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The best new London restaurants of 2018

Sometimes there are just TOO many new restaurants opening. And while we cover them all - sometimes you'll want to know which ones to really zero in on. So here are - in our minds - the best new London restaurants to open in 2018... so far.

 

Opened in December 2018

Din Tai FungDin Tai Fung

5-6 Henrietta Street, London WC2E 8PS

In a nutshell: Incredibly popular dumplings come to Covent Garden

The xiaolongbao soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung are pretty much adored in their locations across the world, so news of a London location (and a second to follow in 2019) was greeted with much euphoria. Early reports (from those that have braved the queue) are that the London outpost lives up to all expectation. Avoid peak times and you've got a good chance at getting in the door without too much of a wait. 

More about Din Tai Fung


 

 

Opened in November 2018

KutirKutir

10 Lincoln St, London SW3 2TS

In a nutshell: Rohit Ghai (ex Gymkhana, Jamavar) goes to Chelsea

Rohit Ghai was one of the driving forces behind Gymkhana and its Michelin status and had similar success with both Jamavar and Bombay Bustle. This latest restaurant sees him going properly alone with a beautiful place in Chelsea. It's early days but Chris Pople has already raved about the "Nargisi Kofte with an insanely flavoured tomato/bone marrow curry that’s one of the best things I’ve eaten all year".

Find out more about Kutir


 

 

RoeRoe

Unit S38, Pop Brixton, 49 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PQ

In a nutshell: Seafood in Brixton

Simon Whiteside was one of the people behind Hook in Camden when it opened - but now he's going it alone with this latest Pop Brixton restaurant. This sees him putting out a regularly changing seafood menu, while also adding a few Irish touches (like some wonderful ink and Guinness soda bread). 

Find out more about Roe

Our Roe Test Drive


 

 

Market Halls VictoriaMarket Halls Victoria

Terminus Pl, Victoria, London

In a nutshell: Food hall to the power of 10 in Victoria

Market Halls have already had plenty of success with their first venture in Fulham, but the Victoria opening has seen them kick it up a notch with some top class options. In one fell swoop, they've brought in Roti King, Koya, Monty's Deli, Bunshop from the people behind The Marksman and lots more besides. It's already hugely popular and that's even before they've opened the roof. A must-visit if you're in the area.

Find out more about Market Halls Victoria

Our Market Halls Victoria Test Drive


 

 

Cakes and BubblesCakes and Bubbles

Where: Hotel Cafe Royal, 10 Air St, Soho, London W1B 4DY

In a nutshell: Albert Adria comes to London to do spectacular things with cakes

Albert Adria's Tickets in Barcelona is one of the city's, er, hot tickets (and on the World's 50 Best list) - so his arrival in London was always going to be a big deal. This sees him taking over the cafe at Hotel Cafe Royal with his very singular take on sweet things. Everything's very unique, none more so than the amazing looking cheesecake, which looks like a hunk of cheese. You just might have seen that popping up on Instagram...

More about Cakes and Bubbles


 

 

HicceHicce

Coal Drops Yard, Stable Street, London N1C 4AB

In a nutshell: Ex Murano head chef Pip Lacey's restaurant overlooking Coal Drops Yard

This sees Pip Lacey opening in a prime position in Coal Drops Yard, a much-anticipated restaurant for the ex Murano Head chef. The light and airy space also features a great bar space - very handy to know about if you're in the area. As for the food, it's a mix of small plates, cooking over fire and seasonal dishes. And some bloody great bread too. 

Find out more about Hicce

Our Hicce Test Drive


 

 

LinoLino

90 Bartholomew Close, EC1A 7BN

In a nutshell: Ex Dairy Head Chef heads to St Barts

Richard Falk, formerly head chef at The Dairy (and former YBF winner), has taken charge at this all-day restaurant in St Barts (just south of Smithfield). They are producing everything in-house - even the croissants in the morning get turned into bread and butter pudding by the close of the day. 

Find out more about Lino


 

 

Opened in October 2018

GridironGridiron

19 Old Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K 1LB

In a nutshell: The old Met Bar becomes a grill house

Taking over the space left by the Met Bar is Gridiron - which brings in a menu from Hawksmoor's Richard Turner and ex-Nuala Colin McSherry as well as cocktails from the Three Sheets guys and wine from The Guardian's Fiona Becket. These all match together for a premium grill experience - and make sure you take time to peruse the snacks menu too. Jimi Famurewa in ES magazine was particularly impressed by the "dunk-me-in-a-pool-of-it chicken butter sauce."

