If there’s one thing you can always depend on in London it’s that there are always new restaurants and bars to try out. Sometimes it feels like you can’t walk down any street twice without seeing a new eatery, deli, or cafe opening up as if from out of nowhere! And sure, now that it’s September it feels like 2024 is slowly coming to a close, but there are still plenty of openings to check out! Here are the new restaurants that we’ve got on our ‘must-visit’ list for the rest of the year.
New restaurants opening in September
If you only ever eat at the newest spots in London, head to one of these new restaurants and bars opening this September. It’s a great month for food!
The Barbary Notting Hill
🍽️ What is it? food inspired by “the cuisines and countries of the Barbary Coast, from Southern Europe to Northern Africa”.
🧑🍳 Who is it? this is the second site from the same team behind The Barbary in Covent Garden.
😋 What to order? We’ve got our eyes on the skewered octopus pictured above – as well as the house-made merguez, seasonal flatbreads, and crispy pork belly skewers.
🗺️ Where is it? The Barbary, Notting Hill, 112 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 5RU. Nearest stations are Bayswater and Royal Oak.
Find out more about The Barbary Notting Hill here.
Sesta
🍽️ What is it? a new restaurant and wine bar in Hackney, taking over the site of the beloved Pidgin.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Sesta is being headed up by former Pidgin chef Drew Snaith and one-time General Manager Hannah Kowalski.
😋 What to order? you can expect the à la carte menu to change with the seasons, but current dishes we’re intrigued by include the Smoked Eel and Lovage Quiche, the Slow Grilled Chicken stuffed with Morteau Sausage, and the Chilled Rice Pudding Brulee. And obviously don’t miss the wine…
🗺️ Where is it? 52 Wilton Way, London, E8 1BG. Nearest stations are Hackney Central and Hackney Downs.
Find out more about Sesta here.
Kanpai Classic
🍽️ What is it? the first London site for the legendary Michelin-starred yakiniku concept (charcoal grilled meat and beer).
🧑🍳 Who is it? Kanpai Classic is already hugely popular in Taiwan and China.
😋 What to order? the focus is on wagyu, so make sure to order plenty!
🗺️ Where is it? 147-149 Wardour Street, London, W1F. Nearest stations are Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road.
Find out more about Kanpai Classic here.
Junk
🍽️ What is it? A French smash-burger concept crash-landing in London – with gorgeous interiors.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The international burger chain is already well-loved in France.
😋 What to order? Call us crazy, but we’re gonna recommend you go for the -checks notes- smash burger…
🗺️ Where is it? 49 Old Compton Street, Soho, London, W1D 6HL. Nearest stations are Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.
Find out more about Junk here.
Good Measure
🍽️ What is it? an intimate new subterranean cocktail bar takes over a former storeroom with Taiwanese takes on cocktails and bar snacks.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Good Measure comes from the same team behind Tooting institution (Tootinstitution?) Daddy Bao. In fact, it’s literally underneath Daddy Bao!
😋 What to order? We’ve got our eyes on the Cream of Matcha and Peanut Old Fashioned cocktails. And we’ll probably try and order the whole menu of Taiwanese bar snacks…
🗺️ Where is it? 113 Mitcham Road, London, SW17 9P. Nearest station is Tooting Broadway.
Find out more about Good Measure here.
SOMA Canary Wharf
🍽️ What is it? a speakeasy cocktail bar connected to the newest Kricket restaurant.
🧑🍳 Who is it? it’s the second SOMA location, building off the success of the previous location in Soho, from the team behind Kricket.
😋 What to order? Either the APRICOT (Louis Royer, Apricot, White Chocolate Bourbon, Fenugreek Bitters) or the CHAAT (Tapatio Blanco, Mezcal Verde, Chaat Masala, Gooseberry).
🗺️ Where is it? 6 Frobisher Passage, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4EE. Nearest station is Canary Wharf.
Find out more about SOMA Canary Wharf here.
Rhum Tavern
🍽️ What is it? a new experiential cocktail bar boasting signature rum cocktails, one of London’s largest rum collection, and interiors inspired by “the legends of the 17th Century golden age of piracy.”
🧑🍳 Who is it? Rhum Tavern is a new concept “from industry veteran Gabriel de-Vere (previously Sketch, Mr Fogg’s)”
😋 What to order? Rum…
🗺️ Where is it? 48 Margaret Street, W1W 8SE. Nearest station is Oxford Circus.
