The best new restaurants in Central London

Created by acclaimed Korean-American chef Akira Back, Lilli is an elegant dining destination within the prestigious Montcalm Mayfair hotel. The restaurant delivers a sophisticated experience, featuring a menu rooted in British cuisine and enhanced by the chef's signature expertise and innovative touch.

The Georgian restaurant at the iconic Harrods department store has been a staple of London dining for over a century, making it one of the city's most historic eateries, though it has seen several refurbishments, the latest in 2024. Drawing inspiration from Harrods' rich history, the restaurant offers sophisticated British classics from different eras, accompanied by captivating tableside presentations. The venue features an elegant Art Deco design, complete with a grand piano and an outdoor terrace.

Helmed by renowned chef Jason Atherton and his wife, Sael, situated near Piccadilly Circus, highlights British gastronomy with dishes crafted exclusively from British Isles produce. The decor, also locally sourced, reinforces the distinctly British character of the expansive setting. Diners at Sael can select a primary ingredient, which is expertly cooked over a wood-fire grill, and personalise their meal with an array of sides. The lively atmosphere is elevated by live DJ performances extending into the evening.

Visit Kitty Hawk to enjoy breathtaking views of London while you wine and dine. Situated on the rooftop of the Page 8 Hotel, this modern restaurant features a wraparound terrace where guests can savour gourmet renditions of British favourites like fish and chips, alongside top-quality steaks. Weekend brunch is available, and you are always welcome to drop by for a cocktail or two.

Celebrated chef Michel Roux Jr returns to The Langham with Chez Roux, where he channels nostalgic memories from his childhood to reinvent historical British classics using sophisticated French culinary techniques. The refined menu features dishes such as lamb chops reform and grilled lobster with garlic butter, complemented by a selection of premium wines and cocktails inspired by the era.

Located at the Newson's Yard arcade redevelopment, Wildflowers is helmed by experienced chef Aaron Potter (Maria G's, Elystan Street). The Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar is spread across two floors and boasts a terrace, with private dining options available as well. In addition to the wining and dining, Wildflowers also offers a deli section.

Tanner Krolle has been providing luxury leather bags to style-conscious customers for over 160 years, with notables such as Cary Grant, Jackie Onassis, and Princess Diana among its loyal patrons. It's not all about shopping at the brand's five-storey Mayfair flagship, however, as the building includes its own restaurant with an outdoor terrace and private dining options, serving British cuisine in an upmarket designer space under the command of Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks.

After closing their Michelin-starred Locanda, restaurateurs Giorgio and Plaxy Locatelli turned their attention to Locatelli at the National Gallery. Perched on the mezzanine of the iconic gallery, the Italian restaurant serves timeless dishes alongside Locatelli's signature creations, while a ground-floor bar offers espressos, maritozzo brioches, and other delights. The elegantly designed space features a neutral palette, natural materials, and cosy booths for a more intimate dining experience.

Nestled beneath a Grade I-listed church in Mayfair, Undercroft offers a striking and atmospheric dining experience with its vaulted ceilings, exposed brickwork, soft lighting, and a stately grand piano. Celebrity chef Aldo Zilli leads the Italian restaurant, showcasing the rich culinary diversity of his home country with a menu inspired by all 20 of its regions.

The former Marylebone home of Pachamama has been transformed into Nina, a chic Italian eatery drawing inspiration from sunny Mediterranean villages and communal family dining. The menu revolves around expertly crafted pasta dishes, featuring options like beef shin tagliatelle and Bottarga linguine, all paired with a carefully curated selection of fine Italian wines.

For true pasta enthusiasts, Officina 00 is an essential destination. This authentic pasta workshop and restaurant embraces traditional methods, sharing its expertise through pasta-making masterclasses. Their fresh pasta is paired with ingredients like pistachio pesto and short rib ragu. This is the group's third location, following outposts in Fitzrovia and Old Street.