Find out more about Gridiron

Our Gridiron Test Drive


 

 

The DropThe Drop

Unit 22-24, Bagley Walk Arches, Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DH

In a nutshell: The Harts open a wine bar

Undoubtedly, Coal Drops Yard was one of the biggest places to open in 2018 - a massive achievement. And The Hart Bros took a pretty big stake in it - with new versions of both Barrafina and El Pastor. But they also tried something new, their first time opening a wine bar - which seemed a sensible move as they do produce their own wine. And all that wine is paired with great small plated from a tiny kitchen. 

Find out more about The Drop

Our The Drop Test Drive


 

 

LevanLevan

12-16 Blenheim Grove, London SE15 4QL

In a nutshell: Peckham restaurant from the people behind Brixton's Salon

Levan is the next restaurant from Nicholas Balfe, the man behind Brixton's Salon. This time he's opened in Peckham with a new all-day affair and a close eye on a low-waste approach. Jimi Famurewa in ES magazine has already been highly impressed, saying "though Peckham has long been on every Londoner’s cultural radar, it has just been given another hell of a boost."

Find out more about Levan


 

 

BerenjakBerenjak

Where: 27 Romilly St, Soho, London W1D 5AL

In a nutshell: Smart but traditional Persian-style kebabs and more

Berenjak is from JKS restaurants, the folk responsible for Brigadiers, Hoppers and Bao - to name a few - so they've a good track record which continued with Berenjak. "Good kebabery skills," said food and wine writer Zeren Wilson on Instagram. "I went to a preview last week and loved it," said Bloomberg's Richard Vines on Twitter. More recently, Giles Coren described the kebab torki as "your classic student Saturday night nosh to the power of ten".

More about Berenjak

Our Berenjak Test Drive


 

 

caractereCaractere

209 Westbourne Park Road, London W11 1EA

In a nutshell: Michel Roux Jr's daughter, Emily Roux's restaurant with her husband Diego Ferrari.

The Roux family continues to have a very strong hand in the restaurant business as Emily Roux and her husband Diego Ferrari have set up their own restaurant in Westbourne Park. The restaurant won early praise from Fay Maschler who delared "the celeriac “cacio e pepe” with extra-aged balsamic vinegar... to be a star of the show. It is innovative, delicious, on the ball, of the moment and — if cheese is allowed — vegetarian."

Find out more about Caractere

Our Caractere Test Drive

 


 

kymsKym's

19 Bloomberg Arcade, London EC4N 8AR

In a nutshell: A Wong comes to the City

Andrew Wong's eponymous A Wong restaurant has been a hit in Victoria for years, finally winning a Michelin star last year. And now he's joined the restaurants at Bloomberg Arcade bringing in a menu that's influenced by Chinatown and a bloody great big tree in the middle of the bar (it's rather impressive). No critic reviews as yet, but we've already been and it's definitely a winner.

Find out more about Kym's

Our Kym's Test Drive


 

Opened in September 2018

joleneJolene

21 Newington Green, London N16 9PU

In a nutshell: The Westerns Laundry crowd on Newington Green (inc bakery)

Jeremie Cometto-Lingenheim and David Gingell, who brought us Primeur and Westerns Laundry, have stayed local with their third opening. This time they've joined forces with Groove Armada DJ-turned farmer Andy Cato to open this all day space. "So impressed with the on-site milling and the real dedication to producing the best tasting bread." said Instagrammer Felicity Spector. And our meal there (Test Drive to come) was wonderful. 

Find out more about Jolene

Our Jolene Test Drive


 

kerridgeKerridge's Bar and Grill

Corinthia Hotel, Whitehall Pl, Westminster, London SW1A 2BD

In a nutshell: Tom Kerridge leaves Marlow for London

Tom Kerridge has been a Marlow institution for years, well before his TV fame, and his Hand and Flowers pub is still the only pub in the UK to have two Michelin stars. This sees him finally arriving in London with an opulent restaurant at the Corinthia. And the critics are loving it too as Grace Dent said "This is a British restaurant that celebrates British things in a charming and non-laboured manner" while Giles Coren praised the truffled egg: "Magnificent dish. Creamy, lush, properly seasoned again, nice and salty."

