London's hottest restaurants right now

Kol is a Michelin-starred restaurant offering vibrant Mexican cuisine using high-end ingredients like caviar and wagyu beef. Fixed menus are offered for lunch and dinner, including vegetarian choices, or you can go for the chef's table experience and enjoy what Kol's innovative test kitchen has to offer. Having won multiple awards, this is one of the hottest tables in London.

One of the city's hottest tips for West African cuisine is Chuku's in North London. This family-run spot is all about social meals, with modern cooking, vibrant art, and a chilled playlist. Dishes combine traditional recipes with new innovations and are ideal for sharing. The restaurant runs supper clubs too.

An enterprise by renowned chef Jason Atherton and his wife, Sael offers a celebration of British cuisine made exclusively with produce from the British Isles. The trendy venue's spacious interior is enhanced by locally sourced décor, further emphasising its British charm. At Sael, diners can select a core ingredient, which is then expertly cooked on a wood-fire grill, allowing them to personalise their dish with an array of side options. Live DJ sets ensure the lively atmosphere continues well into the evening.

Launched by the group behind trendy all-time favourites such as Gymkhana, Ambassadors Clubhouse is a contemporary, high-end Punjabi dining spot located just off Regent Street. The expansive establishment accommodates up to 140 guests across its two levels and outdoor terrace, featuring striking elements like an opulent central bar topped with a gold dome. The menu showcases lesser-explored dishes from the Indian subcontinent, paired with a selection of tequila and mezcal-based cocktails. DJ nights are a frequent highlight on the entertainment schedule as well.

The Four Legs team from The Plimsoll pub has revamped this old fish and chip shop into a Spanish-themed seafood bar, keeping charming elements like the original tiling and Formica floors intact. This casual spot serves Spanish coastal dishes, complemented by beers, wines by the glass, and Spanish vermouth. The combination of atmosphere, cuisine, and setting has quickly catapulted Tollington's to the top ranks of the hottest restaurants in London to open in 2024.

The Barbary in Neal's Yard  is a long-standing favourite on the London dining scene, and the sibling duo behind the ever-popular spot have brought the concept to Notting Hill. Serving their distinctive fusion of Middle Eastern and North African flavours, the new location reinterprets the original Barbary's signature horseshoe kitchen counter and includes a dedicated cocktail bar as well.

Plates, run by brother-and-sister duo Kirk and Keeley Haworth, is a cosy, 25-seat plant-focused restaurant known for its innovative and sustainable plant-based cuisine. With an outdoor dining terrace, the kitchen offers tasting menus designed to transform diners' views on fruits, vegetables, and plants. Anticipate passionate and creative dishes inspired by international flavours – if you manage to snag a spot, that is. At the time of writing, the restaurant is booked out more than half a year in advance.

The Ledbury gained its third Michelin star in 2024 and was also declared the Best Restaurant in the UK, cementing its reputation as one of London's hottest dining destinations. This place is an ode to the British countryside, serving tasting menus that celebrate fine British ingredients. The dining room here has a refined and classic style, with tables being very much in demand.

Anything the restaurateurs behind Fallow touch seems to turn to edible gold, and it's no different with Roe, their massive new venture in Canary Wharf that can handle 1,000 covers a day. One of the hottest new openings of 2024, Roe expounds on Fallow's sustainability-minded success with features such as an aeroponic living wall and an eco-friendly 3D printed interior, with the menu placing an emphasis on venison, the most sustainable of meats available in the UK.

Cloth, a restaurant and wine bar in Farringdon, is situated in a Grade II-listed building on Cloth Fair. The venue features a bar that offers drinks and snacks, as well as a formal dining area serving lunch and dinner. The seasonal menus at this London hotspot highlight British ingredients with dishes such as brown crab and Berkswell tagliarini, or hogget sausage with chickpeas.

Hackney Church Brewery Co.'s restaurant, Lagom, is the brainchild of Elliot Cunningham, who has crafted his menu to pay homage to his Swedish heritage. Lagom has been making a stir for its Sunday roasts and burgers, which has just clinched the best burger in the UK. Lagom, meaning "just right" in Swedish, has been lauded by critics like Jay Rayner for its daring live-fire techniques. Their Sunday roast has achieved iconic status, and there's often a month-long wait for a table. 

Once a popular Malaysian stall at Market Peckham, Mambow expanded and set up shop in Clapton. Chef Abby Lee presents a modern twist on traditional Malaysian dishes, complemented by organic wines and a rotating cocktail menu. This intimate standalone eatery boasts outdoor seating and an open kitchen, providing diners with a peek into the gastronomic artistry behind the scenes, and it's been a big hit.

The younger sibling of The Tamil Prince, The Tamil Crown is a buzzy pub serving flavourful sharing plates of spicy South Asian cuisine. Backed by excellent reviews and culinary pedigree – the kitchen team trained at the famed Roti King – getting a table at this establishment isn't the easiest of tasks. That's especially true on Sundays, when there's an Indian-inspired roast dinner.

