Best new restaurants London: new openings and restaurants opening soon

On the hunt for the best new restaurants in London? London is home to some of the best places to eat in the world, with the capital’s dining scene growing exponentially over the last decade, and pretty much every cuisine imaginable being accounted for. With so many great spots to choose from, dinner can become somewhat overwhelming. New restaurants open in London every day, but how do you separate the great from the good? Well, we've done the hard yards for you, heading out to every new opening to see what's what, then rounding up all of London's best new restaurants into a handy list. 

If you want to visit good new restaurants in London, guaranteed to leave you satisfied and right at the centre of the capital’s cultural zeitgeist, this is the only list you’ll ever need. You can expect the most talked-about chefs, the biggest comebacks, white-hot pop-ups-gone-permanent, or just brand-new restaurants that are knocking it out of the park. Scroll this way for London’s hottest new restaurants and be prepared to block out your diary for the foreseeable future. 

Scroll down even further and you'll find a little round-up of the exciting London projects opening soon, with all the biggest names on the horizon. If you want to stay current in this city, it pays to know what big openings are right around the corner. We have our finger on the pulse when it comes to upcoming restaurant openings in London, and you can read more about the most exciting new openings in our 'Best new London restaurants opening soon' section.

Every one of the places featured in the top section of the guide below have been tried and tested by our team of critics, so check out the full reviews by clicking through. Each SquareMeal listing features an independent review, as well as reviews from diners who have visited, together with unique special offers such as limited edition menus and discounts.

Best new restaurants London

This list is home to London's hottest restaurants - the places that everyone is talking about, ranging from fine dining, white tablecloth luxury to rustic gastropubs and easy-going takeaways. 

FOWL by Fallow, St James's

What: The Fallow team has ruffled some feathers with their new restaurant FOWL - a walk-in only chicken shop pop-up in St James’s. True to the team’s beak-to-feet philosophy, the menu makes as much use of the bird as possible, serving up a chicken fat crème caramel and a chicken thigh corn dog with the foot still attached. Fresh of a collab with legendary chef Pierre Koffmann, FOWL is now teaming up with Table Manners' Lennie and Jessie Ware for November. 
Opened: October 2023
Where: 3 Norris Street, SW1Y 4RJ
Read more: FOWL by Fallow

The Waterman's Arms, Barnes

What: The newest feather in Patty & Bun founder Joe Grossman's cap, The Waterman's Arms has now opened in his old stomping ground. Head chef Sam Andrews, formerly of The Camberwell Arms, and manager Simon Walsh have joined the cause and created a neighbourhood gem with a simple but elevated British menu in a warm and unpretentious setting. 
Opened: October 2023
Where: 375 Lonsdale Road, SW13 9PY
Book now: The Waterman's Arms

Kolae, London Bridge

What: The team behind Som Saa, headed by Mark Dobbie and Andy Oliver, has opened their second residence inside an old London coach house in Borough Market. The historic building hosts a buzzing triple-decker restaurant and a ground-floor open kitchen serving grilled dishes celebrating the Southern Thai cuisine of the same name. The signature kolae chicken skewers are a triumph. Oh, and the design team has really hit the nail on the head too, effortlessly blending industrial features and vibrant foliage.
Opened: October 2023
Where: 6 Park Street, SE1 9AD
Read more: Kolae

Solis, Battersea

What: Inspired by co-founder Ana Goncalves’ childhood experience of uncomplicated but flavourful Portuguese food, the team behind TATA Eatery has launched Solis at Arcade Food Hall in Battersea Power Station. Solis delivers nostalgic Iberian and South American cooking which revels in meat and potato simplicity. The menu at Solis revolves around two key items: half spatchcock chicken with a signature smoked aji-aji oil, and a flat iron with a green steak sauce reminiscent of L'Entrecote in Marylebone. If large grilled meats don’t call your name, fret not, Solis also offers a range of nibbles ‘para picar’.  
Opened: October 2023
Where: Battersea Power Station, SW11 8DD
Book now: Solis

The Devonshire, Soho

What: Publican royalty Oisin Rogers has returned to the restaurant scene to set up shop in The Devonshire along with Flat Iron founder Charlie Carroll. The gastropub is two-tiered; downstairs is a traditional boozer, offering a good Guinness while the room above hosts a grill restaurant. As it should, The Devonshire keeps things close to home, championing British produce and performing all their butchery in-house. An Irish man and a Cambridge graduate walk into a Soho bar... the rest is history.
Opened: October 2023
Where: 17 Denman Street, W1D 7HW
Read more: The Devonshire