Find out more about Kerridge's

Our Kerridge's Test Drive


 

twolightsTwo Lights

28-30 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8DA

In a nutshell: The Clove Club goes American

London's foodie crowd have been vying for tables at Two Lights since it opened this week and already the feedback for chef Chase Lovecky's modern American food is good. Chef Tom Hunt says it reminds him of Wildair and fellow chef Lee Westcott praised the "relaxed vibe, tasty food and great drinks." Looks like the Clove Club's third restaurant is going to do very well.

Find out more about Two Lights

Our Two Lights Test Drive

 

redfarmRed Farm

9 Russell Street, London WC2B 5HZ

In a nutshell: New York Chinese import

There are two Red Farms in New York, praised for a modern take on a Chinese Dim Sum menu. And the thing they're really known for are their Pac man dumplings. They look undeniably impressive, but there's much to love about the rest of the menu - including the amazing shrimp-stuffed chicken, which Fay Maschler described as with "ravishingly crisped, magically seasoned skin and a Vi-Spring mattress of juicy prawn." And look out for the hidden bar on the top floor too.

Find out more about Red Farm

Our Red Farm Test Drive


 

Opened in August 2018

1251 1251

Where: 107 Upper Street, London, N1 1QN

In a nutshell: James Cochran comes to Islington

Buzz surrounding this Islington opening was high, even before a single pot had boiled. Not only was Cochran dealing with legal issues surrounding the trademarking of his own name, but he was also flying high in the current series of The Great British Menu (which he since won). Good job then that the food more than lives up to the hype. As Jay Rayner puts it "James Cochran has been through a lot recently and, as he says, he’s learned much. I hope he carries on learning because at his best he really is touched with brilliance."

More about 1251

Our 1251 Test Drive


 

coalofficeCoal Office

2 Bagley Walk, London N1C 4PQ

In a nutshell: High octane Israeli cuisine in King's Cross

This is the first restaurant to open as part of the King's Cross development that will become Coal Drops Yard - and they're off to a good start. It comes from one of the restaurateurs who helped launch The Palomar and has the same frenetic counter/kitchen style. And it's one of a rare group of restaurants to earn five stars from Fay Maschler in the Evening Standard who described is as "the untrammelled joy of enlightening, healthy eating out not undermined by a depressing bill."

Find out more about Coal Office

Our Coal Office Test Drive

 

KakiKaki

125 Caledonian Rd, London N1 9RG

In a nutshell: Authentic Chinese in King's Cross

This opening took us all a bit by surprise (we only found out about it by walking past) but this authentic Chinese restaurant on Caledonian Road has gotten a lot of attention since. It's like nothing else in the area with a broad menu that seems squarely aimed at the Chinese market. Giles Coren may have got into trouble with his review but he said the food was "wondrous to consume." while Fay Maschler said "There are rewards when you look for them."

Find out more about Kaki


 

gunpowderGunpowder Tower Bridge

One Tower Bridge, 4 Crown Square, London SE1 2SE

In a nutshell: The City Indian favourite heads across the river

The original Gunpowder in The City opened quietly and grew into a huge hit. And now they've moved into the new Tower Bridge development, with a much bigger space. But they've lost none of what made the original gunpowder such a hit. The classics like Kashmiri lamb chops make a welcome appearance among many new dishes. 

Find out more about Gunpowder

Our Gunpowder Test Drive


 

Opened in July 2018

casafrangoCasa do Frango

Where: 32 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TU

In a nutshell: Upscale piri piri and more...

This Southwark Portuguese restaurant is cooking up Algarvian-style chicken frango (hence the name) for a new spin on piri piri style chicken, with plenty of focus on their wood-fired grill for that real authenticity. That chicken has been winning praise from Michael Deacon in The Telegraph who called it "glisteningly succulent" while Jay Rayner says "This is an elbows-out, face-down job, which gently wafted me back to the summer of ’78."