Supernova is a simple spot with a simple menu – a pair of smash burgers and some fries and sundaes to go with them. Thanks to a savvy social media approach and a convenient location right in the heart of London, however, it has become a seriously in-demand spot, with queues often stretching down the street at this popular restaurant.

Enjoy authentic flavours from West Africa at the relocated Chishuru in Fitzrovia. You'll discover a modern set menu that explores the region's recipes and culinary traditions, blending new approaches with time-honoured methods. Vegetarian options are available as well. In 2024 the restaurant received its first Michelin star.

Led by chefs with experience from Kiln and Sabor, Oma draws its culinary inspiration from the Greek islands. The menu features fresh seafood and Mediterranean delights like hummus masabacha, harissa-grilled prawns, and lamb belly skewers, all complemented by an extensive 400-bin wine list. The restaurant's decor is inspired by natural landscapes, showcasing earthy tones and textures. It includes a raw bar, an open-plan kitchen, and a spacious terrace with views of Borough Market, and has generated quite the buzz among reviewers and the general public alike.

Lyle's in Shoreditch offers daily-changing menus of British cuisine with ingredients sourced from throughout the country. There's also a carefully-selected wine list and vegetarian and pescetarian options available. The quality of the food and service has earned the restaurant a Michelin star. At Lyle's you'll find sophisticated dining and a modern approach in a cool, minimalist space.

Specialising in satisfying Italian-American cuisine, Grasso in Soho quickly commanded attention when it opened in 2024. Spaghetti and meatballs is this spot's signature dish but other hearty favourites on the menu include chicken parm and pizza with vodka sauce. Set over two floors, this vibrant restaurant is modern with warm hospitality.

The Devonshire is the inaugural collaborative venture between hospitality experts Oisin Rogers, ex-landlord of The Guinea Grill, Flat Iron founder Charlie Carroll, and The Fat Duck chef Ashley Palmer. With such an stellar crew, this Soho gastropub has the makings of a culinary blockbuster. Blending classic charm with modern cuisine, it boasts the first wood ember grill of its kind in the UK and an on-site butcher.

Rated as one of the country's top restaurants, Bibi combines British and Indian ingredients to create inspiring plates of street food. Dishes are served in a low-lit venue that's full of laid-back cool. À la carte dishes and a tasting menu are available, with a wide choice of drinks on offer as well.

Bouchon Racine, a popular French bistro run by renowned chef Henry Harris, can be found on the upper floor of The Three Compasses pub in Farringdon. Apart from classic Harris dishes, the family-owned eatery provides daily menus that are seasonal and prepared in the traditional style. To complement the meals, a French-led wine list is available.

When it comes to hot restaurants in London, Dishoom is a fixture. This restaurant group is so popular there's virtually always a long queue extending from the entrance, even though there are multiple locations around the city. The restaurants are style-conscious and tastefully decorated, serving Indian street food in a modern environment. Food is served all day and it's known for its Indian take on a fry-up.

Kiln dishes up imaginative Thai food that may not be traditional but is still some of the most popular in the capital. Walk-ins are welcome and you can watch the chefs from the kitchen counter. Thai curries, slow-grilled chicken, and laap sausages are just some of the dishes you can try out here.

Core by Clare Smyth has been named one of the 100 best restaurants in the world for 2023. This female-led Notting Hill venue has a whopping three Michelin stars. Elegant dishes are crafted here using artisan and sustainable British ingredients. Food is served in a light and airy dining space, plus there's an exclusive chef's table experience.

Brat is a sleek Shoreditch restaurant with one Michelin star, serving modern cuisine inspired by Basque cooking methods. You can expect plenty of fish and grilled food on the menu. Along with the food menu there's a sophisticated and varied wine list, which includes a monthly-changing highlight of a specific wine.

Modern pasta bar Padella serves up fresh hand-rolled pasta and has developed a reputation for offering value as well as quality. Choose from pasta with a choice of different fillings and sauces and a variety of different drinks at reasonable prices. There's usually a queue so be prepared to wait.

Rochelle Canteen is a welcoming sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Shoreditch, housed in a converted bike shed. The menu changes each day and offers seasonal dishes inspired by British and European cuisine. Indoor and outdoor seating is available under a canopy for comfortable dining in all weather.

Shoreditch restaurant Bistro Freddie is an intimate venue with 45 seats and old-school interiors that bring a sense of nostalgia. Quality ingredients from local suppliers are used to put together a fine dining menu of classic British recipes. Whilst the food is British, the wine list in entirely French and gives diners lots of options to choose from.

Shankeys opened in the latter half of 2022 after a wildly successful pop-up at the old Spendeli premises in Hackney. The Well Street restaurant is stripped back, intimate and romantic, lit by candlelight in the evenings and seating only a handful of people. The menu is a fusion of Irish and Indian cuisines, with dishes like aubergine and tamarind curry with beetroot chutney and pickled rice and rum-glazed doughnuts with banana brûlée, mango, custard and coconut and lime. They also have an Irish-focused drinks menu and a changing selection of handpicked wines.

