With the London dining scene evolving so quickly it can be hard to keep up, we thought we’d give you a head’s up on the restaurants that all your foodie friends are going to be talking about in the coming months. From those that have just opened their doors to those still adding the finishing touches, these new London restaurants have caught our eye with their intriguing concepts and the top-level talent behind them. So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, ensure these spots are on your must-visit list so you can stay ahead of the curve.
Bonheur by Matt Abé: An Icon Reborn
Opening 4th NovemberEver since Le Gavroche closed in early 2024, food lovers everywhere have been desperate to find out what will become of its famed Mayfair premises. We now have an answer: Bonheur by Matt Abé. It would be exciting to see anyone step into this culinary hallowed ground, but even more so when that person is Matt Abé. Having steered the Three-MICHELIN-Star ship at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay for over a decade, Abé is now striking out on his own (with Ramsay’s backing) and anticipation could scarcely be higher.
Labombe by Trivet: A Dynamic Duo’s Next Chapter
Opened SeptemberA new project from the team behind Trivet is always worth getting excited about. Their flagship restaurant is an inspired collaboration between Chef Jonny Lake and Master Sommelier Isa Bal, offering a laid-back atmosphere, an outstanding wine list and Two-MICHELIN-Star cooking. Now the pair are bringing their magic to the COMO Metropolitan hotel in Mayfair, with a permanent version of the Labombe wine bar that used to pop up at Trivet on Monday nights. By-the-glass wines are the focus and the cooking makes heavy use of the grill.
Legado: Sabor's Younger Sister
Opened AugustThe latest project from Nieves Barragán Mohacho – behind the incredibly popular and MICHELIN-Starred Sabor – Legado takes influences from across Spain and is part of the new Montacute Yards development in Shoreditch, the vibrant East London neighbourhood known for its alternative edge. Like Sabor, Legado is backed by JKS Restaurants, the hospitality powerhouse who are probably behind some of your favourite London restaurants, such as Hoppers, Gymkhana and Kitchen Table.
ALTA: Fire-Fuelled Flavour
Opened SeptemberOver the last few years, Kingly Court has become one of the best areas to eat in London. A multi-level complex in the heart of lively Soho, it’s already home to Darjeeling Express, Donia and Imad’s Syrian Kitchen – and is now getting an injection of Spanish flavours and flame-powered techniques. An open-fire restaurant taking cues from northern Spain in a way not dissimilar to the immensely popular Mountain, Alta is headed up by Chef Rob Roy Cameron, who has experience at the highest level of Spanish restaurants (El Bulli, 41°).
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Solaya: A Newcastle Powerhouse Arrives in London
Opened SeptemberAny Newcastle-based food lover will know who Kenny Atkinson is. The chef behind not one, but two separate MICHELIN-Starred restaurants in the city (House of Tides and SOLSTICE), he is known for his original, complex dishes crafted using top-notch ingredients. For his first solo London project, he’s collaborated with the art’otel London Hoxton, overseeing the menu at Solaya. The sun-influenced name is a clue as to the style of cooking, with southern French and Mediterranean dishes being the focus. Located on the hotel’s 25th floor, city views are a big part of the appeal.
Dué: Mexican Cuisine From Global Talents
Opening Date TBCPotentially representing the next step in the evolution of London’s mouthwatering Mexican dining scene, Dué comes from the mind of Jesús Durón, who was previously the Executive Chef at Two-Star Pujol in Mexico City. We’re unsure what other influences Durón will incorporate at Dué, but such talent arriving in London is always exciting, especially when he’s joined by restaurateur Lindsay Jang, who launched MICHELIN-Starred Yardbird in Hong Kong.
The Hart: The Pelican Team's Next Move
Opening Date TBCYou can never have too many good dining pubs, especially when they come from the Public House Group. A specialist in well-priced pub cooking that puts high-quality produce front and centre, the group is already behind The Pelican in Notting Hill and The Hero in Maida Vale. With The Hart, they’re hoping to bring the same brand of big flavours and no-nonsense dishes to Marylebone. Like The Hero, it will have multiple dining spices with slightly different menus and feels, from a pubby atmosphere to more of a restaurant vibe.
The Shaston Arms: Soho's Latest Gastropub
Opening OctoberAnyone who has been to The Waterman’s Arms in Barnes will know why there’s reason to keep an eye on this upcoming pub reopening. A wonderful gastropub with river views, engaging service and dishes bursting with flavour, The Waterman’s Arms is a real treat for anyone living in London’s southwest suburbs. Now, the same owners are bringing their talent to the central London crowd by reviving a recently closed spot in Soho – with Chef Sam Andrews in tow.
Simpson’s in the Strand: Restaurant Resurrection
Opening WinterIt’s always exciting to see an icon of the London dining scene being brought back to life. Once one of the capital’s most talked-about destinations, Simpson’s fell on hard times before closing its doors. But then Jeremy King came along. The renowned restaurateur – who has been involved in some of London’s biggest success stories – has form when it comes to reviving a beloved restaurant, having rebranded former celebrity hotspot Le Caprice as Arlington with fabulous results. If you like big, traditional brasseries, watch this space.
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Hero Image: Chef Kenny Atkinson on the 25th-floor site of his new London restaurant, Solaya. © Rebecca Hope
