlic oil, buttered chilli corn, roast chicken, fried garlic, green onions and that signature fudgy egg, alongside a maple-glazed pumpkin and chilli crunch bowl that’s pure umami heaven. The small plates are just as tempting: think heritage tomatoes with ponzu vinaigrette and fennel seed furikake, or fried chicken dressed in apricot glaze and white sesame.

Supa Ya Noodles.

It's noodles galore at Supa Ya.

2210 By NattyCanCook

  • Opening date: 22nd October 2025
  • Location: 75 Norwood Road, Herne Hill, SE24 9AA
  • Cuisine: Caribbean
  • Why we're excited: chef Nathaniel Mortley has had a different journey to most, and we're thrilled to see his fantastic pop-up kitchen turning into a permanent site. His twists on Caribbean classics are always uniquely delicious, and the cocktails are excellent too

A real success story, 2210 By NattyCanCook is the pinnacle of chef Nathaniel Mortley's career, coming after a unique past. Mortley began his career working in kitchens, from Jason Atherton's City Social to The Art Club, before he ended up serving time in HMP Brixton. His passion for cooking was reignited by a stint at the prison's The Clink restaurant, which employs inmates, and he went on to invent the pop-up NattyCanCook.

2210 is his first permanent restaurant, continuing the Caribbean theme of his pop-up. Expect modern, refined versions of staple dishes, with past favourites including warm roti with whipped scotch bonnet butter and jerk chicken supreme. On the drinks front, they're promising plenty of rum and some exciting cocktails.

Chef Mortley and a dish at his restaurant.

From Michelin-star kitchens to The Clink, chef Mortley has had a long journey to opening his own restaurant.

Motorino 

  • Opening date: 20th October 2025
  • Location: 1 Pearson Square, Fitzrovia, W1T 3BF
  • Cuisine: Italian 
  • Why we're excited: with a CV that includes Pastaio and Town combined with Luca, it's clear Stevie Parle and Luke Ahearne can achieve big things (and great plates of pasta)

We're looking forward to the arrival of Motorino, opening this October. The brainchild of chef Luke Ahearne (ex-Lita, Luca) and Stevie Parle (the talent behind Town and Pastaio), this 150-cover modern London-Italian restaurant is shaping up to be one of the year’s most exciting debuts.

Expect inventive, ambitious cooking with a playful spirit, paired with a destination bar that’s every bit as headline-worthy as the food. Overseen by Kevin Armstrong of Satan’s Whiskers fame, the bar will be pouring ice-cold martinis and seasonal spritzes on tap, making Motorino as much a place for cocktails as it is for dinner.

FINK'S

  • Opening date: 1st October 2025 
  • Location: Clissold House, Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 9HJ
  • Cuisine: international 
  • Why we're excited: open daily from 8am until sundown, it’s set to be Stoke Newington’s new go-to for breakfast, lunch, or a glass of wine on the steps at dusk

North London favourite FINK’S is taking on its biggest project yet with a bold revival of the Grade II-listed Clissold House in Stoke Newington. Spanning three spaces - The Kiosk for grab-and-go coffee and pastries, the candy-pink café hub of The Pink Room, and a flagship Dining Room with 45 covers - the new opening will serve FINK’S signatures with flair. Expect seasonal cakes from Head of Pastry Adriann Ramirez, croissants and breads by Adam Morley, and an à la carte breakfast and lunch menu from co-founder Jess Blackstone and head chef Matilde Romeo, featuring dishes like Clissold Rarebit on sourdough, giant crispy rosti with cavolo nero and poached eggs, honey mustard chicken melts, and a dedicated Ducklings Menu for kids.

Design-wise, Georgian elegance meets playful modern colour in a space that’s as Instagrammable as it is inviting. With their viral Princess Cake reimagined to match The Pink Room, sustainably sourced ingredients from local suppliers, and a pedal-powered delivery ethos, FINK’S continues its mission of great coffee, thoughtful food, and warm hospitality. 

Food at FINK'S.

FINK's at Clissold House.

Casa Felicia

  • Opening date: 14th October 2025 
  • Location: 79 Salisbury Rd, Queens Park, NW6 6NH
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Why we're excited: there's hearty homemade cooking, and then there's Italian hearty homemade cooking. Add the former head chef of Highbury's legendary Giacco's and the bar just got even higher

Putting another feather in Queen's Park's culinary cap, former Giacco's head chef, Francesco Sarvonio, has opened the doors to Casa Felicia. With a focus on homemade pasta and only the very best Italian ingredients, its bringing bold flavours, continental charm and heritage hospitality to this pocket of Northwest London. 

While guided by the market and seasonal availability, the menu's packed with a mix of dry aged meats, hearty veg and freshly cooked fish with a wine list to match. True to its nose-to-tail philosophy, everything is prepared from simple ingredients right here in the Casa Felicia kitchen. 

Table at Casa Felicia Queen's Park

Bringing homemade flavours and heritage hospitality. 

September 2025

Carbone

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 30 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, W1K
  • Cuisine: Italian-American food
  • Summary: the renowned NYC institution has launched in London, it's European debut. Italian-American cuisine is having a moment in London, and it'll be exciting to have a fine dining option on the cards

After making a name for itself on the streets of New York, the upscale Italian-American restaurant Carbone is set to open at 30 Grosvenor Square in Mayfair.

Owned by Major Food Group (the luxury hospitality company behind some of the world's most famous restaurants - think Sadelle's and Contessa), this exciting new opening is bringing its New York-style Italian-American food to London. Given the rising trend of Italian-American cuisine in the capital, Carbone couldn't come at a better time.

Here, you can expect tuxedo-clad service, jaw-dropping interiors and distinct artwork - and while the menu is still being kept under wraps, we're expecting dishes such as spicy vodka rigatoni.

Carbone New York London | DesignMyNight

For an example of what to expect at the London opening, these are the interiors at the Miami outpost.

