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The best new London restaurants of 2017

We're now three quarters of the way through 2017 - so it's time for another look back at the best of the best. We're pulling out all the really great restaurants that have opened in London so far this year. And it's QUITE the list, we think, with a pretty diverse group of places opening over the period.

So if you're looking to be guided to the best new spots in town, here goes...

 

Opened in December 2017

LondrinoLondrino
36 Snowsfields Yard, London SE1 3SU

In a nutshell: Top chef Leandro Carreira's solo spot

Ever since he wowed everybody with a stint at Climpson's Arch, all eyes have been on Leandro Carreira to see what he'd be bringing to the table when he opened his first spot. And now he's opened in London Bridge with part wine bar. bart restaurant - with many of his Portuguese influences intact. It's bound to be an instant hit. "Excellent cooking and a procession of great dishes and wines," says Instagrammer Chris Prowler. "Go as a group and taste as many things as you can, an absolute pleasure!"

Find out more about Londrino

 

 

 

KoyaKoya City
10-12 Bloomberg Arcade, London, EC4N 8AR

In a nutshell: Popular udon noodles in Bloomberg Arcade 

Koya is legendary for its affordable, authentic approach to Japanese udon noodles. Now, they've arrived in the City, with new dishes, breakfast, and a bar filled with sake.

Find out more about Koya

 

 

 

ParsonsParsons
39 Endell St, London WC2H 9BA

In a nutshell: The next restaurant from the people behind The Ten Cases

The Ten Cases is growing again - this time across the road, where they've opened a restaurant that's all about seafood.

Find out more about Parsons

 

 

 

Opened in November 2017

Duddell'sDuddell's
9a St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY

In a nutshell: Hong Kong restaurant comes to London Bridge.

There's always a sense of trepidation when a restaurant that's done very well overseas decides to try its hand in London. But this Hong Kong import has already been a big hit, with high-end Cantonese food mixing well with some HIGHLY Instagrammable goldfish-shaped dim sum. All that and a drop-dead gorgeous room too makes this a must-try.

Find out more about Duddell's

Our Duddell's Test Drive

 

 

Bombay BustleBombay Bustle
9 Maddox St, Mayfair, London W1S 2PA

In a nutshell: Jamavar does Mumbai street food 

There's every reason to get excited about this new opening from Jamavar chef Rohit Ghai. Inspired by the street food of Mumbai, the new restaurant offers lunchtime tiffins, with a menu and is packed full of exciting, seasonal ingredients we've never heard of cooked, by someone who definitely knows what he's doing. 

Find out more about Bombay Bustle

 

 

 

HovardaHovarda
36-40 Rupert St, London, W1D 6DR

In a nutshell: Greek and Turkish food in Chinatown

The people behind Marylebone's Yosma are opening a second venue in London. This time it'll be focused on Greek and Turkish food with seafood and grilled dishes on the menu.  

Find out more about Hovarda

 

 

passoPasso
80 City Road, London EC1Y 2AS

In a nutshell: All-day authentic Italian  

The team behind Foleys and the Rum Kitchen are heading to Old Street where they’re opening a pretty sizeable new restaurant, which will be serving Italian-via-LA cuisine from 7am to midnight all week long.

Find out more about Passo

 

 

 

Linden StoresLinden Stores
220 St Pauls Road London N1 2LL

In a nutshell: Wine shop and restaurant in Highbury. 

Taking over the spot vacated by Prawn on the Lawn, this is a new wine shop and restaurant in Islington - run by half of both Oklava and Boustead & Bidois. 

Find out more about Linden Stores

 

 

 

FiumeFiume
Circus West Village, Sopwith Way, London SW8 4NN

In a nutshell: Mazzei by the river

Chef Francesco Mazzei opened his third restaurant for D&D -  a riverside restaurant as part of the huge Battersea Power Station redevelopment.

Find out more about Fiume

 

 

 

Opened in October 2017

RamblaRambla
64 Dean Street, London W1D 4QG

In a nutshell: Barca beachy vibes in the heart of Soho

Fay Maschler doesn't dole out five stars regularly, so when she does it's worth sitting up and taking note. She loved her meal at Rambla, stating "It is not often that authenticity is handled with such a keen collector’s eye for gastronomic advances." Felicity Cloake in The Guardian praised their oxtail canelones which she reckoned was "the most pleasure you’ll get in Soho for a fiver these days."

