The best new restaurants in London

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.

Inis is a charming canalside restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, complemented by relaxed weekend brunches and Sunday roasts. This contemporary venue features outdoor seating during the warmer months and offers a selection of seasonal British and Irish fare. Highlights from the menu include the likes of a full Irish breakfast, whiskey-smoked salmon on Irish brown bread with crème fraiche and pickled onion, and mussels accompanied by chips and garlic bread.

Roe in Wood Wharf comes from the trio behind Fallow. Spread across three levels, it features a terrace with views of the canal and an exclusive dining area on the mezzanine. It also boasts the world's first plant-based, compostable 3D-printed interior, highlighting a commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness. In line with Fallow's ethos of waste reduction, Roe offers a diverse á la carte menu specialising in nose-to-tail cooking with a focus on British ingredients and underutilised produce.

Located in Whitechapel, Sotto Cucina & Bar is an intimate Italian restaurant that focuses on flavours from Sicily. Modern dishes here are prepared using fine British ingredients along with some special imported products. Sicilian and Mediterranean wines are on offer to pair with the food. The subterranean space is enhanced with specially-commissioned art.

Once a hotspot for celebrities in West London, the famed Julie's shut its doors in 2022. It made a comeback a few years later, reinventing itself as a French brasserie under the leadership of a chef trained at Le Cordon Bleu. The new establishment stretches across a ground-floor dining room and bar, a basement dining space, and an alfresco terrace. One of Julie's standout features is the martini trolley, which delivers a theatrical cocktail experience right to your table.

July in Fitzrovia is an elegant all-day dining destination and wine bar, drawing inspiration from the Alsace region of France. Offering food throughout the day, it serves meals from morning breakfast and coffee to late-night bar snacks. Accompanying the food is a thoughtfully selected wine list, emphasising low-intervention wines sourced from small-scale European producers.

Josephine in Chelsea, a new restaurant by renowned chef Claude Bosi, is a homage to his grandmother and his early days in Lyon. This bistro offers a selection of traditional Lyonnaise dishes and timeless French favourites, all influenced by the recipes of Bosi's grandmother. The space is roomy and inviting.

Camille, a charming French bistro with both indoor and outdoor seating, is run by the same group responsible for Ducksoup and Little Duck The Picklery. Situated in close proximity to Borough Market, Camille uses the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients available there to present a menu steeped in regional French culinary traditions, drawing inspiration from travels across France. The food is complemented by a thoughtfully selected wine list that features small, artisanal French winemakers.

Oma, led by chefs formerly of Kiln and Sabor, draws its culinary influence from the Greek islands. The menu is rich in fresh seafood and wholesome Mediterranean dishes, including hummus masabacha, harissa-grilled prawns, and lamb belly skewers. The restaurant's design is inspired by natural landscapes, featuring earthy tones and textures, and includes a raw bar, an open-plan kitchen, and an expansive terrace with views of Borough Market.

The sibling establishment to the upstairs Oma, Agora contrasts its counterpart's elegance with a vibrant ambience, energised by the buzz of Borough Market. This laid-back Greek eatery offers smoky street food from Athens, such as spit-roast pork, paired with refreshing cocktails. Throughout the day, you can also grab a takeaway coffee or pastry here. Come evening, anticipate a cosier yet spirited atmosphere.

Carmel, established by the founders of Berber & Q, brings fresh Mediterranean vibes to Fitzrovia. This minimalistic restaurant and bar, open for meals throughout the day, specialises in live-fire and wood-roasted cooking. It offers a variety of both small and large dishes, designed for sharing around the table. Additionally, Carmel features a brunch menu boasting distinctive Middle Eastern culinary delights.

Renowned Michelin-starred chef Jean-François Piège is at the helm of Mimosa Riviera Cuisine London, a culinary extension of a Paris-based restaurant influenced by the French Riviera. Located within the opulent Langham hotel, this eatery features playful, lush decor, offering a menu infused with Mediterranean flavours that highlight the finest French ingredients and culinary traditions.

Lita, created by the team behind Burger & Lobster, is led by the ex-head chef of Corrigan's in Mayfair. Located in Marylebone, the restaurant's focus is on live-fire cooking, showcased in its open kitchen. Lita takes great pride in procuring the highest quality ingredients from the UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe for its culinary creations.

The Brush, located within the Art'otel London in Hoxton, spans two floors and draws inspiration from the opulent grand cafés of Central Europe. On the ground floor, guests are welcomed into a dining space enclosed by glass walls, offering refined European dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The upper level hosts a lounge ideal for working or unwinding, complete with a bar serving cocktails and evening live music for a relaxed ambience.

The Cardinal Bar and Kitchen at Hotel Saint is an all-day dining venue. It provides a choice of seating, both indoors and outdoors, and creates a welcoming, friendly environment. The restaurant specialises in European-style dishes, including options like steak frites and stracciatella with slow-roasted tomatoes, dukkah, and garlic toast. Additionally, there's a bar offering a range of signature cocktails and other drinks.

Famed restaurateur Jeremy King revisits the very spot that marked the beginning of his illustrious career journey. What was once Le Caprice, an iconic celebrity hotspot during the 1980s and 1990s, has been reborn as Arlington, breathing new life into a beloved classic. Brunch, lunch, and dinner are served here, with the menu revolving around modern European cuisine.

El Pastor is one of London's top places for tacos and soon you'll be able to get them at Battersea Power Station with the group's newest location, opening in 2024. Flavour-packed food is dished up in a colourful and vibrant setting, with classic taco fillings to choose from like chicken, mushrooms, or pulled pork. Alternatively, grab a sharing plate for a social meal.