The Ivy Battersea 

  • Opening date: 30th September 2025
  • Location: 31-37 Northcote Road, Battersea, SW11 1NJ
  • Cuisine: modern British classics with a few international touches
  • Why we're excited: the 44th restaurant in the iconic brasserie-style collection is set to be as beautiful and stylish as its predecessors

This September, The Ivy Collection expands its culinary empire with the opening of The Ivy Northcote Road, a stylish new brasserie nestled in the heart of Battersea. Taking over the historic Old Bank building, this 44th venue in the Collection promises the signature blend of high-quality cuisine, impeccable service, and an all-day dining experience.

The Ivy Northcote Road will offer a sophisticated yet welcoming setting for up to 103 guests, serving everything from energising breakfasts and leisurely brunches to elegant dinners and late-night cocktails, seven days a week. A charming terrace area for alfresco dining and drinks - seating up to 20 guests - will complete the inviting atmosphere. Reflecting The Ivy’s renowned seasonal menu, the restaurant will feature a diverse range of dishes alongside a curated drinks selection highlighting locally sourced spirits and beers, tailored specifically for Battersea’s community. 

Aki 

  • Opening date: 24th September 2025 
  • Location: One Cavendish Square, W1 
  • Cuisine:
  • Summary: a contemporary Japanese restaurant and the first UK outpost from the Maltese hospitality brand, dp group

This September, the city will welcome Aki, a stylish new Japanese restaurant with a Mediterranean twist, opening at One Cavendish Square. Aki is the first international outpost of Malta’s Lifestyle Group, which has earned four consecutive Michelin Guide mentions since launching in Valletta in 2020. Inspired by Kyoto’s farm-to-table philosophy, the menu features modern interpretations of traditional Japanese dishes using fresh, high-quality ingredients and innovative techniques like fish-to-tail cooking.

Highlights include tuna tartare with Japanese brown puffed rice and aged soy served on an ice plate with caviar, wagyu tataki with Japanese beer mustard pickle, truffle, and crispy leeks, hay-smoked scallop with tofu and fennel cream alongside fuji apple tosazu jelly and edible flowers, and natto and yuzu marinated lamb with ume boshi and house-made herb miso. The restaurant is also one of the few in London licensed to serve authentic Kobe beef, proudly displaying its official certification. Housed in a beautifully restored Grade II-listed former bank redesigned by British-Maltese designer Francis Sultana, Aki offers an elegant dining room, a chic vault bar, and intimate private spaces, all accented with curated art. 

Scallop from Aki in London, opening in Septmeber.

Hay-smoked scallop (pictured) from Aki.

Solaya

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 25th Floor, art’otel London Hoxton, 1-3 Rivington Street, EC2A 3DT
  • Cuisine: French Mediterranean
  • Why we recommend: a high-end restaurant found 25 floors up in Shoreditch

Later this year, top Newcastle chef Kenny Atkinson is opening up his first London restaurant: Solaya. This will be based on the 25th floor of art’otel London Hoxton, promising views of East London from this elevated space. His North East restaurants House of Tides and Solstice by Kenny Atkinson both hold Michelin stars, so you can expect good things here.

In collaboration with head chef Nicola Losquadro (who has worked at Sucre, The Oystermen and more), Atkinson promises a refined menu of flavour-first dishes. as for the wine list, expect a heavy French and Mediterranean influence.

Bar Brasso

  • Opening date: 27th September 2025
  • Location: 3 Viaduct Gardens, Nine Elms, SW11 7AY
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Why we're excited: Darby's is always a great choice for dinner, and this more casual cafe-bar is a great way to relax and enjoy a top quality meal at all times of day. Their small plates selection looks particularly enticing, and you can't beat £5 negronis

Chef and restauranteur Robin Gill has already been running his popular Nine Elms restaurant Darby's for some time, and now he's turning the space next door into all-day cafe and aperitivo bar. Bar Brasso takes its inspiration from Venice and San Sebastian, transforming from a casual lunch space to a vibrant bar later on.

Dishes include fresh pastries, sandwiches and hot meals like beef shin lasagne, with small plates available in the evenings. These range from all-day cafe and aperitivo bar to sage and anchovy fritters, which you can pair with £5 negronis or Northern Italian wines.

Lilibet's

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 17 Bruton Street, Mayfair, W1J 6QB 
  • Cuisine: British seafood
  • Why we're excited: from the founder of Bone Daddies Group, this new restaurant is going to shine a light on premium British seafood (with a dedicated oyster bar too). And as the birthplace of the late Queen Elizabeth, the unique venue will bring a regal beauty with decadent florals and patterns

Ross Shonhan, the former Nobu executive chef and founder of Bone Daddies, has teamed up with Russel Sage Group (the brains behind the interiors of places such as Quaglino's, Aviary and Fit'z) to create quite the Mayfair restaurant. The building itself was the birthplace of the late Queen Elizabeth, hence the name Lilibet's. Interiors are sure to match the muse, feautring regal florals and eye-catching patterns.

Onsite, there will be an oyster bar, fireside grill, cocktail bar and heated terrace, with the menu championing seafood with great detail given to British ingredients; think giant seafood platters, anchovy eclairs and fried crab thermidor.

Lilibet's Mayfair oyster bar and dining room

With its history and backing, Lilibet's could become one of London's institutions. 

ADOH!

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 36 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, WC2E 7LJ
  • Cuisine: Sri Lankan street food
  • Why we're excited: this brand new street food spot comes from the brains behind Kolamba, one of London's most popular Sri Lankan restaurants, who're bringing a more relaxed vibe to bustling Covent Garden with ADOH!. There's going to be a strong focus on kothu (one of my favourites), which they are promising will be served just like they are in Sri Lanka

Created by Eroshan and Aushi Meewella, the team behind Kolamba, ADOH! is coming to Covent Garden in September. This is a walk-in only Sri Lankan restaurant that serves street food-style dishes, taking its inspiration from Sri Lanka's roadside eateries, that'll be perfect for casual dining.