Find out more about Rambla

Our Rambla Test Drive

 

 

NoizeNoize
39 Whitfield Street, London W1T 2SF

In a nutshell: French neighbourhood spot for Fitzrovia

Pied a Terre's GM heads out on his own with this neighbourhood spot where it's all about ultra personal treatment and giving the customer what they really want.

Find out more about Noizé

 

 

The Coal ShedThe Coal Shed
Unit 3.1 One Tower Bridge, 4 Crown Square, London, SE1 2SE

In a nutshell: Brighton fave makes it big in the city

The people behind Brighton-based The Salt Room and The Coal Shed have brought the latter up to London - a mix of meat, seafood and some very rich sides to go alongside that. Pair those up with some truly wonderful desserts and you have a real winner. As Fay Maschler said "Here is a savvy kitchen, maybe even a millennial kitchen, open to global influences but not overcome."

Find out more about The Coal Shed

Our Coal Shed Test Drive

 

 

BreddosBreddos
26 Kingly Street, Carnaby, London W1B 5QD

In a nutshell: Central London spot for Breddos

Packed to the gills since it opened, Breddos new Soho spot seems to be hitting all the right notes. "Good-time vibes are as abundant as the chilli and coriander," said the Standard."Is there a third on the way?" asks blogger Samphire and Salsify. "I blooming hope so."

Find out more about Breddos

Our Breddos Test Drive

 

 

Rochelle Canteen at the ICARochelle Canteen at the ICA
The ICA, The Mall, St. James's, London SW1Y 5AH

In a nutshell: Shoreditch classic finds a second home on The Mall

There were probably a lot of folk wondering where the oddball Rochelle Canteen would survive in translation when it opened a second place at the ICA just down the road from Buckingham Palace. Happily, it appears to have done just that. Fay Maschler gave it four stars in the Standard adding that "Desserts deserve a rave of their own, particularly a smooth meringue with a chewy heart." Jay Rayner is a huge fan of the pie (as were Hot Dinners) and says "It is solid and sustaining. It is British cooking, by way of summers in the Dordogne."

Find out more about Rochelle Canteen

Our Rochelle Canteen Test Drive

 

 

Smoking Goat ShoreditchSmoking Goat Shoreditch
64 Shoreditch High Street London E1 6JJ

In a nutshell: Fiery Thai challenges convention moving from west to east London

Going in the opposite direction to everyone else, Smoking Goat began life in Charing Cross and is now branching out east. "Another banging addition to the London food scene," said Instagrammer Clerkenwell Boy of this new opening. "There've been a couple of lukewarm reviews for this, the second, eastern version of the edge-of-Soho Thai barbecue and beer-food bar and restaurant," mentions food writer Ed Smith of Rocket & Squash, "Which is nuts, because the sourcing is first class (the finest mussel I've ever had, ever, ever — in a d'tom yam soup) and the delivery fiery."

Find out more about Smoking Goat

 

 

pastaioPastaio
19 Ganton St, London W1F 7BU

In a nutshell: In a nutshell Fresh pastas and Italian cocktail slushies from Stevie Parle

Early word on Pastaio is promising and given Parle's track record, expect it to be hard to find a seat here any night of the week. One early visitor was blogger Chris Pople who said on Instagram; "Utterly magnificent grouse and rabbit agnoli from @pastaiolondon. New star of Soho. Padella who?" Fighting talk.

Find out more about Pastaio

 

 

Southam StreetSoutham Street
36 Golborne Road, London W10 5PR

In a nutshell: The 108 Garage team's three-storey Notting Hill follow-up.

With the success of 108 Garage behind them, the same team are opening Southam Street. This is a three-storey place taking in a grill, raw bar and champagne bar too.

Find out more about Southam Street

 

 

Opened in September 2017

MAMMAM
92 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2PN

In a nutshell: Salvation in Noodles branches out in Notting Hill

After two successful Salvation in Noodles restaurants, Colin Tu in continuing with Vietnamese cuisine but this time MAM has more of a focus on Vietnamese barbecue. You can expect plenty of skewers, Hanoi-style pho and more.