Find out more about Rhum Tavern here.
Moi et Toi
🍽️ What is it? a new bakery “that blends classic French patisserie with British flavours” that will take over the Empire Empire site each morning.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Moi et Toi is a collaboration between Harneet Baweja, the founder of Gunpowder Group and Empire Empire, and chef and restaurateur Edward Delling Williams, founder of Le Grand Bain in Paris.
😋 What to order? We can’t wait to try the peanut butter pain au chocolat, and the earl grey custard tart. But it all sounds DELICIOUS, to be honest.
🗺️ Where is it? 16 All Saints Road, London, W11 1HH. Nearest station is Westbourne Park.
Find out more about Moi et Toi here.
The Grill at The Hero (September 17)
🍽️ What is it? Maida Vale pub, The Hero, has supplemented its offering with the introduction of its dining option – The Grill.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The Hero and The Grill, come from the same team behind The Pelican in Notting Hill and The Bull in Charlbury
😋 What to order? We’re opting for the Raw Beef with Hash Brown and the Pork T-Bone with Apple. You should too.
🗺️ Where is it? The Hero, 55 Shirland Road, London, W9 2JD. Nearest station is Warwick Avenue.
Find out more about The Grill at The Hero here.
Café François (September 17)
🍽️ What is it? a French canteen that mashes up the worlds of Parisian cafés, Californian delis, and Canadian bistros.
🧑🍳 Who is it? the same team behind Maison François.
😋 What to order? For lunch, opt for the rotisserie chicken or a baguette sandwich, or enjoy a sumptuous dinner with the lobster frites.
🗺️ Where is it? Borough Yards, 14-16 Stoney Street, London, SE1 9AD. Nearest station is London Bridge.
Find out more about Café François here.
Clock House Tavern (September 19)
🍽️ What is it? the revival of a community pub in Peckham Rye with an old-school charm and quality food and drink.
🧑🍳 Who is it? independent pub group Parched is behind the opening; they’re also responsible for the likes of The Grove House Tavern and the Montpelier.
😋 What to order? It’s a pub… you don’t need any help ordering here!
🗺️ Where is it? 196a Peckham Rye, London, SE22 9QA. Nearest station is East Dulwich.
Hovarda Canary Wharf (September 20)
🍽️ What is it? a floating water-level dinner-only restaurant with Aegean cuisine and DJs.
🧑🍳 Who is it? the second location from Hovarda, building off of their success in Soho.
😋 What to order? don’t miss the saganaki (barrel-aged feta wrapped in kataifi pastry, with truffle honey and basil) or the kleftiko lamb with roasted potatoes.
🗺️ Where is it? Water Level, 5 Water Street, Canary Wharf, E14 5GX. Nearest station is Canary Wharf.
Find out more about Hovarda Canary Wharf here.
Topa (September 21)
🍽️ What is it? a San Sebastian inspired Pintxo bar that will take over Provisions’ Holloway Road store every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Topa comes courtesy of Simon Shand, who was previously the Head Chef at Michelin-starred Shoreditch restaurant Leroy.
😋 What to order? Order a range of the small snack-y plates, such as the chorizo cooked in cider and the Gildas, and wash it all down with a glass or three of wine.
🗺️ Where is it? 167 Holloway Road, London, N7 8LX. The nearest stations are Holloway Road and Highbury & Islington.
Find out more about Topa and Provisions here.
Monmouth Street Wines (September 23)
🍽️ What is it? a new pop-up wine bar and bottle shop with laid-back wine-fuelled vibes.
🧑🍳 Who is it? the same team behind the critically acclaimed restaurant, The Oystermen.
😋 What to order? Wine, wine, oh, and maybe another glass of wine?
🗺️ Where is it? 1 Monmouth Street, WC2H 9DA. Nearest stations are Tottenham Court Road and Covent Garden.
Find out more about Monmouth Street Wines here.
Wildflowers (September 27)
🍽️ What is it? a new Belgravia restaurant bringing a taste of the Mediterranean, with global influences and a focus on seasonality, to London, with a casual wine bar upstairs for sips and snacks.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Wildflowers is the first solo venture from Chef Aaron Potter, previously of London’s Michelin-starred Trinity and Elystan Street restaurants among others.