The space has been designed by Whitebox London in collaboration with Fold Media Collective, and will feature two specially commissioned murals by Sri Lankan artist Ruwangi "Roo" Amarasinghe. These artworks, paired with raw materials (think steel, corrugated sheeting and utilitarian plastics), aim to created a vibrant but industrial-cool vibe.

Their menu will focus largely on kothus, a type of chopped roti dish with either crab, chicken, mutton or jackfruit. There'll also be seafood fried rice, chilli prawn toast, vadai and much more, including salted jaggery soft serve for dessert, available for both lunch and dinner.

READ OUR REVIEW OF ADOH!

Heard

  • Opening date: 25th September 2025
  • Location: 39 Foubert's Place, Soho, W1F 7QQ
  • Cuisine: smash burgers
  • Why we're excited: the smash burger revival shows know signs of slowing down, with more and more spots specialising in these thin patty and bun combos across the capital - however, Jordon Bailey (a two Michelin star chef), serves an excellent smash burger (with wine pairings, don't ya know) and we can't wait to visit the restaurant's second location and try their new menu items

Just six months after its Borough opening, Heard is expanding with a new venue in Soho. This is the critically-acclaimed venture from chef Jordan Bailey, who was awarded two Michelin stars at his now-closed Irish restaurant Aimsir and has since earned a lot of praise for his smash burgers.

This is a more intimate space than in Borough, though the menu has expanded - including the signature Soho burger, which is their first non-smashed patty. All their burgers are made with aged British beef, served in their legendary roast potato buns. Plus, each burger comes paired with a beer or wine, courtesy of sommelier Majken Bech-Bailey - Jordan's wife.

Burger at Heard Soho.

With a Michelin-star chef in the kitchen, the burgers at Heard are bound to be good.

Chuck's

  • Opening date: September 2025
  • Location: 23 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 1RW
  • Cuisine: smash burgers
  • Why we're excited: Chuck's has been hosting incredibly successful pop-ups and residencies across London, and will now be permanently serving their famous burgers at their new spot in Fitzrovia - get ready to sample their soft potato rolls filled with a crispy patty, cheddar, pickles, white onion and signature house sauce

It's no secret that smash burgers are taking over the nation, and Chuck's is the latest restaurant to open permanently after a series of pop-ups and residencies across London. The restaurant will be a no-frills kind of joint, focusing on the simplicity of a single patty burger done to perfection. More menu items, such as a crispy chicken burger and fish sauce wings are set to join the menu too.

This is part of the Carousel group, taking up its position at adjoining cocktail bar No.23 from September. This mean margaritas and smash burgers under one roof - what more could you ask for? 

Chuck's at No.23.

Chuck's at No.23.

Il Bambini Club

  • Opening date: 29th September 2025
  • Location: 1 Great Eastern Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3HU
  • Cuisine: high-end Italian food
  • Why we're excited: having originated in Paris, and famed for its extravagant design and stunning Italian food, Il Bambini Club is making its London debut - we're expecting the new spot to be as gorgeous as its other locations; think a vibrant Mediterranean escape with the heart of a charming trattoria

Coming to The Hoxton hotel this September, Il Bambini Club is a charming Italian trattoria promising authentic dishes and refreshing cocktails. They've got existing venues in Paris and Megeve, but this is their first site in the UK. Each location has got beautiful, unique interiors, and the Shoreditch outpost is filled with ornate hanging lampshades and gorgeous greenery.

Their existing menus feature everything from aubergine parmigiana to stracciatella rigatoni and veal Milanese, so you can expect similar here, followed by their giant lemon meringue pie. They've got quite a high-end reputation in Paris, so this is a great choice for date nights and celebrations.

Collage of a main and dessert at Il Bambini Club London.

The dishes at their existing venues give you an idea of Il Bambini Club's London menu.

Luso 

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 30 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 2NG
  • Cuisine: Portuguese
  • Why we're excited: though we're sad to see the back of Lisboeta (famed for its authentic Portuguese dishes), we can't wait to see what Luso (which will now be led by Leo Carreira, previously of The Sea, The Sea) has in store. We're expecting a more relaxed vibe, but similarly delicious dishes, with a focus on the Iberian Atlantic coastline

Fitzrovia’s dining scene is in for a shake-up. Lisboeta, long celebrated as one of the neighbourhood’s most distinctive restaurants, is evolving into something new following the departure of its much-loved chef, Nuno Mendes. While Mendes focuses on projects in Portugal and continues his involvement with The Rose in Deal, Londoners won’t have to wait long to see what takes his place: Luso.

Still rooted in Portuguese flavours but with a more relaxed approach, Luso will draw inspiration from the Iberian Atlantic coastline. At the helm of the menu is Leo Carreira (of The Sea, The Sea), who promises modern reimaginings of classics, such as salt-baked wild sea bass, clams à bulhão pato, and oven-roasted suckling pig. The transformation is happening quickly, so don’t expect a full design overhaul, but the signature counter seats on the ground floor are set to remain some of the best in the house. In short, while Fitzrovia bids farewell to Mendes’ chapter, it looks like a fresh new Portuguese story is just beginning.

August 2025

KERB Social Club

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 16 Horner Square, Old Spitalfields Market, E1 6AA
  • Cuisine: street food (including jerk chicken, pizzas and hot dogs)
  • Why we're excited: KERB, who organise some of London's best street food markets (e.g. Seven Dials Market), have launched a new venture - a permanent location in Old Spitalfields Market, where you can enjoy sports, drinks and more, all while still digging into tasty street food

Situated right in the heart of Spitalfields, KERB Social Club is a new venue that combines the feel of a classic British pub with the buzzing atmosphere of an American sports bar. There are multiple screens throughout the bar showing all the biggest matches, with comfy booth seating throughout.

They also champion London's street food scene, with multiple different traders serving delicious eats. Think mango coconut wings from Only Jerkin, Cutie Pies pizzas and chilli cheese dogs from Oh My Dog!, paired with refreshing pints aplenty.

Street food at KERB Social Club London.

Munch on scrumptious street food at KERB Social Club.