Find out more about MAM

 

 

Gul and SepoyGul and Sepoy
65 Commercial Street, London E1 6BD

In a nutshell: The Gunpowder team's winning streak continues

The people behing Gunpowder already opened an extremely well-recieved restaurant this year, but they're not resting on their laurels. Next up from them is this restaurant that mixes two menus - Northern vs South West Indian cuisine.

Find out more about Gul and Sepoy

 

 

 

Gilly'sGilly's Fry Bar
4A Clifton Terrace, London N4 3JP

In a nutshell: Chippy meets Asian food

One of the best restaurants on the Stroud Green side of Finsbury Park is Season Kitchen, so the opening of a new restaurant from the same chap is something for Finsbury Park residents to rejoice over. This new spot mixes tempura serves with raw fish and Japanese whisky highballs to make it a must-visit..

Find out more about Gilly's


 

 

Ella CantaElla Canta
One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London W1J 7QY

In a nutshell: High-end Mexican

London seems to have finally got the hang of Mexican food, with it coming leps and bounds in the past few years. And this sees it going the more fine dining route as top Mexican chef brings hwe World's 50 best cooking to the Intercontinental. And they serve up a mean drink too. As Grace Dent put it in her 10/10 review "I’m a huge fan of anything that transforms getting tipsy into some sort of noble act."

Find out more about Ella Canta

 

 

CubCub
153 Hoxton Street, London N1 6PJ 

In a nutshell: Cocktail bar merges with restaurant

Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr Lyan) has been behind some of London's best bars and the latest incarnation of his Hoxton flagship sees him merging cocktails with food fully for the first time. This spot is also embracing the no-waste trend that's been appearing in a lot of London restaurants as of late. The place to head if you want to be ahead of the curve.

More about Cub

Our Cub Test Drive


 

 

Santo RemedioSanto Remedio
152 Tooley St, London SE1 2TU

In a nutshell: The return of the classy Mexican restaurant

Santo Remedio's closure last year was a blow to many - like us - who loved its take on Mexican cuisine, finally really showcasing what was possible if it was done really well. So their return to London, in their brand new Bermondsey location, is very welcome indeed. If someone tells you they're looking for top Mexican food in London, you'll want to send them here.

Find out more about Santo Remedio


 

 

Serge et le PhoqueSerge et le Phoque
The Mandrake, 20-21 Newman Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1PG

In a nutshell: High end French dining via Hong Kong

There's not been much about this new restaurant from boutique hotel The Mandrake, but it just got a rare four stars from The Standard's Fay Maschler who says "A spirit of warmth and bonhomie prevails throughout" and particularly recommends the noisettes of lamb.

Find out more about Serge et le Phoque


 

Opened in August 2017

 

jacobpieJacob The Angel
1 16 1/2 Neal's Yard, Seven Dials, London WC2H 9DP

In a nutshell: The Barbary does a coffee house

Really, all we need to tell you about the buzz this new Covent Garden coffee shop is creating is to tell you it's the new place from siblings Layo and Zoe Paskin who are behind The Palomar and The Barbary. "Sheer heaven," said Instagrammer and all round dessert queen Felicity Spector of her preview there. Expect your Instagram feed to be full of their coconut cream pie before too long.

Find out more about Jacob The Angel


 

 

Joe AllenJoe Allen
2 Burleigh St, London WC2E 7PX

In a nutshell: Long-lived restaurant is resurrected around the corner

There was much wailing and gnashing of teeth when it was learned that Covent Garden stalwart Joe Allen was to close (to be taken over by a Robert DeNiro hotel). But luckily they were able to relocate only just around the corner with brand new premises that look just like the last. Expect this to win even more fans over the next few decades.

Find out more about Joe Allen

Our Joe Allen Test Drive

 

 

Core by Clare Smyth Cubé
4 Blenheim St, Mayfair, London W1S 1LB

In a nutshell: Sushi in Mayfair

Olive magazine enjoyed the sea urchin butter the scallops in this South of Oxford Street spot came with so much "we nearly drank it directly from the scallop shell it was served in." And David Sexton in the Standard thought it "very easy to have a fine time here."

Find out more about Cube

Our Cubé Test Drive


 

 

Core by Clare SmythCore by Clare Smyth
92 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2PN

In a nutshell: Gordon Ramsay alumnus goes it alone

While at Gordon Ramsay's flagship restaurant, Clare Smyth retained their three stars for years and established herself as one of the greatest chefs in the country. So it's no surprise that her first restaurant is proving a big success, with booking lines already clogged up and reservations apparently not to be had for months..