😋 What to order? kick things off with the Lamb tartare and Wildflower harissa, then move on to the Cuttlefish fideua with grilled wild white prawns & saffron aioli. Finish things with the Fior di latte gelato, served with fennel pollen, sea salt, and olive oil – and don’t miss their Wildflower focaccia.
🗺️ Where is it? Newson’s Yard, 57 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8NE. Nearest station is Victoria.
Find out more about Wildflowers here.
New restaurants and bars to try in London
Ambassadors Clubhouse
🍽️ What is it? a taste of Punjabi hospitality that celebrates food, drink, and music from Punjab.
🧑🍳 Who is it? it’s the latest opening from the JKS restaurant group, which includes the likes of Gymkhana, BAO, Berenjak, Speedboat, Kitchen Table, and more – as well as various pubs and bars.
😋 What to order? We’ve got our eyes on the Kala Chana Chaat (a popular street food dish with betel leaves, masala black chickpeas, and chutneys) and the indulgent-sounding Shahi Patiala Lobster Korma and Tandoori Quail Barrah Pilau.
🗺️ Where is it? 25 Heddon Street, W1B 4BH. Nearest station is Piccadilly Circus.
Find out more about Ambassadors Clubhouse here.
Eat Momo
🍽️ What is it? A Nepalese canteen in Borough Yards celebrating the tradition and rituals of Momo-making. The menu also features several other Nepali delicacies.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Eat Momo comes to London courtesy of sisters Trishna and Dipa Chamling, who are paying tribute to their childhood in Nepal.
😋 What to order? If you only eat one thing, obviously do NOT miss the titular momo.
🗺️ Where is it? Arch 229, 1 Bank End, SE1 9BU. The nearest station is London Bridge
Find out more about Eat Momo here.
Abuelo
🍽️ What is it? A design-led coffee shop fusing modern Australian hospitality style with Latin American Speciality coffee.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The mother-daughter-owned and operated business celebrates their Australian and Argentinian heritage.
😋 What to order? Coffee and Banana Bread are the perfect complement to the stunning interiors. Or some wine… Or even a cocktail, which comes courtesy of world-class London cocktail bar Tayer + Elementary.
🗺️ Where is it? 7-11 Cavendish Place, W1G 0QD. The nearest station is Oxford Circus.
Find out more about Auelo here.
Cornus
🍽️ What is it? A rooftop fine-dining restaurant showcasing”the bounty of British seasonal produce through precise and vibrant cookery”.
🧑🍳 Who is it? This is the second opening from David O’Connor and Joe Mercer Nairne, who also operate the acclaimed Chelsea restaurant Medlar. Executive Chef Gary Foulkes joins from the Michelin-starred Angler.
😋 What to order? We’ve got our eyes on the spaghetti with lobster, Amalfi lemon and N25 Oscietra caviar (see above), as well as the Amalfi lemon tart with Greek yoghurt ice cream.
🗺️ Where is it? 27c Eccleston Place, SW1W 9NF. The nearest station is Victoria.
Find out more about Cornus here.
Marceline
🍽️ What is it? A brasserie-style eatery combining influences from Paris and New York.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The kitchen is led by Rob Aikens, previously of Le Gavroche and Pastis.
😋 What to order? We’d opt for the Steak frites with Maître d’Hotel butter, and the Ravioli du dauphine.
🗺️ Where is it? Wood Wharf, 10 Water Street, E14 5GX. The nearest station is Canary Wharf.
Find out more about Marceline here.
Alley Cats
🍽️ What is it? The viral, walk-ins-only New York-style pizzeria is set to open its second site – this time in Chelsea.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The original Marylebone site opened less than a year ago and immediately caught the eye of London’s foodies.
😋 What to order? Whichever pizza takes your fancy. Don’t forget to get the meatballs and the candied bacon to start the meal off strong.
🗺️ Where is it? 342 King’s Road, SW3 5UR. The nearest station is Sloane Square.
Find out more about Alley Cats here.
Lolo
🍽️ What is it? A new all-day drinking and dining spot in Bermondsey from Chef José Pizarro.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The name of the restaurant is a tongue-in-cheek nod to Pizarro’s middle name, Manuel.
😋 What to order? For breakfast choose from a selection of deviled eggs such as spicy sobrasada or salted cod and saffron, or grab a scrummy sandwich. Otherwise snack on fish, cheese, and charcuterie boards, as well as freshly made salads. Cap it off with a glass of wine or a cocktail – they even have a range of Bloody Marys to choose from.