Legado

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 1 Montacute Yards, 185-186 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6HU
  • Cuisine: Spanish
  • Why we're excited: this new venture is from Sabor's Nieves Barragán, in partnership with JKS Restaurants, and is set to be a Mediterranean marvel, showcasing gorgeous regional dishes with contemporary style

Seven years after the acclaimed opening of her Michelin-starred restaurant Sabor on Heddon Street, chef Nieves Barragán is preparing to unveil her newest culinary venture, Legado. Located in Shoreditch’s vibrant Montacute Yards, Legado - meaning 'legacy' in Spanish - will highlight the rich diversity of Spain’s regional dishes. Interiors-wise, you can expect an open kitchen with counter seating, as well as tones of green, terracotta and pink throughout.

Partnering once again with JKS Restaurants, the group behind the popular Gymkhana, Legado will offer a broader menu that spans across Spain’s culinary landscape, moving beyond the Andalusian and Galician specialities featured at Sabor. Diners can look forward to standout dishes such as crystal Mediterranean prawns with smoked paprika and Moscatel vinegar, as well as confit lobster with chili and garlic served on rose potatoes, both garnished with a fried egg for added richness. In addition to the main dining area, Legado will feature a separate bar and terrace called Taberna, offering a dedicated tapas and pintxos menu, perfect for casual bites and drinks.

Food at Legado.

Legado will showcase regional Spanish dishes across their menu.

Pintxito

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: Covent Garden Piazza, Covent Garden, WC2E 7BB
  • Cuisine: Basque/pintxo
  • Why we're excited: there's a bout of San Sebastian fever in London at the moment, with more restaurants than ever serving Basque cuisine (including Michelin star Brat) and pintxo. Right on trend, the team behind acclaimed Spanish restaurants Camino are opening up a pintxo bar in Covent Garden - we'll be one of the first to grab a table

Spanish dining group Camino are launching a brand-new pintxo bar in the heart of Covent Garden. Named Pintxito, this cosy spot will seat just 30 guests inside, with an additional ten seats available on the outdoor terrace. Designed to evoke the authentic atmosphere of a Basque bar in Bilbao or San Sebastian, Pintxito will showcase a traditional counter brimming with 15 to 20 handcrafted pintxos.

Expect classic Basque flavours like baby squid in squid ink, gildas, and king oyster mushrooms paired with piquillo peppers and salsa verde. True to its Basque roots, the drinks menu will highlight regional favourites including crisp white, rosé, and sparkling txakoli, alongside Rioja Alavesa wines, local beers, ciders, and gin. 

Food from Camino's new pixtos bar.

Camino will be opening Pintxito in August. 

Bad Boy Pizza Society

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 419 Bethnal Green Road, Bethnal Green, E2 0AN
  • Cuisine: New York-style pizza
  • Why we're excited: after nabbing numerous awards and holding residencies in popular locations, it's about time Bad Boy Pizza Society opened their very own bricks-and-mortar restaurant. We love their NY-style slices, especially the Notorious P.I.G. and hope this makes it onto the Bethnal Green menu, and can't to see what else they have up their sleeves

Bad Boy Pizza Society has taken London’s pizza scene by storm with their popular residencies at Tulse Hill, Seven Dials Market, and Vinegar Yard, earning the prestigious title of National Pizza of the Year at the National Pizza Awards in both 2022 and 2024. Riding this wave of success, they’re now making their mark permanent with a brand-new pizzeria opening soon in Bethnal Green. This new venue promises a flexible experience: grab a slice to go during the day or settle in for a full sit-down meal in the evening.

The menu showcases Italian-American-inspired pizzas, with a strong focus on authentic New York-style slices. You can expect classics like the margherita and the vodka sauce pizza, alongside standout creations such as The Crusty Old Goat - topped with mozzarella, goat’s cheese, caramelised onions, black pepper, balsamic glaze, and parsley - and the Notorious PIG, featuring tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, fresh basil, and parmesan. Beyond pizza, the menu includes hearty chicken vodka parms, giant Caesar sharers, and indulgent deep-fried treats like their signature carbonara suppli. 

Bad Boy Pizza Society pizzas being eaten.

Bad Boy Pizza Society is coming to Bethnal Green. 

July 2025

ACE Pizza

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 126-128 Lauriston Road, Victoria Park, E9 7LH
  • Cuisine: New York-inspired Neapolitan pizzas
  • Why we're excited: the award-winning pizzeria is opening their first dedicated venue in Victoria Park - we've loved tucking into their slices over at Pembury Tavern, and excited to enjoy a full-blown dinner at their new launch

Currently holding a kitchen residency at Pembury Tavern, ACE Pizza are now opening up a location of their own in Victoria Park. These guys are known for their award-winning Neapolitan pizzas with a New York twist, which they'll be cooking up in their brand new, bright pink venue.

They offer both red and white bases on their pizzas, with toppings ranging from double pepperoni to fennel sausage and roasted peppers. They even offer a 20-inch sharer for groups, while drinks include signature cocktails like the Italian Garden or a hot honey margarita.

The exterior of ACE Pizza and a slice from their menu.

This new Victoria Park spot promises award-winning slices.

MOI

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 86 Wardour Street, Soho, W1F 0TQ
  • Cuisine: contemporary Japanese food
  • Why we're excited: I was actually lucky enough to visit just after this spot launched, and I had a wonderful time. The interiors? Incredibly cool, showcasing unique natural elements that were both chic and interesting. The food? Everything from the sushi and grilled skewers to the pork chop was sublime. Oh, and I can't forget the incredible global groove playing on vinyl in the background either

Wondering what's new in London restaurants? A Japanese spot is hitting the streets of Soho this July: MOI. Headed up by Executive Chef Andy Cook and drinks expert Dino  Koletsas, this place promises the very best of British produce and seafood, which has been turned into hand-crafted sushi and other premium Japanese-inspired plates. Expect everything from crab temaki to mackerel crudo with yuzu, paired with killer cocktails.