Find out more about Core by Clare Smyth


 

Opened in July 2017

 

jgconnaughtJean Georges at the Connaught
Carlos Pl, London W1K 2AL

In a nutshell: Big-time NYC chef returns to London

When the restaurant at one of London's greatest hotels, The Connaught, announced it was revamping the restaurant, all eyes were on who would get the prime position. And they landed a big catch with Jean Georges, who is a very big deal indeed in New York. The room looks beautiful and we hear the laid back food is going down a storm with Mayfair locals and hotel guests alike.

Find out more about Jean Georges at the Connaught


 

 

MagpieMagpie
10 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BX

In a nutshell: Trolley service meets British small plates

The final opening of Magpie in the West End (it was due to open last year) had a lot of hype to live up. Pidgin is still serving up a storm in Hackney but could that vibe survive a move to the centre of town.We're here to tell you it can and does.

Find out more about Magpie


 

 

Temper CityTemper City
1 Angel Ct, London EC2R 7BH

In a nutshell: Neil Rankin's does curry

Just over half a year since he brought the first Temper to Soho, Neil Rankin opened a second in the City. But this isn't any old follow up. While it still pays attention to sourcing the best meat and the central kitchen is at the heart of everything, the menu is radically different. Here the focus is on curries from the world over, and it proves every bit as compelling as the original.

Find out more about Temper City

Read our Test Drive of Temper City

 

 

The WigmoreThe Wigmore
13 Langham Place, Upper Regent Street, London W1B 1JA

In a nutshell: The Langham gets a new tavern with some Roux Jnr help.

The Wigmore is the latest restaurant from The Langham (it's right next door) and features more than a little input from their main chef Michel Roux Jnr. But it's more pub than restaurant with a much more laid-back feel than the main hotel and pretty good prices for this part of town. Great as a place to drop in for a drink and as Marina O'Loughlin says, the food "pays lip-service to the traditions of the genre (pub grub), with pies and roasts and toasties. But reimagined by angels..."

Find out more about The Wigmore


 

 

 

IkoyiIkoyi
1 St. James’s Market, London  SW1Y 4AH

In a nutshell: West African food in St James's Market

Even before Ikoyi opened, we marvelled at the plates they were previewing on Instagram. Everything looked WONDERFUL. But could the place live up to the the Insta hype? Fay Maschler certainly thinks so, saying "there is a titillating undercurrent of unfamiliarity (for some of us anyway) filtered through a high end, sometimes Nordic skill set, coupled with a sense of celebration and inclusion fostered by amiable staff. Win-win for London." 

Find out more about Ikoyi


 

 

Bang Bang OrientalBang Bang Oriental
399 Edgware Rd, London NW9 0AS

In a nutshell: Chinatown goes north and inside

We'd seen a fair few examples of established restaurants gathering together in upmarket food halls in the States - but this was the first time in London. Essentially, some of the great Oriental restaurants in London have gathered together in Colindale to provide a truly unique experience in town. It's VERY popular, and as Jay Rayner says "The regional fracturing of Chinese food in the UK really is a thrilling development. Here, it’s all on show." Expect it to be pretty busy at the weekends.

Find out more about Bang Bang Oriental

Our Bang Bang Oriental Test Drive


 

 

CHICK'NCHIK'N
134 Baker Street, London W1U 6SH

In a nutshell: Chick n Sours go fast food

It was always likely that a more fast-food variant of Chick N Sours would be a bit of a winner, but when CHIK'N had to temporarily close because of overwhelming demand in their first week it was clear they were on to something BIG. The burgers are a big draw here, best paired with their milkshakes. And we can't wait to go back to try their breakfasts..

Find out more about CHIK'N

 

 

OystermenThe Oystermen
32 Henrietta Street, London, WC2E 8NA

In a nutshell: British oysters and seafood in Covent Garden

The Oystermen had been popping up all over the capital ans beyond before settling down in their permanent spot just off the main square at Covent Garden. Serving up seafood and oysters (of course) it wasn't long before they rustled up an army of admirers, not least Giles Coren, who said "I have no hesitation in declaring the Oystermen the best new fish restaurant to have opened in London in yonks."