More about Casa do Frango

Our Casa Do Frango Test Drive


 

corapearlCora Pearl

Where: 30 Henrietta Street, London WC2E 8NA

In a nutshell: Kitty Fisher's team open a second restaurant

The Kitty Fisher's team follow-up was always going to be a hot ticket and Giles Coren was straight in there with a review that not only felt Cora had some of the naughty vibes of her Shepherd Market sister but that the chips were "the dish of the year. Dish of the decade. Dish of the effing century." BBC's Good Food magazine drew attention to a new trend - seafood on crumpets. The CP version is their brown shrimp Ranhöfer which Good Food described as "amped-up prawns on toast".

More about Cora Pearl


 

Opened in June 2018

 

banconeBancone

Where: 39 William IV Street, London, WC2N 4DD

In a nutshell: Ex Locanda Locatelli chef does fresh pasta in Covent Garden

This Covent Garden pasta restaurant shows that there's still plenty of room for fresh pasta done well in London. It comes from Louis Korovilas, who has earned his pasta cred working for Georgio Locatelli. Expect affordable fresh pasta, some great counter dining action and, as Grace Dent puts it "Bancone’s gimmick is that you get a really lovely dinner and you don’t weep when the bill appears. It’s a trend that I hope will run and run."

More about Bancone

Our Bancone Test Drive


 

 

bobsBOB's Lobster

Unit Su 59, London Bridge Station, St Thomas Street, London SE1 3QX

In a nutshell: The lobster masters go permanent at London Bridge

After years turning out top seafood and lobster rolls at street food events across London, BOB's lobster have set up a permanent spot in London Bridge - which even incorporates the old van inside too. Expect the usual excellent lobster and crab rolls, plus tuna tacos, shrimp burritos, lobster mac n cheese and more.

More about BOB's Lobster

Our BOB's Lobster Test Drive


 

brigadiersBrigadiers

1-5 Bloomberg Arcade, London EC4N 8AR

In a nutshell: Indian gastropub in the city (and much more besides)

The restaurants at Bloomberg Arcade have been a cut above the norm (due to the influence of Bloomberg's Richard Vines) and this continues with Brigadiers, from the people behind Gymkhana and Hoppers. With a huge menu of Indian dishes in a warren of rooms, it's really offering something that you just can't get anywhere else in town. As Frankie McCoy in the Standard says, it offers "a solid menu of Indian hits, brilliantly executed by brilliant operators."

More about Brigadiers

Our Brigadiers Test Drive


 

roviROVI

59 Wells Street London W1A 3AE

In a nutshell: Ottolenghi does fire and fermentation

Poor old ROVI had barely opened before a bust extraction system caused it to close again. But now it really IS open for business. The "perfect place to take one of your oldest semi-vegetarian, fully gluten-intolerant friends without even the merest sprinkle of resentment at missing out," enthused the Guardian's Felicity Cloake on Instagram. Jay Rayner was also a fan: "This is vivid, thrilling stuff. Yes, if you go for the works you will build up a big bill. But this is cooking that stays with you."

More about ROVI

Our ROVI Test Drive


 

royaloakThe Royal Oak

74-76 York St, Marylebone, London W1H 1QN

In a nutshell: Ex Duck and Waffle's Dan Doherty opens a pub

All eyes were on Dan Doherty when he left his previous restaurant overlooking the city, Duck and Waffle. He has a New York restaurant on the way too, but it's the London base that we're particularly interested in - and this is it. He's taken on the Royal Oak in Marylebone and will be gradually refining the menu over the next few months - and there's still the promise of something extra special to come in the space upstairs. If you want to see a chef in his element, watching the development of the menu, this is the place to come. And expect a mean scotch egg too.

Find out more about The Royal Oak

Our Royal Oak Test Drive


 

sambalSambal Shiok

171 Holloway Rd, London N7 8LX

In a nutshell: Laksa and more as this Malaysian restaurant goes permanent

Sambal Shiok has been popping up in various locations all over town for five years, serving up great Malaysian food - and most importantly what's viewed by many as the BEST laksa in town. Now owner Mandy Yin has set up a permanent position on Holloway Road, and she describes it as "like a ramen bar but instead focusing on Malaysian Nyonya laksa". In visit to the pop-up, Jay Rayner said " It’s powerful, satisfying and for me at least, the very stuff of memories." And visiting the new restaurant, Giles Coren said: "Sambal Shiok is a place of joy and great cooking."