The venue has been designed using natural, reclaimed wood, alongside raw concrete - all illuminated by soft lighting. You'll be met with a bar area on arrival, before heading towards the large kitchen islands and wood-fired grill where you can watch the chefs work. That's not all though, as there's also a 16-cover Sushi Kitchen and Omakase Bar and a 40-cover listening room on-site.

Café Kitsuné

  • Opening date: now open 
  • Location: 55 Monmouth Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9DG
  • Cuisine: Parisian-Japanese cafe dishes and drinks
  • Why we're excited: Paris and Japan undoubtedly have some of the best cafes and baked goods around, and Café Kitsuné is bringing to best of both worlds to Covent Garden - get ready for beautiful pastries, matcha-infused delights and aromatic coffee

Bringing its signature fusion of Parisian elegance and Tokyo cool to the heart of Seven Dials, Café Kitsuné has officially opened at 55 Monmouth Street. The new two-storey space offers a refined yet relaxed setting to enjoy the brand’s beloved menu of speciality drinks and artisanal bakes.

You can expect Café Kitsuné’s signature offerings - from expertly brewed coffee and aromatic chai to vibrant matcha creations - alongside a curated selection of sweet and savoury treats. Highlights include the cult-favourite fox cookies, delicate matcha financiers, and a savoury take on the classic pain Suisse. Seasonal specials add a playful twist, with standouts like the Iced strawberry matcha latte and the refreshing yuzu and honey latte, perfect for sipping in the café’s thoughtfully designed interiors.

Cafe Kitsune Covent Garden interiors.

Café Kitsuné's interiors (pictured left).

Shanghai Me

  • Opening date: now open 
  • Location: 22 Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 1BE
  • Cuisine: pan-Asian dining
  • Why we're excited: bringing luxury pan-Asian fare to a sky-high location that used to occupy Galvin at Windows, this latest opening not only boasts incredible views across London, but also beautiful Art Deco interiors and an exciting menu we can't wait to try

London’s dining scene just got a dazzling new addition with the launch of Shanghai Me, a bold Pan-Asian restaurant perched on the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane. Offering sweeping views over Hyde Park and beyond, Shanghai Me channels the glamour and intrigue of 1930s Shanghai through its cinematic interiors designed by award-winning studio First Within. Expect rich mahogany tones, Art Deco details, and ambient lighting that sets the perfect mood for an unforgettable night out in Mayfair.

The menu celebrates elevated Pan-Asian cuisine with standout dishes like dim sum 'library' bites, yellowtail carpaccio with black truffle, Cantonese-style roast duck crowned with foie gras and caviar, and hand-rolled sushi inspired by Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese flavours. Meanwhile, the adjoining Bund Lounge cocktail bar offers an exotic drinks experience inspired by the Chinese zodiac, complemented by decadent desserts and late-night snacks. Taking over the former home of the Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows, Shanghai Me combines international pedigree with unapologetic decadence, setting a new standard for luxury rooftop dining in London.

Shanghai Me at the Hilton in London.

The gorgeous interiors at Shanghai Me in London. 

Speedboat Bar 2.0

  • Opening date: Now open
  • Location: 191 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill, W11 2ED
  • Cuisine: high-quality Thai food, focusing on local dishes from Bangkok's Chinatown
  • Why we're excited: another string in JKS restaurant group's culinary bow, with South East Asian chef and restaurateur Luke Farrell at the helm and numerous accolades to its sister site's name, the second branch of Speedboat Bar is a very exciting addition to West London's dining scene

Anyone with a penchant for Thai food will have the iconic Speedboat Bar on their radar - since it opened in Soho in 2022, it's garnered huge acclaim for its stunning dishes and flavours (it was even featured in Estrella Damm's 2023 National Top 100 Restaurants). And on 10th July? They opened up their second branch in Notting Hill.

The restaurant, which is along the ever-bustling Portobello Road inside The Electric, is part of the JKS restaurant group (who are also behind some of the city's culinary best, like Hoppers, Sabor, BiBi, Gymkhana and many more), with Luke Farrell at the head (who also leads Plaza Khao Gaeng, which has a Michelin Bib Gourmand), showcases the same fiery flavours and fan favourite plates as the original. Think crispy pork and black pepper curry, fried fish fillet with shallot, lime and chilli, and chicken skins with Zaep seasoning.

Plates of Thai food at Speedboat Bar.

Now you can get all of your favourite Thai dishes in West London from Speedboat Bar's second branch.

Brasserie Constance

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: Level 1, Fulham Pier, Stevenage Road, Fulham SW6 6HH
  • Cuisine: contemporary British cuisine
  • Why we're excited: an incredibly exciting new venture from Michelin-starred chef Adam Byatt (previously of Trinity), Brasserie Constance is certainly going to be one to watch; they'll be using seasonal, premium ingredients in modern British dishes served with fine dining flair

Situated on the first floor of Fulham Pier, Brasserie Constance from Michelin-starred chef Adam Byatt (Trinity) offers a contemporary take on the British brasserie, focusing on approachable, seasonal dishes executed to perfection. Inspired by the legacy of Constance Spry, the renowned florist and ceramicist with ties to Fulham Pottery, the restaurant incorporates floral motifs and bespoke, handmade ceramics throughout, paying tribute to her influence on the space, and its interiors are designed by Lazaro Rosa-Violán.

Adjacent to the brasserie is Flo, a riverside cocktail bar that complements the dining experience with a small plates menu and an extensive drinks selection, including a thoughtfully curated wine list with over 200 choices developed by the sommelier team at Adam’s Trinity. 

Adam Byatt outside Trinity.

This new restaurant from Michelin star chef Adam Byatt is one to watch.