Founded by renowned restaurateurs George Bukhov-Weinstein and Ilya Demichev, Pinna is a culinary venture showcasing the talents of their pal, Sardinian chef Achille Pinna. Located in Mayfair, it offers a taste of Sardinia with expertly prepared dishes, including handmade pasta, premium meats, and other classic specialities. The experience is elevated further by a dedicated raw bar, adding an extra touch of indulgence.

Amalfi Ristorante brings a touch of the Italian coastline to life. The chic, contemporary space is filled with vibrant colours and lush greenery, while tiled walls and exposed brick enhance its Mediterranean charm. The menu offers a variety of dishes, including burrata, stone-baked pizzas, risottos, pastas, and burgers, along with a dedicated kids' menu. The venue also caters to private dining and hosts bottomless brunch events.

Nipotina is a modern Italian ristorante in Mayfair, launched by renowned London restaurateur Samyukta Nair. It's her first restaurant to offer breakfast, along with lunch and dinner, while also serving as a convenient place for an aperitivo. The cuisine is inspired by classic Italian home-cooked dishes, including plentiful pasta temptations, paired with an exclusively Italian wine list.

Harry's Bar, a venture by Richard Caring, encompasses a collection of sophisticated yet laid-back dining and drinking establishments offering authentic Italian cuisine in an elegant setting. The menu features all the classic Italian staples, ranging from pizza to pasta, paired with an array of top-notch regional wines and traditional cocktails with a twist.

Another new outpost of Mayfair's famed Bocconcino group, this branch spans two floors beneath the Strand Palace hotel that include both a lively dining room with a bar, and a more intimate chamber for private dining. As indicated by the name, the focus here is on Italian seafood treated with prestige. Everything is crafted with care and authentic Italian ingredients.

Josephine Bouchon in Marylebone marks the second location of acclaimed chef Claude Bosi's venture that was first established in Chelsea. This traditional bistro pays homage to Bosi's grandmother and his early years in Lyon, offering a menu filled with Lyonnaise favourites and timeless French dishes rooted in his grandmother's culinary traditions.

Delamina, created by husband-and-wife team Limor and Amir Chen, started as a residency at Shoreditch House. Their Mediterranean menu is inspired by Limor's Middle Eastern and European heritage, focusing on healthy cooking with herbs and spices. Their third restaurant, Delamina Townhouse, offers a spacious and stylish setting, featuring a dining bar, drawing rooms, fireplaces, and an outdoor terrace.

Experience Mediterranean flavours in a laid-back atmosphere at Ceru. This spot offers lunch, dinner, and an all-day brunch, featuring a menu crafted for sharing. The dishes strike a balance between indulgence and wholesome ingredients, with enticing options such as sautéed mushrooms, braised octopus, and crispy polenta and feta fries. Complement your meal with a selection of Mediterranean wines or expertly mixed cocktails.

The acclaimed Middle Eastern restaurant group began its international expansion with a flagship London restaurant. Under the guidance of Chef Patron Ran Shmueli, the restaurant spotlights elegant Eastern Mediterranean dishes crafted from fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced produce in a sophisticated yet welcoming environment. The expansive venue features an open kitchen, alfresco seating, and private dining options, and offers a diverse menu with lunch, dinner, and brunches on the weekend.

Cornus, created by the team renowned for Medlar in Chelsea, is situated on the top floor of the Ice Factory redevelopment in Belgravia's Eccleston Yards. Positioned on the fourth floor, it offers patrons a delightful view of the surrounding area, complementing the exquisite fine dining experience provided by the kitchen. Additionally, the restaurant places a significant focus on its wine selection, with expert sommeliers handpicking a world-class range of bottles.

A well-known hotspot in Chelsea, the chic Bluebird has made its way east with a new venue in the City. Diners can look forward to the restaurant's trademark expertly crafted European dishes, while the eco-conscious venue also hosts private dining experiences and bespoke events. The verdant terrace boasts exclusive cabanas available for booking.