Find out more about Sambal Shiok

Our Sambal Shiok Test Drive


 

stleoSt Leonards

70 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4QX

In a nutshell: Brunswick House's Jackson Boxer teams up with chef Andrew Clarke in Shoreditch.

With hits like Brunswick House (and the much-missed Rita's), all eyes were on Jackson Boxer's next opening, St Leonards which has taken over the big Shoreditch space vacated by Eyre Brothers. Teaming up with Andrew Clarke, they've the very best mix of raw bar delights mixed with flaming cooking (and a spacious bar space that is much-needed in the area). Jay Rayner hints that it may divide people - "Dinner at St Leonards, lubricated by well-priced, classic French wines, is not so much a meal out as a funfair ride." However, Marina O'Loughlin is in love: "To my “ideal restaurants” list, I’m now adding St Leonards. It has all the hallmarks of a classic in the making."

Find out more about St Leonards

Our St Leonards Test Drive

 

Opened in May 2018

 

brightBright

1 Westgate Street, London E8 3RL

In a nutshell: P Franco open their first standalone restaurant

The much-loved Clapton wine bar was always a highlight of East London when it came to food. Then they went one step further, opening their first full restaurant in Netil House where Ellory used to be. James Ramsden (co-owner of Pidgin and Magpie) said their Cantonese style duck hearts were the "best thing I've eaten all year" and Instagrammer Felicity Spector found herself "literally gasping in admiration at a dish of crab in a kind of ajo blanco." The FT's Tim Hayward concurred, admiring the kitchen team's "quiet self-confidence".

More about Bright


 

dukerichThe Duke of Richmond

316 Queensbridge Road, Hackney, London E8 3NH

In a nutshell: Tom Oldroyd's Hackney pub

There was huge anticipation of the second Oldroyd restaurant, not least because the head chef is Rory Shannon, coming off a very well reviewed stint at Winemakers Deptford. Both the main dining room and the pub are worth separate visits, and the crab and chip butty is worth travelling for. Not to mention the slow roasted duck on the Sunday lunch menu. As Fay Maschler puts it "The menu is a delight, French but arguably not exactly as the French know it."

More about the Duke of Richmond

Our Duke of Richmond Test Drive


 

kricketKricket Brixton

41-43 Atlantic Road, London SW9 8JL

In a nutshell: Kricket returns to its home ground

When Kricket moved into Soho, it was a great move for them but many were obviously going to miss them on their home turf of Pop Brixton. Now they're back in a permanent restaurant with all the hits and a lot more besides (not least the ability to book a seat). And if you're after the newest dishes from them, this is the place to go as they'll be on this menu before they appear in Soho or White City. 

Find out more about Kricket


 

kyseriKyseri

64 Grafton Way, London W1T 5DN

In a nutshell: Selin Kiazim's Oklava follow-up

Selin Kiazim's Oklava in Shoreditch has been a quiet, consistent hit, so there was always going to be a lot of attention on their follow up. This Fitzrovia restaurant sees her once again teaming up with Oklava's Laura Christie for this Turkish restaurant. And it's already impressed The Standard, as David Sexton said "Kyseri is a treat of the kind that only a restaurant culture as vigorous and varied as London’s makes possible."

Find out more about Kyseri

Our Kyseri Test Drive


 

linastoresLina Stores

51 Greek Street, London W1D 4EH

In a nutshell: Italian deli turns its hand to a restaurant.

Italian deli Lina stores has been a beloved fixture of Soho for over 75 years, so the news that they were opening a pasta restaurant on Greek Street was clearly news for celebration. Primarily all about fresh pasta (which London can't get enough of lately, it seems). Susannah Butter in the Standard says "they’ve mastered the pasta. That should be enough to ensure it becomes a Soho institution like the deli." And Marina O Loughlin said, "I like it so much that, in a rare move, I go straight back."

Find out more about Lina Stores

Our LIna Stores Test Drive


 

stemStem

5 Princes Street, London W1B 2LF

In a nutshell: Modern British in Mayfair

Mark Jarvis has expanded expanding his modern British empire by opening a new Mayfair restaurant - the third in the group that also includes Anglo and Neo Bistro. Expect a modern ever-changing menu that's good value too. As Jay Rayner says "for this quality of cooking in this location, the price point is enough to restore your faith in humanity."