🗺️ Where is it? 102 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3UB. The nearest stations are London Bridge and Borough.
Find out more about Lolo here.
The Marquee Moon
🍽️ What is it? a brand-new restaurant and hi-fi cocktail bar from the team behind East London nightclub The Cause – their most food-oriented opening to date.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Executive Chef Huri Ranana Neil comes to The Marquee Moon from Portobello 177. The Cause co-founders, Stuart Glen and Eugene Wild, have also opened Hackney Wick’s All My Friends and The Greyhound in Peckham.
😋 What to order? We can’t wait to try the Pandan Old Fashioned and the Alfonso Margarita, with Alfonso Mango-infused Reposado Tequila, Manzanilla, agave, lime, and tajin. And we’ll be munching on the Masala potato flatbread and the Cantonese style Chicken Char Siu Sando with fermented Ginger Cream between sips.
🗺️ Where is it? 48 Stoke Newington Road, London, N16 7XJ. The nearest stations are Rectory Road and Dalston Kingsland.
Find out more about The Marquee Moon here.
Oriole
🍽️ What is it? Following months of uncertainty, and a temporary pop-up experiment, one of London’s best cocktail bars finally re-opens as a permanent restaurant and bar with Oriole’s first in-house bar lab.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Chef Direct0r Gustavo Diallionardo is staying with the team, following his time at the PRELUDE by Oriole pop-up, to cook up inspired Latin-American food. Bar Director Samet Ali will serve up a cocktail menu inspired by the bar’s namesake oriole birds.
😋 What to order? Take some friends and order the Rio Verde, “a take on a tequila punch with tamarillo (tree tomato) purée, peach aperitif and watermelon – designed for sharing”. And on the side, you can munch on the Octopus Karaage. Hungry? Go for the Lamb rump with spring greens, huacatay (Peruvian black mint), carrot and yeast sauce. And you might as well wash it all down with a few more cocktails, right?
🗺️ Where is it? 7-9 Slingsby Place, WC2E 9AB. The nearest station is Covent Garden.
Find out more about Oriole here.
Ibai
🍽️ What is it? A new Basque-style steak restaurant that focuses on produce from the French Basque region.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Chef Richard Foster was previously the Executive Head Chef at Chiltern Firehouse.
😋 What to order? Well, a steak, obviously. But also make sure to try the Gateau Basque with almond and black cherries for dessert.
🗺️ Where is it? 90 Bartholomew Close, EC1 7BN. The nearest station is Barbican.
Find out more about Ibai here.
Soul Mama
🍽️ What is it? new restaurant and music venue with Afro-Caribbean cooking.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Jazz musician YolanDa Brown is responsible for the opening, with Michelin-trained Executive Head Chef Aleandro Brown heading up the kitchen.
😋 What to order? try out the Soul Arepas, a unique dish inspired by Venezuelan Arepas and Trinidadian Doubles.
🗺️ Where is it? Gantry Hotel, 40 Celebration Avenue, East Village, Stratford, E20 1DB. Nearest station is Stratford International.
Find out more about Soul Mama here.
The Pacific Tavern
🍽️ What is it? an ’80s pub has been restored with a 200-seater beer garden and terrace, and an offering of BBQ food and drink that celebrates New Zealand and the Pacific region.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Founder Toby Kidman, who hails from New Zealand, is celebrating his roots with this new pub.
😋 What to order? The traditional kiwi pie (puff pastry filled with beef and cheddar cheese) is a must. Wash it down with one of their inventive cocktails, like the Hibiscus margarita with tequila, hibiscus and orange.
🗺️ Where is it? 100 Redriff Road, SE167LH. Nearest stations are Canada Water and Surrey Quays.
Find out more about The Pacific Tavern here.
Plates
🍽️ What is it? an intimate restaurant that sees the team “unleashing the power of plants”.
🧑🍳 Who is it? siblings Kirk and Heeley Haworth are opening the restaurant following a Dalston residency and Kirk’s recent success as the “‘Champion of Champions’ on Great British Menu”.
😋 What to order? there are no decisions to be made, just pick which tasting menu you’re going for.
🗺️ Where is it? 320 Old Street, EC1V 9DR. The nearest station is Old Street.
Find out more about Plates here.
