It seems like London's food scene is set for some exciting developments with new restaurant openings from renowned chefs. Here's what to expect:
- Restaurant Story by Tom Sellers: Reopening after a multi-million-pound renovation, Restaurant Story promises to continue its legacy of culinary excellence under the guidance of acclaimed chef Tom Sellers.
- Josephine by Claude Bosi: Claude Bosi, known for his Michelin-starred restaurant Hibiscus, is set to open Josephine, a Lyonnaise restaurant offering a taste of France's culinary delights.
- Endo Kazutoshi's Rooftop Sushi Spot at The OWO: Endo Kazutoshi, acclaimed for his sushi mastery, will bring his expertise to a new rooftop sushi spot at The OWO, promising diners an unforgettable culinary experience with stunning views.
- Akira Back at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair: Akira Back, a renowned chef known for his innovative approach to Japanese cuisine, will helm the restaurant at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, offering guests a fusion of traditional and contemporary flavours.
With such esteemed chefs at the helm, these upcoming restaurant openings are sure to elevate London's dining scene even further.
It's clear that selecting the tastiest new restaurant openings in London is a meticulous process for our editors. Here's how we choose:
- Independently Selected: Each restaurant on our list is chosen independently by our editors. This ensures that only the most deserving establishments make it onto our radar.
- Authentic and Insider Experience: We look for restaurants that offer an authentic and insider experience of London's diverse culinary scene. Whether it's a small, hidden gem or a high-end dining establishment, we aim to showcase the best of what the city has to offer.
- Stand-Out Dishes: Stand-out dishes are a priority. We seek restaurants that push the boundaries of flavor and creativity, offering dishes that leave a lasting impression on diners.
- Great Location: Location plays a crucial role. We consider restaurants situated in vibrant neighbourhoods or with stunning views that enhance the overall dining experience.
- Warm Service: Exceptional service is non-negotiable. We value restaurants that prioritize warm, attentive service, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and well-cared for.
- Sustainability Credentials: Serious sustainability credentials are also taken into account. We support restaurants that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, whether through locally sourced ingredients, eco-friendly practices, or community engagement.
- Regular Updates: Our list is regularly updated to reflect new restaurant openings in London. We strive to keep our readers informed about the latest culinary hotspots in the city.
By adhering to these criteria, we ensure that our list of the best new restaurants in London remains current, diverse, and irresistible to food enthusiasts
Best new London restaurants in February 2024
The Tamil Crown in Angel has been generating quite a buzz, and it seems the hype is well-deserved. As I entered the establishment, I was met with eager diners vying for tables in both the main dining area upstairs and the more casual ground-floor space. Having some reservations about new Indian restaurants catering to Western tastes, I cautiously ordered the onion bhajis and a vegetarian uttapam. Thankfully, both dishes pleasantly surprised me with their perfect balance of familiar home-cooked flavours and luxurious touches.
Moving on to the larger plates, I noted that they may not be substantial for those with hearty appetites. However, dishes like the tamarind-infused aubergine curry, coconut prawn moilee, and Thanjavur chicken curry were delightful when shared between two, especially when paired with coconut rice and a side of yogurt. The roti stood out with its soft, buttery texture, reminiscent of a Malabar paratha and rumali roti hybrid. While none of the dishes were particularly spicy, their rich flavors left my palate thoroughly satisfied.
Despite feeling full, the gulab jamun dessert was too tempting to resist. Instead of the traditional syrup, it was served in creamy payasam, a fragrant South Indian milk-based pudding infused with cardamom and saffron. Its evocative and comforting sweetness was irresistible, leaving me already planning my next visit just a week later. If you appreciate unique flavors, Indian cuisine, and a laid-back atmosphere, The Tamil Crown is bound to become your new favorite spot.
Address:
The Tamil Crown
16 Elia Street, London N1 8DE
Price: ££
https://www.thetamilcrown.com/
Donia, Soho
Florence Mae Maglanoc and Omar Shah are on a mission to elevate Filipino cuisine, and their Maginhawa Group, which includes popular London spots like Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream, has been steadily gaining recognition over the past six years. Their latest venture, Donia, located in Kingly Court, is garnering attention for its innovative fusion of Filipino street food with British culinary techniques.
Drawing in a diverse clientele, including Filipino diners, Donia offers a menu of small plates that showcase the complexity of Filipino flavors. Standout starters include croquetas filled with pickled mushrooms and chicken offal skewers glazed with sweet barbecue sauce and served with cucumber vinegar dip. The prawn and pork dumplings with white crab are a revelation, accompanied by a brown butter lime sauce and roe.
Main courses feature Filipino classics with a British twist, such as the lamb shoulder Caldereta pie, a hearty meat stew encased in latticed puff pastry. The roasted Léchon-style pork belly, served with a sweet peppercorn liver sauce, is another crowd-pleaser, as is the moist and tender chicken Inasal topped with calamansi pickles. Seafood enthusiasts will delight in the sea bream with pickled lime, chive and mustard dressing, and avocado purée.
To end on a sweet note, the choux filled with Ube praliné, coconut chantilly, and Ube cream showcases the group's commitment to innovative desserts. With such a tantalizing menu, a return visit to Donia feels inevitable.
Address:
Donia
2.14 (Top Floor) Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, London, W1B 5PW
Price: £££
The Pelican, Notting Hill
The Pelican, situated in Notting Hill, has been a beloved fixture since its establishment in 1872. Over the years, it has evolved and adapted, with its latest transformation overseen by restaurateur James Gummer, along with co-owners Phil Winser and Richard Squire, who embarked on a substantial refurbishment in 2022. Despite the updates, The Pelican has retained its soul, distinguishing itself from other gastro pubs in London.
The interior exudes understated charm, featuring a shabby-chic aesthetic that invites patrons to unwind and enjoy the ambience. A roaring open fire adds to the cozy atmosphere, while various nooks and crannies provide intimate spaces for guests to relax and converse. It's the perfect setting for enjoying cool pints while indulging in delectable bar snacks and exchanging gossip with friends.
Amidst London's bustling gastro pub scene, The Pelican stands out as a timeless gem, offering not just excellent food and drink but also a genuine sense of history and community.
Address: 45 All Saints Rd, London W11 1HE
Price: £££
The Devonshire, Soho
Address: The Devonshire, 17 Denman Street, London W1D 7HW
Price: £££
Book online
