We’ve unearthed London’s newest eateries, ranging from fine dining experiences to eclectic rooftop terraces. Tuck in to our handy guide to the best restaurants in London right now.
London has an ever-thriving restaurant scene. But with this comes a multitude of choice which both helps and hinders when choosing where one should dine within this city’s ever-changing food scene. These are the 10 best restaurants in London to book now.
1. Carlotta, Marylebone
The grand opening of Big Mamma’s latest venture, Carlotta, is one to add to the diary. In line with the Big Mamma signature look, here you will be greeted with decadence: ambient hues and overstated touches stylistically reminiscent of New York, Las Vegas and, of course, Italy. Aside from the restaurant’s Moulin Rouge-esque aura, its Neapolitan menu is equally alluring. Expect no subtlety from these over-the-top dishes (notice the letters ‘OTT’ in the name), featuring penne alla vodka with Cornish crab served with a generous mound of parmigiano and topped with fresh truffle shavings. This rich and colourful culinary experience has ‘go big or go home’ written all over it.
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2. Mount St. Restaurant, Mayfair
No place better fuses the modern with the traditional than Mount Street Restaurant. Located above Mayfair’s iconic corner pub, The Audley, now reformed by Artfarm (the hospitality arm of luxe-gallery Hauser & Wirth), this Mayfair restaurant exudes elegance and grandeur, with a hint of modernity. The à la carte menu offers seasonal produce sourced from the restaurant’s own farm in Somerset, including rich beef and lamb as well as top-notch specialities like oysters and caviar. Aside from the food, it is the art that sets this establishment apart from its neighbourhood peers – you’re overlooked by a couple of Lucian Freuds and a Matisse as you dine. Perfect for a celebratory get-together with friends or for private hire.
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3. Restaurant St Barts, Barbican
It comes as no surprise that the next restaurant on our list has recently been awarded its first Michelin star, given its enticing dinner-tasting menu that boasts Chinese water deer and duck and berries. Hidden in London’s historical Smithfield Market, known for its meat products, this exceptional dining experience serves as a journey through the British Isles, starting with cured appetisers and ending with dishes on an open flame. The restaurant’s furnishing is contemporary, minimalist and Scandinavian-inspired: it’s just the place to take the food obsessive in your life for a special occasion.
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4. JOIA, Battersea
Journey through the Portuguese Iberian Peninsula at JOIA. This new dining experience in the heart of Battersea goes above and beyond with deeply authentic Mediterranean cuisine taking inspiration from the rich heritage of chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, who boasts two Michelin stars. The spirit of Lisbon can well and truly be enjoyed from the restaurant’s rooftop where you can take advantage of the London skyline and Battersea Power Station views while nibbling on flavoursome delicacies such as Carabineros prawns and a summery octopus salad. Oozing perfection and balanced with simplicity, it’s no coincidence that JOIA translates to ‘jewel’.
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5. Humo, Mayfair
Wood and fire ignite at this exciting new restaurant located in Mayfair. The main ingredient at Humo is fire, and while this isn’t an entirely new concept, the kitchen at HUMO has no other cooking methods rendering it a restaurant of true originality. Relying on wood-fired methods for all of his meals, executive Chef Miller uses food to integrate his love for nature into his urban surroundings, combining Japanese and Columbian influences and demonstrating an experimental flare. Downstairs, there’s a 10-seater chef’s table, Abajo, where guests can learn about the culture behind every unique flavour. This isn’t the restaurant’s first foray into London’s dining scene; it’s sister to slick sushi spot SUMI in Notting Hill and Michelin-starred omakase sensation Endo at the Rotunda. It is, however, an entirely new option from the team and also safe to say that Humo has revolutionised the niche that is wood-fired cooking.
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6. Dorian, Notting Hill
New Notting Hill resident, Dorian, is a refreshingly cool joint and a new star of the neighbourhood. A rich addition to the area’s thriving food scene, Dorian screams date night with its classic bistro interior design and intricately served dishes. Throw in talent from The River Café, Corbin & King and a Phil Howard protégé and it feels like a foodie’s dream. Bathe in the candlelight glow while trying out Dorian’s signature rösti, washed down with a glass of dry white. With its own distinct identity, Dorian is a scene of its own, its bistro menu favourites fizzing with the clamour of uber-cool locals.
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7. Eline, Hoxton
Wander into Hoxton’s new neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar, Eline. Owned by chef Alex Reynolds and wine enthusiast Maria Viviani – the minds behind one of London’s most esteemed bakeries, Pophams – Eline is equally flourishing. Aiming to “make people happy through delicious food and wine” the menu – albeit limited – changes monthly in line with the seasons and is made up of meals containing ingredients sourced as locally as possible, ranging from partridge to barbecued scallops, among other tasty delights. All of this is accompanied by a generous selection of natural wines for you to indulge in. A treat for your eager taste buds.
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8. Story Cellar, Seven Dials
Overlooking the technicolour of Neal’s Yard, Story Cellar is the perfect venue to live out your Parisienne fantasy. Brought to you by Tom Sellers, the succulent rotisserie chicken takes centre stage alongside house charcuterie, lavish terrines and French-inspired delicacies – there is even a snail bolognese on the menu. It’s Covent Garden’s latest treasure, and you can’t go wrong at this wholesome, up-market brasserie. Ask for a spot at the kitchen counter when booking, where the chefs will talk you through the dishes as they serve them.
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9. Taku, Mayfair
For plush, sushi counter dining, book a table at Taku. After a decade running Jin restaurant in Paris, Chef Takuya Watanabe moved to London to open this 16-seater sushi restaurant. The striking counter is fashioned from English oak and his omakase menu features the finest ingredients, mostly from European waters. The menu consists of gently flavoured dishes prepared in Edomae style – a traditional Japanese technique used for curing fish – and is changed on a daily basis, according to the chef’s creative vision. Each mouthful is as impressive as the next, with the occasional nod to his French sojourn. There’s one sitting at lunch and two at dinner – and as all guests are served together, be sure to arrive on time.
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10. Speedboat Bar, Soho
Find yourself transported to the late-night buzz of Bangkok’s street markets at Speedboat Bar. A recent opening in the centre of Chinatown, this is an irresistible haven for those who love Thai flavours. Take in the laid-back vibes as you play pool and watch sports while sipping on a traditional Sabai Sabai cocktail and await your dinner. The aromatic lemongrass spices infused in the Naem fried rice and the beef and seafood ribbon noodles will have your lips tingling and craving another serving. Here, the impressive team behind Mayfair’s Indian Gymkhana, Iranian kebab house Berenjak, plus Sri Lankan and South Indian Hoppers have partnered with British chef Luke Farrell – who has been bouncing back and forth between Dorset, London and Thailand for many years investigating southern Thai cooking. Think of this restaurant as a love letter to Bangkok.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?