Kaso
🍽️ What is it? the newest rooftop restaurant concept at One Hundred Shoreditch brings Eastern Mediterranean food to East London.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Head Chef Ilknur Celik’s menu has been inspired by her upbringing in Istanbul.
😋 What to order? Order widely across the cold mezze (baba ganoush and tabbouleh) and hot mezze plates (feta cheese borek) and don’t miss the grilled octopus.
🗺️ Where is it? One Hundred Shoreditch Hotel, 100 Shoreditch High Street, Shoreditch, E1 6JQ. The nearest station is Shoreditch High Street.
Find out more about Kaso here.
Rake at The Gun
🍽️ What is it? The Gun’s latest kitchen residency, following the departure of Ling Ling’s, “is a celebration of British classics and long-forgotten recipes, revitalised”.
🧑🍳 Who is it? the team, comprising Jay Claus, Peter Ward, and Syrus Pickhaver boasts a combined 30 years of London restaurant experience across such venerated dining spots as Acme Fire Cult, BRAT, and Quo Vadis.”
😋 What to order? jump into the ‘forgotten classics’ concept with the Chicken Fried John Dory, the Beer Battered Cockles, and the Potted Mushroom.
🗺️ Where is it? 235 Well St, Homerton, E9 6RG. The nearest station is Homerton.
Find out more about Rake at The Gun here.
Holy Carrot
🍽️ What is it? the low-waste veg-forward eatery has opened its first permanent site in the wake of successful residencies and supper clubs.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Founded by Irina Linovich, Executive chef Daniel Watkins (of Acme Fire Cult fame) is the man behind the menus. Cocktails have been devised in partnership with the acclaimed Bar With Shapes For A Name.
😋 What to order? the Smoked carrot and pickled kombu & rose, with fermented chilli butter, and the Matcha “tiramisu”
🗺️ Where is it? 156 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, W11 2EB. The nearest station is Ladbroke Grove.
Find out more about Holy Carrot here.
Harlem Brewing Taproom
🍽️ What is it? A dedicated taproom for the pioneering American brewery, that sees them partnering with Brixton-based Supercute Brewhouse.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Harlem Brewing was founded by Celeste Beatty, “the first African American woman brewer to launch a commercially distributed craft beer”.
😋 What to order? The “125th Street IPA,” is a hop-forward IPA that tells the story of the brewery.
🗺️ Where is it? 5 Market Row, Brixton Village, SW9 8LD. The nearest station is Brixton.
Find out more here.
Lahpet Larder
🍽️ What is it? classic and regional Burmese cuisine – alongside a larder for home cooks to buy ingredients from Myanmar.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Lahpet Larder is the third opening from Lahpet founders, Dan Anton & Zaw Mahesh, drawing from their “Burmese heritage and love for Myanmar’s rich produce”.
😋 What to order? Dawei Mohinga is a regional version of Burmese fish noodle soup that shouldn’t be missed. Dirty martini fans will want to try the pickled tea oil martini.
🗺️ Where is it? 39-45 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3XF. The nearest station is London Bridge.
Find out more about Lahpet Larder here.
Dhakaah
🍽️ What is it? a new casual dining restaurant bringing “the very best of Bangladeshi cuisine to a London audience”.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Erm… we’re not sure… We can’t find any info on them!
😋 What to order? The focus at Dhakaah is the street food and special dishes of Bangladesh, so opt for the Fuchka – a Bangladeshi version of Pani Puri filled with a spiced potato and chickpea mixture – and the Beef Kathi, “a heavily spiced mezbani beef curry, wrapped in handmade parota”.
🗺️ Where is it? 2nd Floor, Hawley Wharf Market, 3 Camden Lock PLC, NW1 8AA. The nearest stations are Camden Road and Camden Town.
Find out more here.
Kolamba East
🍽️ What is it? the second restaurant from Kolamba founders, showcasing their modern take on Sri Lankan home cooking with an all-new menu.
🧑🍳 Who is it? the same team behind Kolamba in Soho, whose food was inspired by “the recipe books of friends and family members back in Colombo”.
😋 What to order? Start with the Mas Paan – black pork curry filled buns – before sharing the feasting portion of Moor King Prawn String Hopper Biryani. While you eat, sip on the Curry Leaf Gimlet, a clarified cocktail of curry ghee-washed gin and lime.
🗺️ Where is it? 12 Blossom Street, Norton Folgate, Shoreditch, E1. The nearest stations are Liverpool Street and Shoreditch High Street.