Jason Atherton, the Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur, will be launching his flagship venue in Savile Row, spanning two floors and offering a culinary voyage with multiple courses. The venue includes counter dining and tables, as well as an open kitchen, bar, and cellar for private dining.

Aram is the latest venture from Imad Alarnab, the founder of Imad's Syrian Kitchen, bringing authentic Syrian flavours to Somerset House. This Middle Eastern café, restaurant, and delicatessen showcases dishes from across Syria, using ingredients imported from the country for the first time since the war there began. By day, Aram offers breakfast and lunch, while in the evening, it hosts special events such as supper clubs and live music nights.

As the offshoot of Soho's cherished Tehrani eatery, the Mayfair location brings the much-loved mezze that made Berenjak a sensation to a new audience in the heart of Mayfair. Highlights include dishes like black chickpea hummus, smoky coal-grilled aubergine, and flavour-packed kebabs.

Toum is a novel Lebanese rotisserie concept in Mayfair, just off of Regent Street. The restaurant offers an assortment of authentic Lebanese dishes with contemporary twists, ranging from tender rotisserie chicken to varied mezze. All of the dishes are prepared using the freshest ingredients.

Favoured by brunch enthusiasts, the Brother Marcus restaurants throughout the city serve up light Eastern Mediterranean cuisine in relaxed environments. Savour traditional mezze and brunch staples like harissa eggs or shakshuka while unwinding on one of the two terraces at the Covent Garden location. This branch is the group's largest to date and includes two bars too.

Ambassadors Clubhouse is a contemporary, high-end Punjabi restaurant nestled just off Regent Street. The expansive venue accommodates up to 140 guests across two floors and an outdoor terrace, featuring striking elements like a grand central bar with a gold dome. The menu showcases lesser-known dishes from the Indian subcontinent, complemented by cocktails based on tequila and mezcal.

At Romeo San in Marylebone, the carefully crafted sushi handrolls showcase premium ingredients such as caviar and truffle for a dining experience that blends luxury with convenience. The temaki bar is fairly compact, seating just a few dozen guests, though you can also pick up DIY handroll kits for home.

Kauri is chef patron Hamish Brown's tribute to his culinary journey, seamlessly combining tradition with expertise in a refined setting in Marylebone Village. Showcasing the finest British ingredients and cooking over British charcoal, the Central London restaurant also places a strong focus on exceptional wine to complement its carefully crafted dishes.

Luna is an exclusive 12-seat omakase restaurant from the team behind Los Mochis, offering an elevated dining experience . With two dinner sittings per evening, the restaurant presents a contemporary interpretation of Edomae omakase in a sophisticated setting featuring a wooden counter and bespoke artwork. Guests can enhance their meal with expertly curated sake, wine, or cocktail pairings, culminating in a traditional tea ceremony.

Hotori brings a unique beak-to-tail yakitori experience to Holborn, where diners can savour a range of Japanese grilled dishes. The menu offers options like chicken skewers, Wagyu steak, miso black cod, and other delicacies, as well as a tasting menu experience where you can enjoy every part of the chicken. With a sleek interior inspired by traditional Japanese design, the restaurant's counter seating provides an up-close view of the hibachi grill in action.

Ukiyo, nestled in Covent Garden, is a unique Japanese establishment specialising in hand-rolled sushi and creative cocktails. Located in The Yards, this minimalist venue boasts counter seating and a diverse range of hand rolls, such as King Crab California, Unagi Cucumber, and Spicy Tuna. Diners can also indulge in tasting menus. Complementing the exquisite food, Ukiyo offers a wide array of beverages, including innovative cocktails.

Endo Kazutoshi, a third-generation sushi master, elevates his delicate craft to new heights in the refurbished OWO building. Kioku by Endo, located on the grand rooftop of The OWO, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city along with exquisitely prepared Japanese delicacies, including the chef's table experience. Additionally, outdoor seating is available, and a separate ground-floor entrance leads to an accompanying sake bar.