More about Stem

Our Stem Test Drive


 

temperTemper Covent Garden

Mercers Walk, Covent Garden, London

In a nutshell: Pizza, meet fire and vermouth

Neil Rankin's temper restaurant once again reinvents itself, this time the fire-based chain will focus on pizzas with an extensive list of vermouths too. As The Infatuation says, "It’s fearless, but more importantly, it’s fun. That’s what you want most from someone or something trying to do something a bit different."

More about Temper Covent Garden

Our Temper Test Drive


 

Opened in April 2018

 

cornerstoneCornerstone

3 Prince Edward Road, Hackney Wick, E9 5LX

In a nutshell: Seasonal dining in Hackney

Tom Brown's had plenty of seafood experience, most recently at Outlaw's at the Capital - but now he's opened his own place in Hackney and there's still plenty of seafood on the menu. Food blogger Elizabeth Auerbach said she "was immediately impressed with his cooking from the first bite on" and Giles Coren declared the food "out of this world... I’ve never been one for tarama on veg. So I smeared it on their otherworldly sourdough toast with dripping and my eyes just rolled back in my head …".

More about Cornerstone

Our Cornerstone Test Drive


 

hideHIDE

85 Piccadilly, London W1J 7NB

In a nutshell: Dabbous mk II. And then some.

Of course, the pre-opening buzz surrounding Ollie Dabbous' new venture with Hedonism Wines was crazy, but then the Standard review came out and it was a good 'un. The place looks completely amazing, and it's definitely one to put on any self-respecting London foodie's list. And if your budget is tight, go for breakfast instead. Frankie McCoy gave it five stars in the Standard, saying "Don’t overthink it. Dabbous is knocking out his most fabulous five-star food yet." And Fiona Beckett in The Decanter said; "It’s worth ordering the extra course of what is simply described as ‘Cornish Fish in two services’ to experience one of the best fish stews you’ll ever have eaten."

Find out more about HIDE

Our HIDE Test Drive


 

petershamPetersham Nurseries Covent Garden

27 King Street, London WC2E 8JD

In a nutshell: The famed floral restaurant comes to the centre of town.

The buzz on the foodie grapevine was good for this serious new Covent Garden endeavour - just try getting a table here for dinner and you'll see how good. Instagrammer Clerkenwell Boy saved his greatest praise for the "incredible pistachio and hazelnut semifreddo." Unfortunately Marina O'Loughlin wasn't as impressed feeling "it has none of the insouciant, bucolic charm of the original.". Praise is reserved for its second restaurant, La Goccia, of which The Standard said "Petersham Nurseries may be selling a lifestyle aspiration,  but La Goccia is also just a great Italian joint."

Find out more about Petersham Nurseries

Our Petersham Nurseries Test Drive


 

maos600Mãos

41 Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, London E2 7DJ

In a nutshell: Next level supperclub

Nuno Mendes' next project will be an intimate restaurant seating diners around one table in a space in Shoreditch. Picky Glutton said "While the overall experience was undoubtedly intimate and convivial, providing a possible template for others to use in attracting novelty-seeking high spenders, in the end this is outweighed by the booking palaver."

More about Mãos


  

Opened in March 2018

 

bratBrat

Where: Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, E1 6JJ

In a nutshell: Ex Kitty Fisher's chef Tomos Parry's Shoreditch restaurant

He was an instant hit when he started at Kitty Fisher's (after a successful stint at Climpson's Arch) so all eyes were on Tomos Parry for his next venture. This sees him cooking in a restaurant that's directly above Smoking Goat in Shoreditch. An impressive open kitchen makes the cooking on fire that's central to the restaurant a real focus, and a partnership with the people behind Noble Rot means that the wine's pretty decent too. The turbot and the beef chop should both be on your list and don't miss the small plates, as Keith Miller in the Telegraph says - "spider crab, one of many Basque touches on the menu, was tossed with cabbage – perfect with its slightly funky flavour – and fennel. "

More about Brat

Our Brat Test Drive


 

brynBryn Williams at Somerset House

Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

In a nutshell: The Odette's chef takes on an institution

Odette's chef Bryn Williams has opened a fruit and veg-focused restaurant overlooking the river at Somerset House. Expect British dining with lots of Welsh produce in a room that's been remodelled to give you a view of the Thames. 