Find out more about Kolamba East here.
El Cenote
🍽️ What is it? Camden’s newest Mexican eatery and bar with an impressive selection of mezcal, tequila and cocktails.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Chef Daniel Sanches hails Mexico City and has previously worked in the likes of Ella Canta. Aima Indigo heads up the bar, where the cocktail menu draws from her Veracruz heritage.
😋 What to order? If you really can’t decide, opt for the Parrillada Cielo, Mar Y Tierra – a sharing platter of beef, shrimp, chicken, and chorizo served with tortillas, and a variety of toppings. If it’s Tuesday, make use of their Taco Tuesday deal where it’s 2-for-1 all day long.
🗺️ Where is it? 2 Inverness Street, Camden, NW1 7HJ. Nearest station is Camden Town.
Find out more about El Cenote here.
Café Petiole
🍽️ What is it? a mostly vegan cafe tucked away in Somerset House.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Café Petiole comes from Chef Rishim Sachdeva, the chef behind the fancy (also mostly vegan) Mayfair restaurant, Tendril.
😋 What to order? Settle in for lunch with a grilled aubergine sabich with tabbouleh focaccia and the chilli grilled broccoli and rice noodle salad. Or grab a coffee and your choice of pastry. We’re torn between the pineapple galette and the orange and cinnamon babka. (Realistically we’re getting both…)
🗺️ Where is it? South Wing, Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA. The nearest station is Temple.
Find out more about Café Petiole here.
SMSH BN
🍽️ What is it? an all-new smash burger concept with luxurious wagyu beef patties
🧑🍳 Who is it? 5 friends (friends… not guys…) banded together to create the new burger concept. Chef Mark Morrans has an impressive background creating high-end burgers for all sorts of luxury establishments and restaurants around the world.
😋 What to order? You have to get the titular Wagyu House SMSH BN… No ifs, ands, or buts. Unless you’re vegan, in which case opt for the Vegan SMSH BN.
🗺️ Where is it? 126 Charing Cross Road, W2CH 0LA. The nearest station is Tottenham Court Road.
Find out more here.
TA-KO
🍽️ What is it? world-class cocktails and tacos with Asian-influenced fillings.
🧑🍳 Who is it? the same team behind Victory Mansions, which previously occupied the site, have brought us the new venture.
😋 What to order? the tacos… obviously… Don’t miss the addictive ‘MSG’ Fries, either,
🗺️ Where is it? 18 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 7PL. The nearest station is Rectory Road.
Find out more about TA-KO here.
Agora & Oma
🍽️ What is it? A duo of restaurants under the same roof, one spilling into Borough Market (Agora), the other tucked away upstairs. Both have been inspired by the Greek isles and dining at local tavernas in Greece. Agora is exclusively walk-ins only, while Oma will take reservations.
🧑🍳 Who is it? A veritable who’s who of London’s dining and maker scene. Cooking talent and founding team come from the likes of Manteca, Kiln, Smokestak, and more, with bread supervised by ex-E5 Head Baker Eyal Schwartz, and an international team of collaborators working across the restaurant.
😋 What to order? If you’re at Agora, start with the flatbread, order a few spreads (don’t skip the hummus) and one of each skewer (you have to try them all) before settling in with the slow-cooked chickpeas, ‘spanokopita’ flatbread, lamb adana (essentially a lamb mince kebab) flatbread, and the rotisseried pork. If you’re at Oma, we have no advice for you – except to order widely.
🗺️ Where is it? 2-4 Bedale Street, SE1 9AL. Nearest station is London Bridge.
Find out more about Oma here and Agora here.
Mambow
🍽️ What is it? A Peckham Market residency turned brick-and-mortar restaurant celebrating the depth and possibility of Malaysian food.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Chef Abby Lee is easily one of the most exciting chefs currently working in London
😋 What to order? How hungry are you? Because I want to tell you to bring friends and order the whole menu… Whatever you do, don’t miss the Double-Roasted Pork or the Kay Pachok (grilled chicken thigh and heart skewers).
🗺️ Where is it? 78 Lower Clapton Road, Lower Clapton, E5 0RN. The nearest stations are Clapton and Hackney Downs.
Find out more here.