3 Gorges is a sophisticated Chinese restaurant spanning three levels, complete with a stylish ground-floor bar and exclusive private dining spaces. Helmed by esteemed Cantonese chef Qian, whose experience includes Michelin-starred Gouqi and Hakkasan, the high-end restaurant serves a lavish selection of dishes, including caviar-topped Peking duck, alongside premium seafood delicacies such as abalone and lobster.

Shan Shui embraces the rich traditions of Chinese culture, drawing inspiration from the elegance of 1920s Shanghai. Its menu takes diners on a culinary journey across the country, featuring dishes crafted from authentic recipes and high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you're after a solo dining experience or a feast to share with friends and family, Shan Shui offers a diverse selection of dishes to suit every occasion.

Tofu Vegan offers an entirely vegan Chinese menu crafted to please vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike. The majority of the dishes are prepared using tofu, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives to achieve an authentic flavour. Embracing China's rich tradition of plant-based cuisine, the menu showcases influences from various Chinese regions. Diners can enjoy an extensive selection of dishes, including vegan dim sum.

Ning's Fresh Beef Hotpot & Cantonese Sashimi offers a variety of traditional Cantonese cuisine, including Dao Lon, Consomme, and Caly. As a venture from the founder of Murger Han, the restaurant group credited with introducing the flourishing Xian cuisine to London, diners can anticipate both genuine and innovative interpretations of Cantonese classics at this establishment.

A popular Chinese restaurant and karaoke bar with a stylish touch, Galaxy is expanding from Elephant & Castle to Broadgate. The fun-loving venue lets you book an elegant private room where you can sing your heart out while enjoying tempting Chinese food such as hot pots and fried rice. The kitchen is open late, so there's no need to cut the gig short, and the drinks list keeps the vibes going with cocktails, Asian beers, and other options.

Launched by Ottolenghi co-founder Noam Bar-Chang and Kung Fu Mama noodles founder Chris Hsu, this noodle bar places an emphasis on serving the freshly-prepared noodles not just in a variety of flavours, but with an eye towards health as well. The ingredients are oven-baked rather than fried, salt, sugar, and fat levels are carefully monitored, and so on. It's a small spot with just a few seats, making grab-and-go the preferred option.

Perched atop the newly constructed Renzo Piano building in Paddington Square, the London outpost of Singapore's renowned Cé La Vi offers a modern Asian dining experience. The rooftop venue features stunning views, a stylish terrace, and an elegant indoor space. Guests can enjoy private dining, or simply unwind with a drink in the sophisticated Cé La Vi cocktail bar.

The City branch of the Bao group takes inspiration from Taiwanese karaoke bars and offers two private karaoke rooms for hire, perfect for singing your heart out. The menu includes the signature steamed milk buns and other Bao favourites like noodles, alongside large sharing platters that are ideal for group dining.

Yari Club is the UK's first concept to feature an automated rotary yakitori machine. In practice, diners select from a menu of traditional yakitori chicken skewers, which are placed on the machine's gripping arm. The robotic tool expertly handles the grilling and dipping, delivering perfectly cooked skewers. The cosy venue, with its wood-panelled walls, black brick accents, and stainless-steel bars, mirrors the atmosphere of traditional yakitori spots found across Asia.

Jang marks the inaugural solo venture of renowned restaurateur Des Gunewardena. Situated on the south mezzanine of the historic Royal Exchange building, Jang primarily offers Korean cuisine with a modern twist, enriched with Japanese influences. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The London outpost of Dubai's original Shanghai Me carries forward the same ethos as its sibling – a lively ambiance, stunning rooftop vistas, and an eclectic menu of pan-Asian delicacies with luxurious touches. Diners can indulge in foie gras, Wagyu, and caviar, appealing to the chic and affluent clientele. Shanghai Me London also boasts the group's renowned dim sum library, offering a wide array of choices for dumpling enthusiasts.

