All year round you hear us talking about the great restaurants we've tried, and now the tables are turned. After tallying all the votes, we can now share the winners of this year's readers' vote which range from a Michelin-chasing new star in Herne Hill to a surf & turf spot in King's Cross.
Hot Dinners readers' favourite new restaurant of 2025
1 - 2210 by NattyCanCook
Herne Hill - 75 Norwood Road, London SE24 9AA
This was far and away the winner of this year's readers' vote. Nathaniel Mortley, AKA NattyCanCook, launched his first standalone restaurant 2210 in Herne Hill in October. He already had a compelling story of working his way back from time at HMP Brixton, via very well-received residencies and pop-ups to his own restaurant. And it looks like all that dedication has paid off, as we've heard nothing but really great things about the modern Caribbean food that is the focus of the restaurant. An early review by Grace Dent left her impressed, saying "there’s something genuinely good going on here," and clearly Hot Dinners readers wholeheartedly agree.
Here's just a small taste of the things you had to say about the restaurant:
"His story is amazing, and so is his food. He's living proof that your past mistakes don't have to shape your future, and his food shows it. From start to finish, it was a fantastic experience." - Alan
"The hard work and dedication to his craft does not go unnoticed by us in the community! He’s doing us all proud and to make it even better … NATTY CAN ACTUALLY COOK!" - Stephanie
"His growth has been truly inspiring, and his work rate has been exceptional. The food has been consistently amazing, the quality is brilliant, and every dish reflects real passion and dedication. If anyone is deserving of this recognition, it’s him. He’s working incredibly hard on his journey toward a Michelin star, and it absolutely shows" - Coco
"The food was absolutely outstanding. Every dish was packed with authentic Caribbean flavours - rich, bold, and full of soul. Creative dining with a warm, friendly atmosphere." - Aisha
"I personally think he is pushing the boundaries when it comes to Caribbean food and showing up for the culture. The flavours are out of this world, and having experienced his food and service, it is top tier." Morris
And the rest of the top 10...
2 - 
Bistro Sablé
Islington - 63–69 Canonbury Rd, London N1 2DG
A lesson that sometimes a full reinvention can be a very good idea as what used to be Smokehouse was transformed into a classic French bistro.
"Everything about Bistro Sablé is perfection. A thoughtfully curated French Bistro in the heart of Islington. The food is incredible and the staff are amazing. A wonderful selection of wine too. What more could you want?" - Paris
"It’s a fantastic Bistro in a lovely neighbourhood of Canonbury. Very cosy, great service, delicious food. Everything you want from a neighbourhood restaurant" - Simon
3 - 
Speedboat Bar at The Electric
Notting Hill - 191 Portobello Road, London W11 2ED
The second outpost of Luke Farrell's Thai restaurant has clearly been a hit in Notting Hill.
"INCREDIBLE FOOD. Spicy and vibrant. Ideal for eating on your own or chatting over one (or a few) beer towers with friends. This place has brought a new era to The Electric." - Mia
"The food there is superb, tried their sweetcorn fitters that were mind-blowing. The portion sizes are generous and the price range is also ideal." Tom
4 - 
The Lavery
Kensington - 4 Cromwell Place, London SW7 2JE
This Mediterranean-led restaurant is set in a series of Grade II-listed Georgian townhouses and looks fantastic.
"I love the decadent setting with minimal design and beautiful, healthy, and delicious inventive dishes." - Iddo
"Amazing setting, beautiful dining space, phenomenal food and great service, overall a great dining experience" - Christopher
5 - 
Liverpool Street Chophouse
City of London - 16a New St, London EC2M 4TR
What was New Street Grill was reinvented to be the first of a new style of chop houses, led by the person who used to head up M Restaurants.
"Amazing food with a hint of past times. Elegant but vibrant, a good mixture that makes the belly full and the heart even fuller!" - Ana
"Excellent service, ambience, food quality. Great location, quiet little hidden corner at Liverpool Street that's always buzzing." - Miklos
6 - 
Nela
Bayswater - 163 Queensway, London W2 4BD
The first new restaurant in The Whitely brought a buzzy live-fire restaurant from Amsterdam to Bayswater.
"The food, cocktails and service is incredible! Very refined, classy and comfortable atmosphere." - Priyan
"Nela is such an amazing restaurant, the food is exceptional and the service is perfect. They have an eye for detail and everything together is just art!" - Tim
7 - 
Aces Foodcraft
Fitzrovia - 8 Pearson Square, London W1T 3BF
Former Sosharu chef Alex Craciun returns to London with a produce-led restaurant and a special chef's table experience.
"Amazing and unique food! Lovely, cosy and super friendly atmosphere. Loved the chef's table dinner. It’s wonderful to see chefs doing the magic!" - Natalija
"Husband and wife team giving it everything and the passion really shows through in the food and overall experience. Amazing value for money too." - Christopher
8 - 
Osteria Angelina
Shoreditch - 1 Nicholl's Clarke Yard, off Blossom Street, London E1 6SH
This follow-up to the original Angelina continues their winning blend of Japanese and Italian influences.
"I loved the first venue over in Dalston but the A la Carte vibe of the new place adds a new dimension. The truffle tortellini is my fave dish of 2025." - Stuart
"A fantastic, delicate blend of two cuisines which really builds upon and elevates their previous offering. A nice vibe on the edge of the city with a good blend between a Shoreditchey atmosphere and a more formal atmosphere. Been multiple times and enjoyed it, keeping things fresh with a changing menu." - Brad
9 - 
Maset
Marylebone - 40-42 Chiltern Street, London W1U 7QN
The team behind Lurra created this neighbourhood restaurant influenced by the southern coast of France.
"As close one can get to genuine S. France cuisine. From the ingredients to the glasses and from the bar to the tables. Perfect." - Yannis
"Great food. Really kind and relaxed service. Makes you feel like you're eating in a fantastic Provencal chef's home." - Adam
10 - 
Island
King's Cross - Mare Street Market, Lewis Cubitt Square, London N1C 4DY
Brad Carter and Tom Brown teamed up for this modern surf & turf restaurant.
"Tom Brown and Carter, the unstoppable chef machine, knocking out the goat of mixed grills. Island is a dream and they rely on each other a-ha" - Mark
"The vibe was absolutely incredible. What Brad, Tom and Holly have created is nothing short of outstanding. To capture their vibe with the quality of food and drink they’re putting out is outrageous. We can’t wait to go back!" - Tommy
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