The River Cafe Cafe
🍽️ What is it? The iconic River Cafe restaurant has been a mainstay of London’s dining scene since 1987 – and this is their first new opening. Guests can relax and enjoy a pastry or an aperitivo with a view, at the more casual (and affordable) cafe and terrace, which is situated right next to the restaurant itself.
🧑🍳 Who is it? It’s the River Cafe… Yeah… You’ve heard of it.
😋 What to order? Grab a spritz and enjoy a brioche or some plates of antipasti.
🗺️ Where is it? Thames Wharf, Rainville Road, W6 9HA. The nearest station is Hammersmith.
Find out more about The River Cafe Cafe here.
Singapulah
🍽️ What is it? The one-time pop-up gets a second life celebrating lesser-known and hard-to-find dishes that Singaporeans love.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The pop-up that first brought Singapulah to life was also the start of London’s beloved Arôme bakery.
😋 What to order? Enjoy a delicious Singaporean Laksa, and be sure to grab some Fried Chilli Crab Bao and Sambal Fishball Skewers to start.
🗺️ Where is it? 53 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 6LB. The nearest stations are Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square.
Find out more here.
Koyn Thai
🍽️ What is it? a new restaurant celebrating the flavours and spices of Thailand, hidden away beneath KOYN Japanese.
🧑🍳 Who is it? restaurateur Samyukta Nair opened the site with Chef Rose Chalalai Singh, who is combining her upbringing in Bangkok with her time in Paris where she ran her Thai-style café, Rose Kitchen.
😋 What to order? The menu changes often, but if it’s available don’t miss the Chian Mai Platter with roasted capsicum relish, crackling pork, northern spiced homemade pork sausage & sticky rice.
🗺️ Where is it? KOYN Thai, KOYN, 38 Grosvenor Street, Mayfair, W1K 4AQ. The nearest station is Bond Street.
Find out more about KOYN Thai here.
Sune
🍽️ What is it? An environmentally-considered restaurant that has been taking Hackney by storm with an exciting menu that draws inspiration from all around the world.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Sune combines the wine expertise of sommelier Honey Spencer with partner Charlie Sims’s Noma background.
😋 What to order? The menu changes often, but recent hits have included the Pork, Prawn, and Lemongrass, the Sweetbread Burgers, and the grilled potatoes in brown butter sauce (see above).
🗺️ Where is it? 129A Pritchard’s Road, E2 9AP. The nearest stations are Cambridge Heath and London Fields.
Find out more here.
Los Mochis London City
🍽️ What is it? The newest Los Mochis opening brings the fiery Pan-Pacific Mexican-Japanese fusion to a 9th-floor flagship rooftop restaurant that will stay open all the way until 3am.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The same team behind Los Mochis Notting Hill, which is a celebrity hotspot counting the likes of Jessica Alba, Paul and Stella McCartney, Solange Knowles, Will Poulter, and more among its fans. Executive Chef Leonard Tanyag comes to Los Mochis City from Nobu.
😋 What to order? Splash out and “Make your own tacos with King Crab Legs and Wagyu Grade 5 Tomahawk Steaks” – elevating the simple meal to a whole new level.
🗺️ Where is it? 9th floor, 100 Liverpool Street, EC2M 2AT. Nearest station is Liverpool Street.
Find out more here.
Bangers
🍽️ What is it? The online breakfast delivery phenom finally received its first brick-and-mortar breakfast bar.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The team behind Bangers have been knocking out banging out their famous breakfast butties for a hot minute now, and the hype has been building ever since they announced their first proper location.
😋 What to order? You have to get their famous smashed sausage® sandwiches, there’s no question about it.
🗺️ Where is it? 5 Leonard Circus, Shoreditch, EC2A 4DQ. Nearest station is Old Street.
Find out more here.
July
🍽️ What is it? July is a new all-day Alsatian wine bar and restaurant inspired by the founders’ upbringings in France and Germany. The venue transitions from coffee and pastries in the morning to seasonal, oft-changing lunch and dinner menus.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The kitchen is being headed up by Holly Hayes, who comes to the venue from the much-loved 40 Maltby Street.
😋 What to order? We’re particularly excited to try their family-style Sunday lunch offering, which brings the French tradition to London in the form of whole roast Fosse Meadows chicken with homemade mayonnaise.
🗺️ Where is it? 10 Charlotte Street, W1T 2LT. Nearest station is Goodge Street.
Find out more here.
