We recently announced a new approach to revealing our latest restaurant recommendations, by releasing some of the MICHELIN inspectors’ favourite new additions to the Guide ahead of the annual launch event.
Published on the last Wednesday of every month, they will feature on both the website and the app, with each restaurant entry highlighted by a ‘New’ symbol for easy identification.
The annual MICHELIN distinctions for 2022 – Stars, Bib Gourmands and Green Stars – will be unveiled at the annual launch ceremony as usual. They may even include some of these newly recommended restaurants, so follow the releases closely and watch this space!
In our first live release, the inspectors share 7 of their favourite newly recommended restaurants and encourage you to explore their latest discoveries and support the industry in these challenging times.
SUMI
Notting Hill, London
For anyone missing the Olympics and suffering withdrawal symptoms for all things Japanese, there is Sumi in Notting Hill.
This is the second restaurant from Yokohama-born Endo Kazutoshi, who made his name with his omakase menu at the eponymous Endo at the Rotunda in White City.
SUMI, which is named after his mother, offers a more general menu in an understated yet warmly decorated room with a laid-back atmosphere. The open kitchen focuses on salads, nigiri, sashimi and temaki – be sure to start with one of their cocktails and end by ordering the Matcha Mille.
The Loch & The Tyne
Old Windsor , Berkshire
Adam Handling’s first venture outside London is a smart country dining inn with two luxurious bedrooms. It’s named in honour of where he met two of his long-standing chefs: Jonny McNeil (in Scotland, hence The Loch) and Steven Kerr (in Newcastle, hence The Tyne) – who are now co-owners as well as the chefs at this stylish place.The open-plan dining area and bar have a characterful vintage style, and the rear terrace sits alongside raised beds which supply the kitchen with herbs and veg.
Simplicity leads the way when it comes to the dishes, which are classic in their flavour combinations but modern in their presentation – and they are brought to the table by a charming team. The snacks are a great way to start and be sure to save room for the trifle inspired by Adam’s grandmother.
Eleven
Ponteland, Northumberland
This sweet neighbourhood spot was set up by two chefs and a restaurant manager after their promised employment at another restaurant fell through due to the Covid pandemic.Two distinct experiences are on offer: lunch sees a menu of small plates, charcuterie and cheeses, while in the evening, it’s a set 5 course tasting menu which offers understated, modern dishes with bold flavours and a creative touch.
Dishes showcase the best seasonal ingredients available, including local and, occasionally, foraged produce and could include St George's mushroom, smoked ham and black garlic; Belted Galloway, wild garlic and Jersey Royals or North Sea cod with cider butter and sea aster. The interesting wine list includes some natural wines, and service is smooth and well-paced, with plenty of personality.
Big Jo
Hornsey, London
Big Jo is the sort of place we’d all like in our neighbourhood. It’s not only a great place for meeting up with friends but it also feels like it’s the hub of the local area. The long refectory tables and the open kitchen add to this communal feel and, as it opens from breakfast onwards, the room is never short of contented customers.
The menu offers an appealing mix of Italian-influenced dishes, most of which are designed for sharing. There’s pizza served by the slice and rustic, satisfying dishes like porchetta with borlotti beans or hake with anchovy butter – and the rice pudding is always great.
And it’s not just a restaurant. Big Jo is also a bakery – they even mill their own flour – so be sure to pick up supplies to take home.
Native at Browns
Mayfair, London
A fashion and footwear emporium in the heart of Mayfair may be the unlikely setting for a restaurant big on sustainability practices and ethical dining, but designer store Browns is exactly where you’ll find this bright, cute and earnestly run restaurant.Chef Ivan Tisdall-Downes is largely self-taught and his menu comprises imaginatively conceived and quite intricately constructed small plates, most of which are designed for sharing. They use seasonal and often foraged British ingredients, some of whose names may be unfamiliar to many diners.
If the weather is playing ball, then be sure to ask for a table in the outdoor courtyard of this Grade II listed building – it’s a very charming spot. And the cocktails are pretty good too!
Los Moros
York, Yorkshire and The Humber
Set within a delightfully historic building in the shadow of the Minster, Los Moros is one of those finds that will make your day. Inside, it’s bright and cheerful, with a colourful tiled floor and a semi-open kitchen, while outside there’s a lovely rear courtyard.Its name means ‘The Moors’ and Algerian chef-owner, Tarik, cooks authentic North African dishes. Appealing small plates burst with colour and flavour and there’s something for everyone, from freshly made hummus and warm flatbread to rich tagines – and Merguez sausages made to a secret recipe.
(The sausages are a nod to his original York takeaway stall; check out his latest stall in the Shambles Market.)