More about Bryn Williams at Somerset House

Our Bryn Williams Test Drive


 

delaminaDelamina

56-58 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2NX

In a nutshell: Levantine spot on Marylebone Lane

The couple who opened turkey restaurant Strut & Cluck in Shoreditch are behind this new Eastern Mediterranean kitchen on Marylebone Lane and they've been inspired by their family heritage. Ben Norum in The Standard says "Settle in for small plates and go by-the-glass to make the most of the varied and vibrant flavours at this stylish spot."

More about Delamina

Our Delamina Test Drive


 

hamHam

238 West End Lane, London NW6 1LG

In a nutshell: Neighbourhood spot in West Hampstead

An ex Ledbury and ToastED chef is in the kitchen for this new West Hampstead opening which has a strong brunch offering and will offer a regularly changing menu. Fay Maschler praises the brunch: "Hām Breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes, avocado and toast is excellent in each of its particulars although the sausage might be a little too virtuous — a certain amount of filler and fat is desirable."

More about Ham


 

leroyLeroy

18 Phipp Street, London EC2A 4NU

In a nutshell: Michelin-starred Ellory moves to Shoreditch

A big hit in London Fields - and Michelin-starred to boot - there have been changes for Ellory. They've moved from their original digs into the heart of Shoreditch, and changed the name in the process (it was the nickname of the original). With that comes more of a bistro focus. David Sexton was a fan of their asparagus dish - "This felt like a delicious rebuke to the sloppiness of asparagus with hollandaise, an impressive composition more than it was commonplace food." And Grace Dent declared the move a total success saying: "Ellory was good – we all loved Ellory – but Leroy is much, much better."

Find out more about Leroy

Our Leroy Test Drive


 

passyunkPassyunk Avenue

80 Cleveland Street, London, United Kingdom

In a nutshell: Philly cheesesteak champions

The Philly cheesesteak is a much-loved dish for many folk, but it's often easy to get it oh-so-wrong. Not so for Passyunk Avenue who have been perfecting their own version as a Spitalfields food truck and who have now moved into their permanent Fitzrovian accommodation. Part fast food, part dive bar - if you want the best Philly cheesesteak in London - here's where to go.

Find out more about Passyunk Avenue

Our Passyunk Avenue Test Drive


 

saplingSapling

378 Kingsland Road, London E8 4AA

In a nutshell: A proper wine bar in Dalston. 

We fell quite in love with this elegant new wine bar and restaurant on Kingsland Road. David Sexton in The Standard was won over too, calling it "a brilliantly conceived, devotedly delivered, mini-palais of taste and pleasure that would grace any quarter" and that fits right at home in Dalston too. 

Our Sapling Test Drive

Find out more about Sapling


 

scullyScully

4 St James's Market, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4QU

In a nutshell: Ex NOPI chef goes it alone

Ex NOPI chef Ramael Scully has opened up his first restaurant in the St James's Market development and it's getting as much praise as his Ottolenghi-helmed previous restaurant. Here you can expect a range of cuisines that draw across family influences that include Chinese, Indian, Irish and Balinese with the arepa, eggplant sambal, and bergamot labneh being an early favourite. Plus the menu should grow and evolve as all the pickling and preparation Scully has put in takes fruit later in the year - and that's what ES reviewer Robert Peston says made "most of what we ate mind-blowing." Tim Hayward agreed saying the tomato shrub salad, "I guarantee will change the way you think about salads."

Find out more about Scully

Our Scully Test Drive

 

tituTitu

1A Shepherd St, Mayfair, London W1J 7HJ

In a nutshell: Shepherd Market gyoza bar

This new gyoza spot in Mayfair completely won over the Financial Times reviewer Tim Hayward who said: "It’s also got a seriously talented chef who seems to want to create unique food that makes people happy. And that’s kind of heart-warming."

Find out more about Titu


 

Opened in February 2018

 

evelynEvelyn's Table

28 Rupert Street, London W1D 6DJ

In a nutshell: 11 seater restaurant from the Palomar folk

The ambience is relaxed, as though the whole restaurant is at the same dinner party," says Vogue.com of the latest opening from the Palomar crowd. And blogger Chris Pople of Cheese and Biscuits praised the "gorgeous lean, minerally oysters" on Instagram. And Kate Spicer in The Standard said "The food was split between good and the last three dishes we ate, which moved into a different realm of awesome."