Unlock
🍽️ What is it? Pizza meets cocktails and art in this new Hackney Wick opening with carefully considered interiors and decor.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Napoli-born siblings, chef Arianna and restaurateur Giovanni Izzo, bring a wealth of experience and knowledge and a dedicated pursuit of the perfect Neapolitan pizza.
😋 What to order? This pizzeria has a set menu, allowing you to try a slice of each artisanal pizza topping paired with cocktails.
🗺️ Where is it? 1 Monkwood Way, E3 2EG. The nearest station is Hackney Wick.
Find out more here.
Three Sheets Soho
🍽️ What is it? The legendary Dalston bar has opened up a second site under the same name in Soho.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Brothers Noel and Max Venning also own and operate a bar in North London, Little Mercies. Three Sheets’ Dalston site currently sits at the seventh position on the recent list of the UK’s Top 50 Cocktail Bars.
😋 What to order? They’ve got most of the classics and a few of their own offerings. New drinks include the Mango Ice Tea (pickled mango, rum, and a mix of teas), and the Scottish Coffee (buttered scotch, salted coffee, and shortbread cream).
🗺️ Where is it? 13 Manette St, London W1D 4AP. Nearest station is Tottenham Court Road.
Find out more here.
Big Night
🍽️ What is it? Food on sticks, more-ish side dishes, and drinks aplenty. Inspired by the yakitori izakayas, but decidedly not Japanese, Big Night is a venue full of good vibes, good booze, and good British food (on sticks).
🧑🍳 Who is it? The duo behind the opening, Jack O’Connor and Joshua Ralphs, met at Peckahm’s Larrys, while Jack was head chef. Between them, they’ve also worked at the likes of Flor, Lasdun, and Jolene.
😋 What to order? As much as possible frankly – we’re keen to try the lamb hearts, the seasonal kimchi, and the miso banoffee. And a few accompanying shots!
🗺️ Where is it? 177 Morning Lane, London E9 6LH. The nearest stations are Hackney Central and Homerton.
Find out more here.
Detroit Pizza Islington
🍽️ What is it? A new full-service restaurant and bar serving “Real American Italian” food, from the people who introduced Londoners to the authentic Detroit-style pizza.
🧑🍳 Who is it? The same team behind the original Detroit Pizza in Spitalfields.
😋 What to order? We’ve got three words for you: deep. fried. lasagna. But don’t miss the titular pizza, either!
🗺️ Where is it? Somewhere along Upper Street Islington. The nearest station is likely to be Essex Road.
Find out more here.
From The Ashes
🍽️ What is it? Meaty, smoke-y, BBQ-y wares hit the menu at Five Points’ London brewery and taproom.
🧑🍳 Who is it? From The Ashes previously had a courtyard residency here, before settling in permanently.
😋 What to order? Grab a sharing BBQ board to sample as much of their meaty, smoke-y, fatty food as possible.
🗺️ Where is it? 61 Mare Street, Hackney, E8 4RG. Nearest stations are London Fields and Cambridge Heath.
Find out more here.
Bar Bruno
🍽️ What is it? A wine shop by day that transforms into an intimate wine bar at night with –checks notes– filled pretzels to snack on.
🧑🍳 Who is it? Bruno is owner Michael Sager’s passion project – you might know his name from the game-changing Sager + Wilde wine bars, and Hackney’s Equal Parts bar.
😋 What to order? A few glasses (or bottles, perhaps) of wine – make good use of the staff’s knowledge – and a few snacks.
🗺️ Where is it? 211a Victoria Park Road, E9 7JN. The nearest stations are Cambridge Heath and London Fields.
Find out more here.
New restaurants opening later this year
Naturally, there are plenty of other new restaurants set to open through the rest of 2024. Here are a few top openings to be aware of when planning your next meals out this year.
🍻 The Blue Stoops (Kensington) – a new pub from the team behind Allsopp’s Brewery, which first invented the India Pale Ale (IPA), opens October 19.
🎶 Undercroft (Mayfair) – Chef Brad Carter and Martin Priestnall are set to open a restaurant in the crypt of St George’s Church with an emphasis on food, music, and art.
🍲 Long Chim (Soho) – David Thompson is bringing the tastes of modern Bangkok to London with a residency at Hovarda, set to open this October.
🎣 Mayfair Chippy Knightsbridge – The Mayfair Chippy is opening up a new location this November, with the group’s first breakfast menu.