Kin, a relaxed restaurant in the heart of Fitzrovia, offers a refreshing retreat from London's busy streets with its plant-based menu focused on sustainability and healthy living. Sharing outdoor seating with Kin Cafe, diners can enjoy their meals while basking in the sunshine. The chefs prioritise high-quality seasonal ingredients, sourced responsibly from indigenous Amazonian communities, to create lunch and dinner dishes that balance sustainability and taste. Additionally, Kin's drinks menu features eco-friendly, waste-free cocktails.

Boxpark's stylish City sibling Boxhall offers a similar concept but within a historic food hall rather than repurposed shipping containers. Home to 14 kitchens, the venue showcases some of London's most exciting food traders and rising culinary stars, accompanied by two bars, various live events, and a spacious rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city skyline.

Silva is an all-day dining spot in Mayfair, with a menu that spans international influences from the Mediterranean all the way to Japan. Offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, Silva serves up refined dishes such as a gratinated crab or Gruyère omelette to start the day, while later meals feature offerings like baked Isle of Mull scallops with yuzu butter or roast duck with coco beans, fennel, and orange. The chic restaurant boasts an outdoor terrace, a cosy snug bar, and a private dining room.

Acclaimed TV chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay has launched a culinary hub at the UK's tallest office building, 22 Bishopsgate. On the top floors of the landmark you can find an exlcusive chef's table run by the team from his eponymous three Michelin-starred restaurant, as well as a branch of his pan-Asian brand Lucky Cat and an outpost of his more down-to-earth Bread Street Kitchens. All of the venues boast stunning views of the city.

Carbone, a counterpart of the renowned New York restaurant celebrated for shaping American cuisine over the last ten years, offers an Italian-American dining experience. It's characterised by luxurious, vintage-style decor, adorned with Murano wall sconces and chandeliers, lavish curtains, and sophisticated seating in rich jewel tones, all enhanced by contemporary art. The menu highlights classic dishes like spicy rigatoni in vodka sauce, veal chop parmesan, and octopus pizzaiolo.

Simpson's in the Strand, a legendary fine-dining establishment in the UK since its opening in the early 19th century, closed its doors in 2024 due to financial struggles. The renowned restaurateur Jeremy King has since acquired the iconic venue, with plans to reopen it in 2025. The revamped Simpson's will boast two distinct restaurants and two bars, in addition to offering private dining spaces, promising a fresh new chapter for this historic location.

Santo Remedio offers some of the best Mexican cuisine in London, with multiple locations throughout the city. Their menus highlight the vibrant flavours and variety of Mexican dishes, set against colourful backdrops adorned with Mexican art and crafts. Diners can indulge in tacos, tostadas, and regional specialities, or stop by for a lively bottomless brunch.

The second London establishment by chef Santiago Lastra, renowned for the Michelin-starred Kol, Fonda is a modern Mexican eatery dedicated to highlighting regional dishes from across the Latin American nation. The interior design of the restaurant draws inspiration from Yucatan haciendas and Mexican fabrics, centring on the traditional Mexican clay griddle, known as the comal.

Elaine's brings a taste of New York to the heart of London. Spread across two levels, this elegantly designed establishment features an island bar serving signature cocktails and a variety of other beverages. The expansive dining area is perfect for savouring classic American comfort dishes such as steaks, burgers, reubens, and hot dogs. Additionally, the deli offers an array of gourmet sandwiches, charcuterie, artisanal cheeses, and other fine treats available for takeaway.

Renowned chef and restaurateur Jason Atherton has transformed the formerly sophisticated Pollen Street Social into a more laid-back establishment. Mary's now operates mainly as a grill house, offering an extensive selection of cuts and meats, but there's more to discover. For a quick fix, you can drop by the walk-in burger bar, which focuses solely on a single smash burger. If you're looking for a more leisurely experience, venture downstairs to the basement speakeasy for a relaxed vibe.

