The best new restaurants in Soho

After winning fans with its pop-ups in Brighton and London, Khao Bird has landed its first permanent home in the centre of Soho. The two-level ex-adult cinema pairs a striking blue-and-steel design inspired by Chiang Mai's traffic signs with authentic Thai touches to create a an authentic, buzzy ambiance. In the open kitchen, chefs fire up a contemporary twist on Thai cooking over the grill, while the bar pours cocktails, slushies, and other drinks.

Tangra takes its cue from the Hakka Chinese culinary traditions of Kolkata, offering a menu of vegetarian-friendly sharing dishes including momo dumplings, kati rolls, Manchurian kofta, Hakka noodles, and fried rice. The stylishly modern interiors and bold cocktail menu add to its appeal, while the late-night hours make it a natural fit for Soho's buzzing scene.

The Soho branch of Notting Hill original Ria's is a lively all-day spot celebrating Detroit-style deep-dish pizza and natural wine. The slow-fermented Wildfarmed dough creates a crispy yet soft base, served by the slice or as a full pie alongside carefully chosen wines by the glass or bottle. With its colourful, modern interior and cosy downstairs wine cave, it's a relaxed addition to Soho's dining scene.

Brother Marcus has built a loyal following of brunch enthusiasts, thanks to its fresh Eastern Mediterranean flavours and easy-going atmosphere. The Soho venue introduces new touches to the brand, featuring both a private dining room and the premiere of their Kamara cocktail bar project.

Tucked away in Soho's Kingly Court, Alta takes its cue from the Alta Navarra region of northern Spain. The focus here is on open-flame cooking, with a laid-back, shareable menu featuring dishes like wood-roasted courgette and Cornish mussels. Grilled mains such as aged beef sirloin and turbot head take centre stage, while traditional Spanish sweets like Basque cheesecake round things off. OUtdoor seating is available as well.

Heard is a burger venture from acclaimed two Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey, fast becoming one of London's go-to burger destinations. Channelling his fine-dining expertise, Bailey transforms the classic burger with meticulous technique and premium ingredients like 35-day aged regenerative beef, high-grade cheese, and top-tier produce. Each burger can be paired with beer or wine, too.

Spread across two levels on bustling Wardour Street, Moi is a sleek Japanese restaurant offering private dining rooms, an omakase sushi counter, and even a dedicated listening room. Blending contemporary design with minimalist Japanese aesthetics, theinteriors feature reclaimed wood, exposed concrete, and gentle lighting. The menu goes from small plates and skewers to flame-grilled mains.

Hailing from Paris, Tigermilk's UK debut spans two designer floors adorned with mirrored ceilings and tropical decor, setting the stage for a flavourful culinary tour of Latin America. Guests can savour classic dishes like fresh ceviche, gourmet tacos, and succulent T-bone steaks while choosing from an extensive collection of over 250 tequilas and mezcals.

Marjorie's is a compact French restaurant and wine bar tucked away off Carnaby Street. The menu reimagines classic French cuisine with a modern twist, complemented by a carefully curated all-French wine list that spotlights small-batch producers. Named after one of the founders' grandmothers, the intimate venue spans two floors, including the basement.

With roots stretching back to the 18th century, Song He Lou is recognised as one of China's four famous dining institutions. Specialising in Jiangsu Province cuisine, the restaurant is particularly known for its slim Suzhou-style noodles, served with a range of toppings, alongside a variety of classic regional dishes. The London outpost, located in Chinatown, spans three levels and includes options for private dining. Its interiors blend contemporary Chinese design with traditional touches like porcelain crockery, intricate calligraphy, and decorative railings.

Opened to mark Liberty London's 150th anniversary, Seventy Five is a refined dining destination located on the first floor of the iconic department store. The interior draws from Liberty's signature aesthetic, featuring luxurious touches and whimsical Quentin Blake illustrations. Guests can enjoy contemporary British small plates, brunch, and afternoon tea, along with cocktails inspired by Liberty's signature scents.

Created by the restaurateur behind Soho favourites 40 Dean Street and 64 Old Compton Street, 27 Old Compton Street follows the same naming tradition but introduces a more laid-back atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from Italy's casual tavola calda spots, the restaurant specialises in freshly prepared pasta, complemented by a selection of Italian wines and timeless cocktails.

Noodle & Beer's striking visual identity leaves a lasting impression, and you can even purchase decorative wall plates to bring a touch of its aesthetic into your own space. Set in a chic, contemporary environment, the group's second restaurant offers Sichuan-inspired noodle dishes and hearty noodle soups, all packed with bold and unique flavours.

Oorja is a laid-back Indian eatery specialising in the flavours of northern India. Open throughout the day, it begins with traditional Indian breakfast options like egg burji on toast, before moving on to an array of curries, BBQ chicken, and other Indian classics, plus a unique take on the Sunday roast. Spanning two floors, the restaurant boasts a tasteful interior, with terracotta and beige hues creating a warm, inviting space.

Himi offers a modern take on the traditional Japanese izakaya, created by the team behind the acclaimed omakase restaurant Roji. Situated just off Carnaby Street, this neo-izakaya provides a laid-back atmosphere with a seasonal à la carte menu featuring sushi, sashimi, and charcoal-grilled dishes. The menu is complemented by a selection of curated wines, sake, and cocktails, with a special focus on highballs.

After starting out in a container, the much-loved Breadstall pizzeria secured a permanent spot in Soho in 2024. Breadstall distinguishes itself with its dough, a biga-style sourdough made entirely from scratch and fermented for at least 72 hours, producing a lighter, crispier base. Their pizzas range from traditional options like pepperoni to more indulgent creations featuring beef ragu, mushrooms, aged mozzarella, and red onions.

San Hao, launched by the founders of YiQi, is a bustling establishment in Chinatown specialising in hand-pulled noodles and soups, alongside fresh pan-fried buns. The menu offers a variety of flavours drawing inspiration from regional Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines, featuring dishes like Alaska crab noodles and cappuccino free-range chicken noodle soup.

Kumori Handroll is a high-end Japanese handroll bar that first made its name as a pop-up at exclusive occasions like the Monaco F1 Grand Prix. Its founder describes the concept as a fusion of “fashion-forward aesthetics, unique flavour combinations, and a focus on quality ingredients sourced from Japan.”

Centred around a charcoal grill, Impala in Soho takes inspiration from North African cooking and the flame-driven craft of former Kiln head chef Meedu Saad. The menu brims with smoky depth and spice, featuring highlights such as roast duck stuffed with black lime and chillies, beef ribs, and ike jime seabass. Designed with a nod to 1960s dining glamour, its concrete columns, glossy veneers, and sheer fabrics create an atmosphere as dramatic as the food itself.

Fatto a Mano first opened in Brighton in 2015 and quickly found a following in London too. The team turns out proper Neapolitan pizzas using dough mixed fresh each day and left to rise for a full 24 hours, then topped with everything from the trusty margherita to more playful ideas like a lasagna pizza before spending just 90 seconds in the oven.

Padella began years ago in Borough Market before expanding, steadily earning a loyal following for its excellent pasta at wallet-friendly prices. The menu centres on hand-rolled pasta paired with rich, comforting sauces and fillings, alongside a small but thoughtful drinks list. Its Soho outpost leans into a retro 1960s vibe with a laidback lounge feel.