Story Cellar comes from acclaimed chef Tom Sellers. With attractive views over Neal's Yard and counter seating, you can sample French menus of rotisserie chicken and charcuterie as well as changing daily specials and small plates like salad or seasonal terrine. There's a sophisticated wine list and private dining is also available.

Akub in Notting Hill comes from Palestinian chef Fadi Kattan. Dishes here combine distinctive herbs and British produce to show off the diversity of the region's cuisine. The space is homey with earthy colours and textures. The wine and cocktail list also shows influences from the Middle East.

Homies on Donkeys was one of the buzziest restaurants around despite being in a cramped spot far away from the city crowds. They've since moved to a colourful new venue in Leytonstone and the demand has only kept growing. Its secret lies in the creative fusion of authentic ingredients into tacos and nothing but tacos. Expect crowds of happy punters stuffing their faces whenever you visit.

Mountain brings the renowned cuisine from Brat to Beak Street in Soho. The venue is bright and contemporary with a large wooden bar and a cosy basement space. Chef Tomos Parry is behind the traditional Spanish grilled dishes here, made with local produce and paired with wines curated by Noble Rot.

East London restaurant Papi emerged from a popular lockdown pop-up and serves vibrant food with global influences. Sustainability and zero-waste is key here, as well as a playful approach to cooking. The setting is simple and hip and the venue has an open kitchen as well as a bottle shop.

In the culinary hotspot of Borough Market, Rambutan specialises in Sri Lankan cuisine, served in an environment decorated with work by Sri Lankan artists and designers. The menu here changes frequently, dishing up street-style snacks, seasonal curries, and larger plates. There's a downstairs bar too.

Café Britaly in Peckham delivers a truly "Britalian" dining experience, merging British and Italian culinary traditions. This café represents the inaugural partnership between chef Alex Purdie, who previously worked at Bouchon Racine and Bocca di Lupo, and Richard Crampton-Platt, formerly of Bocca di Lupo and Gelupo, all popular spots in their own right. Travellers to Britaly can look forward to innovative dishes such as a full Britalian breakfast and a unique version of carbonara featuring cream.

Whether it's due to the quality of the pizzas or just the sheer novelty of a casual pizza joint in Marylebone, queues out the door seem to be a fixture of Alley Cats Pizza. This budding franchise serves an inspired take on NYC-style pizza, with toppings on the 14-inch pies ranging from classic options such as marinara to more offbeat combos such as a cacio & pepe white base pizza.

Located at the edge of Smithfield Market and overlooking the capital's oldest church, Restaurant St. Barts takes its guests on a journey around the British Isles. It serves tasting menus made with fine produce. Sustainability is important here and it's reflected in the decor, which uses natural materials like stone and wood to create a warm environment.

Los Mochis in Notting Hill and Liverpool Street serves pan-Pacific cuisine that fuses the flavours of Japan and Mexico, creating unique taco and sushi combinations. This trendy evening spot, decorated with colourful Mexican art, also opens for lunch on weekends. Diners can enjoy a tasting menu and a variety of signature cocktails. Los Mochis is home to one of the largest collections of rare tequila and mezcal in Europe.

Noodle Inn is the latest opening from Alex Xu, the mastermind behind Kung-Fu Noodle in Chinatown. Doughy, stretchy hand-pulled noodles are the highlight of Soho's Noodle Inn, who have been drawing crowds since they opened at the start of September. You can also chow down on tongguan roujamo sandwiches, a Shaanxi Province speciality of filled meat sandwiches, kind of resembling a burger. Perch at the counter for a front-row seats of the chefs working their noodle magic.

Miga is a family-run Korean restaurant on trendy Mare Street that's gained a bit of a cult following since it opened back in June 2024, predominantly through word of mouth and social media buzz. It's run by two brothers, with their father heading up the kitchen, bringing a fresh take on Korean cuisine to Hackney's thriving food scene. The restaurant is constantly evolving, with dishes like their creamy bone broth, soy braised short rib and sweet potato glass noodles stealing the limelight.

The Raglan opened in Walthamstow in late 2024, relying on just word of mouth and a steady influx of Google reviews to let others know it's open and means business. It comes from the duo behind Shankeys, so it's fair to expect great things. However, The Raglan has a much more laid-back vibe but sticks to serving Indian-Irish fusion dishes, tailoring them slightly to a more pub-friendly manner. Expect menu highlights like spice bags, naga wings, and chilli tater tots.

Café François is Borough Market's newest addition, offering modern French dining with classic dishes done exactly how they should be. The space is uber-trendy, with tall black-framed windows, exposed steel, wooden tables, and a glass display showcasing the day's delicious patisserie. You're right to expect timeless classics like moules marinière and steak frites, but you'll also find a selection of creative small plates, like aubergine with capers and anchovy-topped brioche. This place gets our vote as Borough Market's hottest new date night spot.