The Flat Iron group is bringing its affordable steaks to Victoria in 2024. Serving high-quality steak at great prices, these steakhouses have become a mainstay among London's carnivores, letting everyone enjoy the taste of premium beef.

Alfonsina, led by chef Ricardo Younis Moreno, takes its culinary cues from the diverse traditions of Latin America, blending flavours and iconic dishes from across the region into an imaginative menu. The dining experience is complemented by timeless cocktails, including pisco sours and margaritas, served in a stylish Smithfield venue that boasts both a downstairs bar and a main dining area. Guests can also relax on the outdoor terrace.

The debut bricks-and-mortar location by a couple seasoned in the pop-up scene, AngloThai in Marylebone highlights its chef-founder's Thai-British fusion cuisine, drawing from his mixed heritage. The menu, which changes with the seasons, is paired with biodynamic wines and presented in a sleek interior inspired by Thailand's contemporary design trends.

Already well-established in Notting Hill, Sunday in Brooklyn's second London site is located just off Oxford Street. This is a top place to go for a New York-style brunch, with a myriad of sweet and savoury dishes on the menu, from pancake stacks to biscuits and gravy. Cocktails are available too, and it's all served in a style-conscious contemporary setting.

For its inaugural London venue, the globally renowned Nikkei eatery La Muña chose the luxurious L'oscar London in Holborn, establishing itself within the hotel's historic domed chapel. Now transformed into an impressive space adorned with exquisite wallpaper, the restaurant offers its hallmark Nikkei fusion, blending the thrilling tastes of Peruvian and Japanese gastronomy.

The closure of the much-loved Oklava restaurant was a significant blow to London's culinary scene, making the return of its talented chef a highly anticipated event. Leydi, located at the Hyde London City hotel, is a stylish Turkish eatery offering an all-day dining experience, from breakfast to dinner. Diners can indulge in the chef's renowned lahmacuns and pides, along with a wide array of Turkish and Mediterranean delicacies.

Created by trailblazing Chilean chef Carolina Bazán, Mareida presents her distinctive “New Chilean” cuisine, heavily influenced by the Andean South. The menu takes inspiration from regions spanning Patagonia to the Atacama, as well as the diverse Pan-American communities in Santiago. Dishes such as scallop parmesana, lamb corn cakes, and grilled sea bass are paired with wines expertly selected by Bazán's sommelier wife, Rosario Onetto.

Maroto has taken over the space formerly occupied by Bossa, maintaining a similar high-end approach. The restaurant highlights Brazilian flavours and influences throughout its menu, all served in an elegant setting with dim lighting, crisp white tablecloths, and professional yet friendly service. Open until late, it also boasts a basement lounge and club area for afters.

Lilibet's elevates seafood with a fine-dining approach, blending classic techniques with international culinary flair. This upscale Mayfair restaurant offers a chic, spacious setting complete with a cocktail bar, oyster bar, and a garden terrace, along with a cosy fireside grill for a warm dining experience. The interior design honours Mayfair's glamorous 1920s heritage, adding a touch of timeless elegance to the atmosphere.

Shakara reimagines traditional West African cuisine with a sophisticated fine dining twist. The elegantly designed space, adorned with rich, earthy hues and abstract pieces by renowned African artists, is helmed by celebrated chefs Victor Okunowo and Ayo Adedemi. The menu offers a refined take on authentic dishes, blending heritage with modern culinary artistry, accompanied by regionally-inspired cocktails and live music.

Previously known as Boca a Boca, La Spot is a fresh concept from the same owner, still drawing inspiration from Spain. This time around, the emphasis is on brioche sandwiches filled with Spanish-inspired ingredients, complemented by a selection of tapas and side dishes. A standalone bar offers a range of Spanish wines and signature cocktails.