Find out more about The Oystermen


 

 

Opened in June 2017

Neo BistroNeo Bistro
11 Woodstock Street, Mayfair, W1C

In a nutshell: East London style seasonal food in the West End

From chefs Alex Harper (ex Harwood Arms) and Mark Jarvis (Anglo) this restaurant brings a little bit of East-End inventiveness into the heart of London, just off Oxford Street. Fay Maschler is a fan - "Rarely are there more than three items on a plate and they mingle compellingly." and City AM reviewer Melissa York thinks the "food so intriguing, you’ll be discussing it long after you’ve left."

Find out more about Neo Bistro

Read our Test Drive of Neo Bistro


 

 

Darjeeling ExpressDarjeeling Express
Top Floor, Kingly Court, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW

In a nutshell: Indian supperclub gets a permanent spot

Asma Khan has gathered a hugely loyal following with her Darjeeling Express supperclubs over the years and this sees her taking up a permanent place in Carnaby's Kingly Court. It got high praise from Grace Dent, who said "she also makes fearsomely spiced croquettes using fen beetroot which are worth making your eyes water for".

Find out more about Darjeeling Express


 

 

SibaritaSibarita
7 Maiden Lane, London WC2E 7NA

In a nutshell: Encant chef opens a cheese and wine bar down the road

Victor Garvey's Encant in Covent Garden is to get a follow up called Rambla later in 2017, but somehow he found the time to create and open a new restaurant beforehand. A few doors down from Encant, this is primarily a wine bar focusing on cheese, charcuterie, wine and tapas. And David Ellis in the Standard was mightily impressed - "I called it an oasis."

Find out more about Sibarita

Our Sibarita Test Drive


 

 

Pique Nique Pique Nique
32 Tanner St, London SE1 3LD

In a nutshell: Casse Croute does French chicken

The new rotisserie chicken place from the folk behind Bermondsey's Casse Croute pleased Fay Maschler who found the chickens "helpfully sliced, drenched in jus and served with a frilly green salad". As for the chocolate Fondant, the Financial Times critic Tim Hayward says: "I really hope I live to well over a hundred because it’s the only way I’ll ever get even the faintest chance of eating a better dessert than this." Wow - high praise indeed.

Find out more about Pique Nique

 

 

XuXu
30 Rupert Street, London W1D 6DL

In a nutshell: Bao does Taiwanese dining in Chinatown.

The third opening from the team behind the two Bao restaurants, Xu is "a couple of tweaks – and a pudding menu – away from being truly excellent" says Matthew Bayley in The Telegraph. He reserves particular praise for the cuttlefish toast - "Imagine the world’s greatest prawn toast." It gets 5 stars from Time Out where Tania Ballantine says "Everything I ate was terrific". This view was echoed by blogger The Picky Glutten who said: "There are very few other restaurants in London I’d rather eat at. It’s as simple as that."

Find out more about Xu 

Our Xu Test Drive


 

 

Opened in May 2017

 

The NedThe Ned
27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ

In a nutshell: Soho House's uber hotel in the City

It would appear that, from looking at The Ned, Soho House don't do things by halves. From the rooftop pool to the bar that's in a bank vault, it's one of London's most impressive openings in years. And that's before we get to the food, with nine new restaurants opening in the hotel. With everything from Cecconi's City to Jewish deli Zobler's, a grill room and more there's almost too much choice. It'll be hard for any new restaurant/hotel to make a bigger splash than this in 2017.

Find out more about The Ned

We spend 24 hours in The Ned


 

 

HenriettaHenrietta
14-15 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QH

In a nutshell: Ollie Dabbous meets the ECC

With Dabbous behind him (and more to come) the latest from Ollie Dabbous is in the shape of his team up with the Experiemental Group (who also run the Experimental Cocktail Club) in their new Henrietta Hotel. It; looks like being an instant hit right out of the gate with an early rave from Fay Maschler who says "The menu, under the control of Rob Tecwyn, formerly head chef at Dabbous, is, you could say, an ode to joy."

Find out more about Henrietta

Our Henrietta Test Drive


 

 

 

TratraTratra
2-4 Boundary Street, London E2 7DD

In a nutshell: French food with a meaty focus in Shoreditch

French chef Stéphane Reynaud has taken over the basement restaurant at Shoreditch's Boundary hotel and given it something of a French makeover. And with his background in charcuterie, there's a big meat focus with some of the greatest terrines we've personally had in a London restaurant.