Island 

  • Opening date: now open 
  • Location: Mare Street Market, Lewis Cubitt Square, Kings Cross, N1C 4DY
  • Cuisine: surf and turf
  • Why we're excited: chefs Brad Carter and Tom Brown have partnered up to bring a surf and turf hotspot to North London - the two esteemed chefs are sure to whip up a storm

Chef Brad Carter, renowned for his acclaimed Carters of Moseley in Birmingham, is making a fresh attempt to establish himself in London’s dining scene with a new restaurant inside Mare Street Market in King’s Cross. After plans to open at Undercroft were unexpectedly halted when Aldo Zilli took over the space, Carter is now partnering with celebrated chef Tom Brown, who recently launched his own namesake restaurant at The Capital. Together, they are transforming The Chandelier Room at Mare Street Market into Island, a bold new eatery that promises an innovative surf and turf experience.

At Island, the chefs are combining their culinary strengths to craft a unique menu featuring the best of land and sea. Tom Brown, known for his exceptional seafood expertise, will helm the ocean-inspired dishes, while Brad Carter brings his signature nose-to-tail approach to rare-breed meats. You can expect creative pairings like oyster Caesar salad, a meat and seafood charcuterie selection including trout pastrami and monkfish cheek ham with lardo, and a standout quail stuffed with prawn paella.

Food from Island in King's Cross.

Island will be at Mare Street Market in King's Cross.

Little Fires 

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 125 Bethnal Green Road, Bethnal Green, E2 7DG
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Why we're excited: an Oaxacan-led kitchen comes combined with a mezcal-led bar, not to mention a hi-fi lounge complete with a DJ booth, makes up Little Fires; one of the coolest openings to hit London this year

This summer, East London bar Alfie’s is undergoing a major transformation, reopening as Little Fires, a two-storey venue inspired by the flavours and culture of Oaxaca, Mexico. Rather than just taking cues from Mexican style, the team behind Little Fires - Christian Pecoraro, Florian Schulze, and Horacio Sainz - has partnered with some serious talent to make it authentic.

Most notably, they’ve collaborated with the creators of Sabina Sabe, one of the world’s best bars, located in Oaxaca, to design a standout cocktail list that’s heavy on mezcal and tequila. In fact, the bar has formed a direct partnership with Asunción Mezcal, meaning guests can expect rare, small-batch mezcals that are rarely seen in the UK. Complementing the drinks is a menu of Oaxacan-inspired small plates by Top Chef Mexico winner Rodolfo Castellanos, also chef-owner of the acclaimed Origen Oaxaca. His dishes - think tostadas, ceviche, and grilled elotes - are designed to pair perfectly with the drinks, making Little Fires as much a food destination as it is a bar. 

Margot Green 

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 34-36 Old Town, Clapham, SW4 0LB
  • Cuisine: Australian, live-fire, brunch
  • Why we're excited: Daisy Green Collection sure know their way around a beautiful restaurant, and their latest spot focuses on open-fire cooking and beautiful brunches, all in a pretty setting right in Clapham Old Town

Daisy Green Collection is bringing its signature Aussie energy to Clapham Old Town with the launch of Margot Green, its latest venue and the group's 19th establishment in London, bringing everything from coffee and brunch to lunch and dinner to Clapham, but this time with a large amount of the menu focusing on open fire cooking (think Hereford 28 day dry-aged T bone, BBQ broccoli with almond gremolata, and more).

The restaurant features a sunlit terrace perfect for summer brunches and a fire-led dinner menu, blending comfort with flair. Complementing the menu is a curated selection of 12 seasonal cocktails and cool-climate wines from the collection’s celebrated Australian wine list. This launch follows fierce competition for the space - a testament to its prime alfresco-dining potential. The group is known for its diverse venues, including canal‑side barges, secret basement bars, and large-scale restaurants across London .

Outside of Margot Green in Clapham.

Head here for some delicious fire-cooked meats.

Pick & Cheese

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: Unit 93 - 94, Camden Market, Chalk Farm Rd, NW1 8AH
  • Cuisine: cheese and nibbles
  • Why we're excited: from the team behind The Cheese Barge, a floating restaurant in Paddington dedicated to all things dairy, the second iteration of Pick & Cheese (following the first in Seven Dials) offers a unique, interactive experience in Camden Market, featuring a rotating cheese conveyer belt

Pick & Cheese is back in action - and cheesier than ever. After a short refurbishment, the much-loved cheese conveyor belt restaurant is reopening at Camden Market on the 24th of July, sporting a fresh new design and the same winning concept.

This unique dining spot lets you pick from over 25 British cheeses and charcuterie plates, each paired with a bespoke condiment and curated small-producer wine. All dishes glide past on a sushi-style conveyor belt, making this one of London’s most interactive cheese experiences. Celebrating the best of UK artisan producers, Pick & Cheese offers a fun, relaxed way to explore top-tier British cheese - now in a brighter, sleeker space in the heart of Camden. Whether you're a hardcore turophile or just love a glass of red with your Stilton, this is one relaunch you won’t want to miss.

Barbarella

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 30 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, E14 5HX
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Why we're excited: this new Italian restaurant from the Big Mamma Group is set to be one of the most lavish yet, featuring stunning, retro interiors and some seriously gorgeous Italian dishes (my favourite is the mafaldine alla norma)

Beloved Italian restaurateurs the Big Mamma Group are opening a sixth London venue this summer: Barbarella in Canary Wharf. These guys are known for their extravagant interiors, huge portions and Instagrammable dishes - think pasta served in a cheese wheel and six-inch slices of lemon meringue pie. This new venue will be inside Yy London and inspired by the golden age of Roman cinema in the 1970s, so expect a retro setting featuring a huge mirrored glass bar and a striking open kitchen.

The kitchen will be led by Roma-born Marco Rastelli, promising a menu inspired by his hometown - including extra thin and wide Ruota di Carretto pizzas. Other mains include Cornish lemon sole, one-metre-long spaghettone and grilled steaks, paired with their biggest cocktail list yet.

Interior image of Barbarella in Canary Wharf, showcasing dining tables and chairs with flamboyant decor.

Big Mamma Group's newest restaurant is as stunning as ever.