Cult Hollywood star Danny Trejo brought his eponymous taco joint from the US to London in 2024, occupying a spacious location in Notting Hill complete with open-air seating and a hidden cocktail bar. Though its celebrity ties are undoubtedly part of the draw, the restaurant's success in the US is also due to its delicious Mexican offerings. Trejo's Tacos London showcases signature tacos filled with specialties like steak asada & pepita pesto, shrimp tostados, and more.

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.

Opened in 2023 as 20 Berkeley, this British restaurant was revamped a year later and reopened as Nijū, with renowned sushi master Endo Kazutoshi at the helm. Now focusing on an ingredient-driven menu, Nijū features 'Katei Ryori' home-cooked style dishes crafted by Kazutoshi. The restaurant maintains its upscale ambience, complete with a custom sushi bar, and offers an exclusive private dining room and a cosy bar for cocktails and Japanese-inspired sandwiches.

Dream Xi'an, a new addition to chef Guirong Wei's collection of London-based Xi'an restaurants, offers classic street food from China's Xi'an province in a contemporary setting adorned with traditional Chinese motifs. Expect cult dishes like hand-pulled biang biang noodles and steamed dumplings, complemented by a range of chef's specials including kung pao chicken and potato slivers. This restaurant presents Chinese cuisine in a refreshingly unique way.

Uba in Shoreditch takes its guests on a journey through Asian cuisine. The restaurant boasts opulent furnishings, drawing inspiration from Asian cultural themes. It's adorned in a palette of red and gold, featuring banquette seating, lava-stone tables, and an eye-catching marble bar. The menu's highlights are dishes such as spicy salmon tartare or Angus beef gyoza. The dining experience is enhanced by live DJ performances, and private dining is also on offer.

Big Night in the former Nest space provides the ideal relaxed setting for a, yes, big night out. Drawing inspiration from Japanese izakayas, this vibrant Hackney venue specialises in skewering an array of seasonal British ingredients and grilling them over charcoal, infusing flavours from across Asia. It's a lively spot to engage in uplifting conversations with friends while enjoying delicious small plates and drinks.

Previously boasting the city's largest restaurant space, Gilgamesh London downsized to a more compact venue in 2023. Despite the reduction in size, the establishment maintains a grand presence with a lounge bar, a garden-themed mezzanine, and an intimate dining area on the lower level. The design takes inspiration from the “Epic of Gilgamesh”, while the upscale menu features a diverse array of dishes influenced by culinary traditions from across Asia.

Fremantle Bar & Kitchen, located within the Crowne Plaza London Docklands hotel, provides all-day dining in an elegant open-plan space that draws inspiration from the local area's history. The menu at Fremantle features Australasian-inspired cuisine, complemented by a selection of international wines and locally-distilled spirits. The restaurant includes a year-round terrace and offers private dining spaces as well.

Renowned French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten brings his celebrated NYC brand, ABC, to London with a new establishment at The Emory in Belgravia. Featuring stunning views of Hyde Park through its glass façade, this sophisticated restaurant provides all-day dining options showcasing the chef's acclaimed Latin-inspired dishes. Patrons can look forward to culinary delights like pizza oven-roasted lobster, pork confit tacos, and Wagyu steaks.

The Cocochine, a project by Larry Jayasekara, former National Chef of the Year and ex-head chef at Pétrus, and art dealer Tim Jefferies, is an upmarket Mayfair establishment with a distinctive artistic ambiance. Jayasekara's à la carte menu champions seasonal and regenerative ingredients, treating patrons to a cosmopolitan symphony of flavours. You can also book the chef's counter or the exclusive private dining space.

Celebrated chef Whyte Rushen transitioned from pop-up ventures to a permanent location in late 2023. In his snug, warmly lit restaurant in Hackney, he offers a menu featuring his signature eclectic dishes, drawing culinary inspiration from around the globe. The dining experience is enhanced by a variety of cocktails and a carefully chosen wine list that showcases international vintages.

Founded by the same team as Yaatra and located just beneath it, Shanghai Noir specialises in contemporary Indo-Chinese fusion, melding the tastes and cooking styles of both nations in a variety of creative dishes. Spicy food enthusiasts are welcomed with open arms here, with the chef's selection including a standout dish featuring Bhot Jolakhiya, the world's hottest chilli. To complement the fiery flavours, this chic underground restaurant offers a selection of cocktails and exquisite wines.

In addition to its main dining area, Franklin & Baines, a laid-back steakhouse located in Clapham, features a lovely rooftop terrace during the warmer seasons. The menu highlights skilfully grilled steaks, complemented by a selection of small plates and other substantial options like pan-fried hake or broccoli steak. The establishment also offers a Sunday roast and various weekly deals, including 2-for-1 steak specials.

The Coco Restaurants promote a teetotaller lifestyle by providing a variety of non-alcoholic options such as mocktails and alcohol-free wine. Despite the absence of alcohol, patrons can still indulge in extravagant dishes like gold-flaked steaks. The Canary Wharf location boasts a lavishly sophisticated ambiance that complements the upscale cuisine.

Unlock, a genuine Neapolitan pizzeria in Hackney, is the brainchild of Napoli natives Arianna and Giovanni Izzo, offering pizzas crafted from traditional 30-hour fermented dough with a variety of classic and artisanal toppings. The establishment's unique character is enhanced by its eclectic decor, comprising assorted vintage furniture and a rotating display of art from both Italian and local artists. 

Colombo Kitchen, the go-to destination for Sri Lankan cuisine in South London, infuses the area with vibrant island flavours. Honoured as Sri Lankan Restaurant of the Year 2023 at its parent location in Worcester Park, it's celebrated for signature dishes such as hoppers and kottu. The restaurant's casual, cool atmosphere and relaxed service create the perfect setting for guests to unwind and enjoy authentic Colombo culinary experiences right in the UK.