Find out more about Tratra

Our Tratra Test Drive


 

 

RadiciRadici
30 Almeida St, London N1 1AD

In a nutshell: Francesco Mazzei's Italian in Islington

Already popular from his Mayfair restaurant Sartoria, this restaurant sees top Italian chef Francesco Mazzei take over the spot that used to be Almeida. It's more keenly priced than the Mayfair restaurant and it's gained plaudits from Giles Coren and Jay Rayner. The latter says "If you do not order Mazzei’s zucchini fritti, exploding from their pot like some desert grass that’s bolted, you are an idiot."

Find out more about Radici

Our Radici Test Drive 


 

 

Western's LaundryWestern's Laundry
34 Drayton Park, London N5 1PB

In a nutshell: Follow-up Highbury spot from the people behind Primeur.

It's clear we loved Westerns Laundry, but what did everyone else think of this rather beautiful new restaurant tucked away off Holloway Road? Jay Rayner says "Westerns Laundry is a class act: a smart, skilled kitchen with some tables attached" while food blogger and wine expert Zeren Wilson said it "hums in the evening with the same energy, joie de vivre and candlelit charm of Primeur." 

Find out more about Westerns Laundry 

Our Westerns Laundry Test Drive


 

 

Madame D Madame D's
76 Commercial Street, London E1 6LY

In a nutshell: The people behind Gunpowder go Himalayan

This is the next restaurant from the people behind Gunpowder, a very popular City Indian spot. This sees them taking their inspiration from Himalayan cooking, and cranking up the heat a little too. It's a small spot, but you can wait with drinks in the bar downstairs until a table becomes free. Marina O'Loughlin is a fan who says "it’s not often I come out of a restaurant and immediately want to go back to eat the rest of the shortish menu."

Find out more about Madame D's

Our Madame D's Test Drive


 

 

 

Duck & Waffle LocalDuck & Waffle Local
52 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4RP

In a nutshell: Duck and Waffle comes down to earth

David Ellis in the Standard wasn't sure about the ordering lark, but decided that in comparison to the original "the food and drink has more character here. The service is friendlier." London on the Inside said "the duck jam donut with orange glaze is an absolute belter" and food writer Sabrina Ghayour said they "were doing great things" having tried the Duck Merguez wrap, Duck burger and carrot dishes."

Find out more about Duck and Waffle Local

Our Duck and Waffle Local Test Drive


 

 

Opened in April 2017

 

Dandy CafeDandy Cafe
20 Newington Green, London N16 9PU

In a nutshell: Modern cooking from two Aussies in Stoke Newington.

We reckon the cooking here is some of the best we've enjoyed in London this year and the reactions on Instagram at least seem to concur. "Some fascinating flavour combos at play," says food writer Ed Smith of Rocket and Squash while Instagrammer Felicity Spector loved the "insanely good Parmesan custard" that came with the asparagus.

Find out more about Dandy Cafe

Our Dandy Cafe Test Drive


 

 

Monty's DeliMonty's Deli
225 - 227 Hoxton Street, London N1

In a nutshell: Jewish deli and restaurant in Hoxton

Another street food king who have settled down with their own spot, Monty's Deli has let the team expand on the offering that they had on Maltby Street. Sure there's still their pastrami on rye, but a lot more besides, including a Shabbat dinner every night. As Grace Dent says "Monty’s Deli in Hoxton is now firmly on the list of places I love."

Find out more about Monty's Deli


 

 

Andi'sAndi's
176 Church Street, Stoke Newington, London N16 0JL

In a nutshell: Great British menu judge in Stokey

Great British menu judge Andi Oliver (previously known for Sugar Shack) has set up shop in Stoke Newington with this restaurant that does a particularly mean brunch.

Find out more about Andi's


 

Opened in March 2017

 

Claude Bosi at BibendumClaude Bosi at Bibendum
Michelin House, 81 Fulham Road, London SW3 6RD

In a nutshell: Michelin Chef goes to South Ken

Having earned two Michelin stars in Mayfair's Hibiscus, It's fair to say there were high expectations of Bosi's move to South Kensington. He's taken over the ground floor too, but the main restaurant on the first floor is where the real Bosi action is. So far we've seen a lot of other chefs and industry folk praising it to the skies as well as critics. As Jay Rayner says "It is one I’ll recommend when emails arrive, announcing milestones that need a restaurant by which to mark them."

