There are few cities in the world that can go toe-to-toe with London when it comes to restaurants. With dozens of international cuisines represented across a dining scene that also boasts 78 MICHELIN Starred establishments, it is quite simply one of the best places to eat around the globe. With London’s culinary map constantly evolving, our Inspectors add new restaurants to The Guide every month, while the much-coveted Stars and other awards are announced once a year. Click here for the latest additions across the UK & Ireland.
With eight restaurants added to The MICHELIN Guide’s London selection this month, it’s hard to pick out one unifying theme – especially when they display the capital’s typical diversity of both style and cuisine. Yet one thing of note is that it’s been a great month for East and Southeast Asian cuisine in London. With Mambow, Nanyang Blossom and YiQi collectively offering dishes from Malaysia, China, Thailand, Singapore and beyond, it’s a great time to be a London food-lover. Read on for more details on both these and a few other gems too.
Ambassadors Clubhouse, Mayfair
IndianThe Sethi family – the hospitality powerhouse behind many of your favourite Indian restaurants like Gymkhana, Trishna and Brigadiers – have another hit on their hands with this opulent restaurant focussed on the cuisine of Punjab. Fancy a dance to end the evening? Head down to the Ambassy nightclub in the basement.
Bistrot at Wild Honey, St James’s
Modern BritishFans of Wild Honey St James will be delighted by the opening of this delightful bistro. The former banking hall housing the original restaurant has been divided in two, with the One Star cooking remaining on one side and this more informal option on the other. It’s an impressively furnished space, matched by the simply delicious cooking of food you could eat again and again.
Cornus, Belgravia
Modern British, SeafoodFormer Angler chef Gary Foulkes has brought his brand of pared-back, produce-driven cooking to this relatively new opening backed by the team behind Medlar. Gary has long been known for his skill with seafood and there’s plenty of evidence in the simply delicious dishes here, where he shows expert judgement in putting nothing unnecessary on the plate.
Mambow, Clapton
MalaysianNorth-east London’s culinary evolution continues with this great value spot bringing a bit of Malaysia to Clapton. It’s a modest little place, with simple décor, but is earnestly run and undeniably fun – the atmosphere is great, the food is delicious and it all comes at a sensible price. Come with friends and share as much of the menu as possible.
Nanyang Blossom, Knightsbridge
South East AsianIf you’re someone who likes a lot of choice, then Nanyang Blossom and its proliferation of menus will be for you. Multiple set options and an extensive à la carte are at your disposal, covering dishes from China and Southeast Asia. Whatever you go for, you’ll be happy – but do try to work in one of the chef’s signatures, like the charcoal-grilled sea bass.
Paulette, Little Venice
FrenchCalling all Francophiles: this is the restaurant for you. Compact, cosy and authentic, it’s everything a good bistro should be, serving traditional French dishes that the chefs know how to cook them properly. One of the owners has a background as a sommelier, so the all-French wine list carries some serious vintages but offers good value too.
Sael, St James’s
Traditional BritishThe latest addition to the rapidly evolving Jason Atherton stable is this brasserie-style spot in swish St James’s. The top-to-toe refit has left the place looking bright and elegant, with stylish artwork on the walls. The menu is a celebration of the British seasons and their produce, while the desserts come with a side order of nostalgia.
YiQi, Chinatown
AsianIt might be in the heart of Chinatown, but the menus at YiQi actually take a pan-Asian approach where Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand lead the way. Generous in both size and flavour, the food is a pleasure to eat and the attentive service makes the whole experience even better. In an area often laden with tourist traps, this is somewhere worth seeking out.
Other London restaurants added to The MICHELIN Guide this year are:
AGORA, Borough Market
Greek
Camille, Borough Market
French
Cloth, City of London
Traditional Cuisine
Holy Carrot, North Kensington
Vegan
Josephine, Chelsea
Lyonnaise, French
Julie’s, Notting Hill
Modern British
July, Bloomsbury
Modern French, Alsatian
Kinkally, Bloomsbury
Eastern European
Kioku by Endo, Westminster
Japanese Contemporary, Mediterranean Cuisine
Kolae, Borough Market
Thai
Lasdun, South Bank
Modern British
Lita, Marylebone
Mediterranean Cuisine
Miga, Hackney
Korean
Morchella, Islington
Mediterranean Cuisine
OMA, Borough Market
Greek
Plates London, Shoreditch
Vegan, Vegetarian
Roe, Canary Wharf
Modern British
Sune, Hackney
European Contemporary
Tamarind Kitchen, Soho
Indian
The Cocochine, Mayfair
Modern French
The Fuji Grill, Belgravia
Japanese
The Hero, Maida Vale
Traditional Cuisine
The Park, Bayswater
American, Italian
Volta Do Mar, Chelsea
Portuguese, Classic Cuisine
Hero Image: © Ambassadors Clubhouse/Marcus Cobden