Singburi

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: Unit 7 Montacute Yards, Shoreditch High Street, E1 6HU
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Why we're excited: the incredibly popular Thai restaurant has relocated from Leytonstone to Shoreditch, bringing with it its iconic Thai dishes and relaxed vibe

After it closed last year at its beloved North East London location, Singburi came back with a bang this June. They recently opened their new Shoreditch venue, making it more accessible for the majority of Londoners. This popular spot is all about delicious Thai food, bringing you exciting twists on authentic dishes.

Whether you're sat round the central grill or in the wider restaurant, you can tuck into the likes of dill and lemongrass pork sausage, wild ginger chicken thigh or mussels with tomato and sweet basil. And while the original venue had no drinks license, this new venture promises 14 wines by the glass, alongside a cracking cocktail list.

Lupa 

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 73 Highbury Park, Highbury, N5 1UA
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Why we're excited: it's not just that this restaurant is from heartthrob Theo James, the new neighbourhood restaurant in Highbury has launched in partnership with Ed Templeton (co-founder of Carousel) with exciting chef Naz Hassan at the helm - get ready for hearty Roman plates in an intimate space

Actor Theo James, best known for his roles in The White Lotus, The Inbetweeners Movie and Divergent, is stepping into the London restaurant scene with the launch of Lupa, a new Roman-style eatery opening in Highbury, North London. Teaming up with acclaimed restaurateur Ed Templeton, co-founder of Carousel on Charlotte Street, and talented chef Naz Hassan (formerly of Pidgin, BiBi, and Clipstone), this exciting new restaurant opening in London aims to bring a fresh take on traditional Roman cuisine to the neighbourhood.

Opening in the intimate space formerly home to the Highbury Arts Club - just opposite St Joan of Arc church - Lupa will seat only 28 diners. The menu promises classic Roman dishes made with seasonal ingredients, including Supplì al telefono (deep-fried rice balls with meat ragu and melting mozzarella), stuffed courgette flowers, slow-roasted porchetta, Carciofi alla Romana, and Polpette al Sugo. Fresh, hand-rolled pasta will also be a central feature. On Arsenal match days, locals can grab porchetta sandwiches to go, making it a versatile spot for both relaxed dining and quick bites.

Theo James and Carousel founders outside Lupa.

Theo James, Ed Templeton and Naz Hassan's new restaurant has already created quite the buzz.

Tigermilk

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 127 Charing Cross Road, Charing Cross, WC2H 0EW
  • Cuisine: Latin American
  • Why we're excited: after making huge waves in Paris, Tigermilk is launching its Latin American restaurant in London, complete with dishes like pibil tacos and dorade ceviche, paired with plenty of mezcal and tequila

This June, Parisian restaurant group Tigermilk is opening its first UK outpost right in the centre of London. These guys have reimagined Latin American dining over the years, since their first opening in 2019 by restaurateurs Nina and Alexis Melikov. They're known for bold interiors, and their new two-storey venue promises theatrical decor designed by Studio Leche, in collaboration with Christie Ward - known for her work at Soho House.

Highlights of the menu include a chipotle-marinated T-bone, soaked in agave for 12 hours, alongside rocoto-glazed lamb shoulder and a four-layer maracuyá tiramisu for dessert. Expect plenty of mezcal-based drinks to go with it, all for a pretty reasonable price.

Canal 

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: Westbourne Park, 11b Woodfield Road, Maida Hill, W9 2BA
  • Cuisine: European
  • Why we're excited: with a waterside terrace, a cocktail list developed in collaboration with Bar with Shapes for a Name, and an open kitchen slinging out European small plates and seasonal mains, the latest venture from the team behind Crispin and Bistrot Freddie is sizing up to be a vibey drinking and dining spot

Canal is a new waterside restaurant opening on the 30th of June in Westbourne Park, offering a modern European dining experience deeply inspired by the seasons. Situated in Taxi House - the former London Taxi Drivers’ Association headquarters - Canal boasts a stylish dining room and bar that flow seamlessly onto a sunny, south-facing terrace perched right on the water’s edge.

Designed as a neighbourhood escape, Canal invites guests to indulge in fresh, seasonal dishes while soaking in serene waterside views. Whether you're popping in for a relaxed drink or settling in for a memorable meal, this new restaurant in London for 2025 promises an inviting atmosphere where food, drink, and the changing seasons take centre stage.

Canal - flat lay of food.

Enjoy waterside dining in West London. 

ACRE

  • Opening date: now open
  • Location: 60 Golborne Road, Notting Hill, W10 5PR
  • Cuisine: breakfast and brunch dishes, plus Mediterranean-style light bites for lunch and dinner
  • Why we're excited: the second opening viral chef Tom Straker is set to be a little different from Straker's, more of a day-to-night spot where comforting breakfast dishes and laid-back lunches and dinners reign supreme

Renowned chef Thomas Straker is set to open a second Notting Hill venue, just a stone's throw from his first eponymous restaurant, Straker's. His original location opened in 2022, having since celebrated success with its elegant, laid-back interiors and stellar menu of modern European fare - even securing a spot on the National Restaurant Awards Top 100 list.

The new opening, ACRE, will be a more laid-back affair; the cafe-style concept has been described by the team as a 'breakfast-lunch kind of deli scenario'.

More New London Restaurants Coming Soon

Kung Fu Mama (Canary Wharf) 

  • Opening date: Spring 2026 
  • Location: 64 Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf, E14 5NY
  • Summary: Taiwanese noodle bar 

Kung Fu Mama, the noodle bar co-founded by Ottolenghi alum Noam Bar-Chang and founder Chris Hsu, lands in London’s financial hub in early 2026, bringing its signature sun-dried, hand-folded noodles to the heart of the city. Following the success of its Covent Garden debut, the new site promises a playful, design-led space where bold, feel-good flavours meet contemporary, nutrient-conscious cooking.

The menu is all about Taiwanese comfort: 12-hour Szechuan beef, soft-shell crab baos, and traditional noodle soups all deliver punchy, layered flavours. Sweet tooth? Dive into mango shaved ice cream or pineapple pie, direct from Taiwan’s night markets.