Find out more about Claude Bosi at Bibendum

Our Claude Bosi at Bibendum Test Drive

 

 

Blacklock CityBlacklock City
13 Philpot Lane, London EC3M 1DE

In a nutshell: Chops in the City

The original Blacklock in Soho was an instant hit with its mix of excellent chops and cocktails for a fiver. This sees them opening a second restaurant in the City with the same pricing and also maintaining that Soho feel. "There are few better places for steak & chips anywhere," tweeted blogger Chris Pople of his meal there.

Find out more about Blacklock City

Our Blacklock City Test Drive

 

 

Rick Stein BarnesRick Stein Barnes
Tideway Yard, 125 Mortlake High St, London SW14 8SN

In a nutshell: Rick Stein comes to London

It's early days on as far as Rick Stein's new and eagerly awaited London restaurant is concerned, but his new riverside spot in Barnes is already packed out. Expect some of the best seafood in town and chef and author Gizzi Erskine says she had "a TERRIFIC lunch en famiglia" there recently.

Find out more about Rick Stein Barnes 

Our Rick Stein Barnes Test Drive

 

 

MereMere
74 Charlotte Street, London W1T 4QH

In a nutshell: Monica Galetti's Fitzrovian gaff

Monica Galetti has many a fan from both MasterChef and other BBC shows, and just as many from her time at Le Gavroche. This sees her setting up her own spot in Fitzrorvia together with her sommelier husband David Galetti who has a strong hand on the wine. And Nick Curtis in the Standard said "The rhubarb and crème fraîche dessert, which we watched with envy land on a neighbouring table, has already been touted on Twitter as London’s prettiest desert.".

Find out more about Mere

Our Mere Test Drive


 

 

The Game BirdThe Game Bird
The Stafford Hotel, 16-18 St James’s Place, London SW1A 1NJ

In a nutshell: Very British food in Mayfair

Exec chef James Durrant has created a menu at one of London's oldest hotels that really makes the most of its heritage - serving up a particularly British affair, with a strong focus on those game birds. An Ben McCormack in the Telegraph says, "he’s created a great British menu which is another winner."

Find out more about The Game Bird

Our Game Bird Test Drive


 

 

The Cheese BarThe Cheese Bar
Camden Stables Market, North Yard, Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8AH

In a nutshell: ALL the cheese in Camden

In their street food guise they're known as The Cheese Truck, but their first permanent restaurant sees them open a restaurant in Camden that's all counter and ALL cheese. That's really not overstating things and if you have a passing interest in the stuff you have to make a pilgramage here for everything from cheese toasties to cheese ice cream and everything in-between.

Find out more about The Cheese Bar

Our Cheese Bar Test Drive


 

Opened in February 2017

 

FarangFarang
72 Highbury Park, Highbury East, London N5 2XE

In a nutshell: Top Thai food in Highbury

Ex-Smoking Goat chef Seb Holmes has taken over his stepfather's old school trattoria in the heart of Highbury - and the juxtaposition of all those chequered tablecloths with such cutting edge Thai food is delighting the critics. Grace Dent has banned herself from the place after an outstanding bowl of coconut braised beef cheek while Giles Coren found it to be an "Old man's restaurant serving young man's food."

Find out more about Farang

Our Farang Test Drive


 

 

LorneLorne
76 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1DE

In a nutshell: Wine and seasonal food in Victoria

Marina O'Loughlin's a fan of this new Victoria neighbourhood spot, reserving particular praise for their beef short rib which she describes as "the cure to whatever ails you, comfort and contentment on the plate." She also singles out front of house's Katie Exton as a "dream hostess". Harper's Bazaar recommend you "Come with a friend you've been meaning to catch up with to make the most of the leisurely, friendly atmosphere."

Find out more about Lorne

 

 

FerdiHai Cenato
85 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0AJ

In a nutshell: Jason Atherton's Victoria Italian

Jason Atherton continues his impeccable record of opening good restaurants with this, his latest more informal spot in Victoria's Nova development. The Standard's Ben Norum thought, as we did, that the cracked potatoes were a "high-level pleasure, hovering somewhere between roastie and crispy potato wedge." while Giles Coren declared their pizza bianca "the best pizza I’ve ever had."