Find out more about Evelyn's Table

Our Evelyn's Table Test Drive


 

jidoriJidori Covent Garden

15 Catherine Street, London WC2B 5JZ

In a nutshell: Yakitori, izakaya and karaoke in Covent Garden

The second Jidori, following the popular Dalston original. Yakitori and other Japanese treats tare at the heart of the menu, and if you're in the mood, head to the basement for sake and karaoke.

Find out more about Jidori

Our Jidori Test Drive


 

paladarPaladar

4-5 London Road, London SE1 6JZ

In a nutshell: Latin American cuisine in Lambeth

Paladar is bringing the best of Latin America to Lambeth, drawing from areas as wide as Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru. There's a varied menu as well as a bodega where you can stock up, and a courtyard garden for warmer weather. Ben Norumin The Standard says "This might not be the first very good South American restaurant in town, but it’s the first I can think of that successfully combines a slick setting and creative cooking with such a genuinely homely vibe."

Find out more about Paladar

Our Paladar Test Drive


 

saborSabor

35 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BR

In a nutshell: Ex Barrafina chef Nieves Barragan opens her own restaurant

The restaurant from the person who propelled Barrafina to its success has proven to be a huge instant hit. With two separate entities - the downstairs restaurant and the upstairs asador, both have proven to be winners. Grace Dent in The Guardian said "it’s still – and this is testament to Barragán and Etura – some of the best Spanish food in Great Britain." And of the Asador upstairs, Giles Coren said "This is Spain. This is how they eat and live. And that is how slow-cooked natural piglet tastes and smells. Terrible and delicious."

Find out more about Sabor

Our Sabor Test Drive

 

Opened in January 2018

 

clawClaw

21 Kingly St, Soho, London W1B 5QA

In a nutshell: Crab and a lot more in Carnaby

Claw's signature dish "drenched in garlic and lime butter... are a lovely thing to eat," says blogger Samphire and Salsify. "It’s wonderful to see businesses like @clawfood go from market stall to pop up to restaurant. Especially when they champion sustainable British seafood. XO crayfish a highlight," declared food writer Miranda York on Instagram.

Find out more about Claw

Our Claw Test Drive


 

kettnersKettner's Townhouse

29 Romilly St, Soho, London W1D 5HP

In a nutshell: French food, Champagne and a Soho boutique hotel

Nearly 150 years ago, Auguste Kettner opened Kettner’s, which was one of the first restaurants in London to serve French food. Now after a brief lull, it’s reopened with more French food, bath loads of Champagne and looking more gorgeous than ever. Eyes peeled for the stunning 18th century spiral staircase...

Find out more about Kettner's Townhouse

Our Kettner's Townhouse Test Drive


 

kuduKudu

119 Queens Road, Peckham, London SE15 2EZ

In a nutshell: Peckham gets a South African inspired eatery

"A vibrant new addition to the neighbourhood," concluded the Standard's Ben Norum, who loved the Pigs head tortellini which he says "burst with a deep meaty flavour that neatly contrasts the gently fragrant broth they bob in." While babka expert Felicity Spector said, "the food is wonderful and it’s warm and welcoming and beautifully designed."

Find out more about Kudu

Our Kudu Test Drive


 

roganicRoganic

5-7 Blandford St, Marylebone, London W1U 3DB

In a nutshell: Simon Rogan is back in London

Back in town with his revival of Roganic, Simon Rogan is getting great reviews. In the Telegraph, Katherine Flett says "we consume everything punctuated by countless oohs, amazings and I-didn’t-expect-thats" but isn't so sure about the "fun" of it all. And Grace Dent was wowed by the desserts - "A mini caramelised douglas fir tarte tatin was a bewildering work of apple architecture: what felt like a million tiny, dainty slivers somehow arranged into a coherent, edible artwork."

Find out more about Roganic


 

sorellaSorella

148 Clapham Manor St, London SW4 6BX

In a nutshell: Classic coastal Italian food from The Dairy crowd

Fay Maschler gave Sorella a rare four stars, saying their "tagliatelle with pork and nduja ragù at the second meal was everything you want from a bowl of pasta including comfort and joy." Expect to see reviews in soon from Giles Coren and Grace Dent both of whom have been in recently.

Find out more about Sorella


 

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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