Selection of food from Kung Fu Mama.

Kung Fu Mama comes to Canary Wharf. 

Padella Soho

  • Opening date: spring 2026
  • Location: 2 Kingly Street, Soho, W1B 5PB
  • Summary: a popular pasta restaurant's third London site

With existing venues in Borough and Shoreditch, Padella is one of the city's most beloved pasta restaurants. They've been around for 10 years now, and are best known for having a huge queue at pretty much all times. And there's set to be a line winding around Soho from next year, as the group is opening its third site on Kingly Street.

The ground floor will reflect their usual laid-back vibe with casual interiors, and downstairs, there's set to be a 1960s-style Soho lounge that's perfect for longer, more sophisticated dinners. Their signature fresh pasta dishes will remain, from cacio e pepe to beef shin ragu, as well as some exciting new recipes.

Langosteria

  • Opening date: spring 2026
  • Location: The OWO, Whitehall Place, London SW1
  • Summary: Globally acclaimed Milanese seafood restaurant bringing fine dining, Italian elegance and world-class ingredients to London

Langosteria is finally landing in London, and it’s a big moment. This will be the first UK outpost for the internationally celebrated Milanese restaurant group, known for its exceptional seafood, refined Italian roots and impeccable hospitality. Opening at The OWO, one of London’s most prestigious new luxury developments, the venue promises to blend the brand’s signature dishes with a unique identity tailored specifically to the capital’s dining scene.

If its global reputation is anything to go by, expect a menu driven by best-in-class ingredients sourced from all over the world, prepared with the finesse of traditional Italian cooking and elevated by a modern, international edge. Since debuting in Milan’s design district back in 2007, Langosteria has expanded to Paris, St. Moritz and most recently Montenapoleone - each time delivering something stylish, indulgent and distinctly their own.

Mitsu

  • Opening date: March 2026
  • Location: 10-50 Willow Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 4BH
  • Cuisine: Japanese
  • Why we're excited: this is a prime spot for dining in Shoreditch, and we can't wait to try their authentic Japanese fare

After Aethos hotels took over the site of what was Nobu Hotel in Shoreditch last year, there has been much anticipation about the restaurant that would open in its dining space. But the news is finally out: Japanese restaurant Mitsu will be opening in early spring.

The owners say that this eatery will be "capturing the spirit of East Tokyo's izakayas", making it less of a high-end spot and more of a cool, East London vibe. You can expect a bold soundtrack and striking interiors, still making use of the outdoor terrace. As for the food, they're promising sharing robata dishes cooked over Japanese charcoal, as well as traditional dishes like kushikatsu and kamameshi - though the full menu is yet to be revealed.

Impala

  • Opening date: Spring 2026
  • Location: 14 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 3RS 
  • Cuisine: North African-British fusion
  • Why we're excited: No one does North African cuisine quite like Meedu Saad. Expect Egyptian flavours and great British produce, served up with a side of North London chic

Former head chef and co-owner of Soho’s uber-popular Kiln, Meedu Saad, is set to open his debut solo restaurant in Spring 2026. With a menu built beautifully around open fire cooking, Impala looks set to serve a mash up of flavours from the north of Egypt via Devon, France and North London. 

To the delight of lovers of all things grilled, other signature dishes will include beef ribs, wild greens in olive oil, sardines wrapped in grape leaves and all manner of skewers, expertly cooked over white hot coals.

Grilling at Impala Soho

Every dish is charred closely over open coals

Major's Grill 

  • Opening date: spring 2026
  • Location: Mayfair
  • Cuisine: British, grill 
  • Why we're excited: positioned within the 102-suite Cambridge House hotel and private members’ club at 94 Piccadilly, Major’s Grill promises to be a must-visit destination for London’s trendsetting diners, redefining fine dining in one of the city’s most storied addresses

Set to open in spring 2026, Major’s Grill will bring the acclaimed New York City culinary flair of Major Food Group - the team behind Carbone and Sadelle’s - to the heart of Mayfair, housed within the historic Cambridge House, an Auberge Collection hotel. Housed in a Grade I-listed Georgian mansion dating back to 1756, the restaurant will combine mid-century glamour with theatrical flair, offering a dining experience that celebrates classic London grill traditions.

You can expect a menu showcasing the finest cuts of meat and seafood, complemented by tableside service and an extensive drinks list, including ten variations of the martini and a curated selection of First Growth Bordeaux and Grand Cru Burgundy. Designed by Jean-Louis Deniot, the opulent brasserie-style interiors and elegant courtyard set the stage for a truly immersive experience, where each meal feels like a journey in both taste and atmosphere. 

Simpson's In The Strand 

  • Opening date: March 2026
  • Location: 100 Strand, WC2R 0EZ
  • Cuisine: British (including roasts)
  • Why we recommend: this London icon is making a comeback, this time with Jemery King (one of London's most revered restaurateurs) behind it - get ready for a mix of extravagant and more casual drinking and dining spaces within this famous reimagined space

After a turbulent history of an unsuccessful refit in 2017, which led to the restaurant being stripped for auction in 2023, Simpson's In The Strand has been taken under the wing of none other than Jeremy King (who had recent success with The Park and Le Caprice). However, after a long wait - it's finally due to reopen this February.

The extravagant building spans two floors, equipped with multiple restaurants, bars and private rooms. The Grand Divan will be a quintessential English dining room, featuring carved oak walls and ornate cornices adorned with Renaissance art, overlooking classy white tablecloths (and of course the famous silver carving trolleys). Here the menu is set to feature British fare, like roasts, game and pies. As for Romano's? This brasserie-style space is a lighter, continental setting, with rich moss green leather seating and checkered wooden tables, and an all-day British menu.

There will also be two bars: Simpson's bar, a vintage-style cocktail bar made up of rich burgundies and monochromatic artwork, and Nellie's Tavern - this is a late-night bar that celebrates its theatreland home with patterned floors, draped curtains across the stage and intimate lighting.

Simpsons In The Strand | DesignMyNight

Extravagant dining at its finest.