Find out more about Hai Cenato

Our Hai Cenato Test Drive


 

 

NapeNape
21 Camberwell Church Street, London SE5 8TR

In a nutshell: Charcuterie and wine in Camberwell

You may well have seen Cannon and Cannon popping up in markets across town, but this sees them settling down with their first permanent spot in Camberwell. Expect to spend your night working your way through some top British cured meats, cheese toasties and lots of wine on tap to wash it down. Hard to think of how you could spend an evening better.

Find out more about Nape

 

 

Bao FitzroviaL'Antica Pizzeria da Michele
125 Stoke Newington Church Street, London N16 0UH

In a nutshell: Naples top pizza lands in Stoke Newington

Stoke Newington may not have been the first place you might expect one of Italy's top pizzerias to choose as their first outpost in the UK, but the locals must be VERY happy. About as authentic as a Neapolitan pizza it likely to get without you hopping on a plane to Italy. As Time Out says "This slice is definitely worth pulling a sickie for."

Find out more about L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele

Our Da Michele Test Drive


 

 

LucaThe Other Naughty Piglet
The Other Palace theatre, 12 Palace St, Westminster, London, SW1E 5JA

In a nutshell: Naughty Piglets goes to the theatre

The original Naughty Piglets in Brixton was one of those neighbourhood restaurants that punched significantly above its weight, winning plaudits far and wild. And it also attracted the attention of Andrew Lloyd Webber who has brought them to his new theatre in Victoria - The Other Place. Expect the usual excellent small plates and a particular focus on their wine list. As Fay Maschler's dining partner said "“One of the most agreeable and delicious joints you have taken me to in our 40 years of eating out.”"

Find out more about The Other Naughty Piglet

 

 

Temper Untitled
538 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AH

In a nutshell: Tony Conigliaro's Dalston bar (with food).

A new bar from Tony Conigliaro (also behind 69 Colebrooke Row and Bar Termini) is always one to watch. And his latest in Dalston seems to be no exception to that rule from the early buzz we've heard. Expect cocktails that include all manner of ingredients from chalk to truffle - all served up in bespoke vessels - and the Asian food menu is one to watch too.

Find out more about Untitled 

Our Untitled Test Drive

 

Opened in January 2017

 

La Dame de Pic La Dame de Pic
Four Seasons Hotel, 10 Trinity Square, EC3N 4AJ.

In a nutshell: Top French Michelin starred chef comes to town

The new Four Seasons hotel in the City has brought in one of France's top chefs to run the restaurant, and expectation was very high indeed. Anne-Sophie Pic has three Michelin stars in France and will be looking to get a few more in London. Expect classic fine dining and look out for that millefueille dessert.

Find out more about La Dame de Pic

Our Dame de Pic Test Drive

 

 

Padella Palatino
71 Central Street, Clerkenwell, EC1V 3AG

In a nutshell: Stevie Parle does Italian

Stevie Parle's latest London spot sees him opening an Italian restaurant deep in the heart of Clerkenwell, and it's already going down a treat. We're still waiting for reviews to come in but from our early meal, we think this deserves to be an instant hit.

Find out more about Palatino

Our Palatino Test Drive


 

 

KricketKricket
12 Denman Street, Soho, London W1D 7HH

In a nutshell: Brixton Indian small plates goes central

The original Kricket (a tiny spot in Pop Brixton) has won itself a very devoted following since opening, gaining raves from punters and reviewers alike. Now they've gone central, landing a prime spot in Soho - with a bigger kitchen that lets them expand the menu. It's primarily a no-booking counter restaurant (expect a wait) but you will be able to book spots for four or more downstairs. Fans of the original will be very happy. Steve Dineen in City AM says "if we’re not talking about it as one of the restaurants of the year come December, I’ll be gob-smacked."

Find out more about Kricket

Our Kricket Test Drive


 

Best new London restaurants 2017, mapped.

Here's how they're spread across town.

 

That's not all...

We've more ways for you to find the restaurant that's right for you.

Too much choice? Then check out the very hottest restaurants in London with our ever updated Hot Right Now list.

Not enough choice? Our list of all the restaurants that have opened in the past year is what you'll need. And there are a LOT.

 

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