Akara, London Bridge

What: Akoko founder Aji Akokomi has chosen Borough as the location for his second restaurant. Akara is a more relaxed companion to its fine-dining sibling, serving a variety of its namesake black-eye pea fritters which have travelled from West Africa via Brazil to make a formal debut in London. Inspired by hometown dishes and the diverse history of the region, you can expect big flavours at approachable prices.
Opened: October 2023
Where: Arch 208, 18 Stoney Street, SE1 9AD
Book now: Akara

London Stock, Mayfair

What: Crossing the tracks from Wandsworth to Mayfair, London Stock has reopened its doors in the fine-dining district. Acclaimed for their global treatment of British produce, the move has coincided with the award of a third AA rosette for culinary excellence. Courtesy head chef Sebastian Rast and Le Cordon Bleu-trained Andres Bernal and Assem Abdel Hady, lucky diners can experience the pleasure of reasonably priced highly seasonal tasting menus in a comfortable setting.  
Opened: October 2023
Where: 6 Sackville Street, W1S 3DD
Book now: London Stock Mayfair

L'Atelier Robuchon, Mayfair

What: Joel Robuchon - in name at least - returns to London after four years, and the new L’Atelier Robuchon has taken up more prestigious digs than before, now occupying a beautiful art-deco dining room in Mayfair. The late, great Robuchon may be sadly departed but his distinctive, lavish cooking is alive and well thanks to his team here, who celebrate French haute cuisine in all its glory. At no small cost, mind you, but if you’re looking for brilliance, L’Atelier Robuchon delivers.
Opened: October 2023
Where: 6 Clarges Street, W1J 8AE
Book now: L'Atelier Robuchon

Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO, Westminster

What: Without doubt one of the most anticipated London restaurant openings of the year, Argentinian superstar chef Mauro Colagreco has finally opened the doors to his restaurant at Raffles London, and the finished article is living up to expectation and then some. Decor pays homage to the OWO’s historic roots, and an all-star cast in front and back of house delivers precise dishes with swan-like grace.
Opened: October 2023
Where: Raffles London at The OWO, 57 Whitehall, SW1A 2BX
Book now: Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO

Saison at Raffles London at The OWO, Westminster

What: One of three Mauro Colagreco restaurants at Raffles London at The OWO, Saison is the chef’s all-day restaurant, serving more easy-going dishes for lunch and dinner, as well as breakfast and afternoon tea, all with Colagreco’s signature seasonal touch.
Opened: October 2023
Where: Raffles London at The OWO, 57 Whitehall, SW1A 2BX
Book now: Saison at Raffles London at The OWO

Edo Izakaya, Old Street

What: An easy going Soho favourite - Robata - is expanding to a second site, with Edo Izakaya opening up in Old Street. Expect everything from sushi rolls and nigiri to snacks like fried squid, tempura, rice dishes and noodle dishes, all housed in a sleek, modern restaurant with a nice little pavement terrace.
Opened: October 2023
Where: 154 Old Street, EC1V 9BW
Book now: Edo Izakaya

Brooklands, Belgravia 

What: The new Peninsula London hotel - London's first billion pound hotel, don't you know - is finally open, complete with a brand spanking new flagship restaurant courtesy of Bibendum head honcho Claude Bosi. Located on the top floor, Brooklands marries some extraordinary views of Hyde Park corner with décor that pays homage to British motoring and aviation history, complete with a Concorde model overlooking the dining room and cars from the Brooklands race track dotted around. A £195 tasting menu puts Brooklands firmly in the top end bracket, but with Bosi overseeing things, expect Brooklands to be talked about alongside the very best restaurants in the capital. 
Opened: October 2023
Where: 1 Grosvenor Place, SW1X 7HJ
Book now: Brooklands

Sushi by MASA at Harrods, Knightsbrige  

What: The legendary Japanese chef Masayoshi Takayama arrives in London as the headline act for Harrods' newly relaunched dining hall. With three Michelin stars already under his belt for his omakase restaurant in New York, expectations are high for this new location, and it certainly delivers on atmosphere - the counter sits in the middle of the Grade-II listed dining hall, where chefs dole out meticulously prepared sushi platters. The menu is overflowing with lux ingredients - Wagyu, caviar, fatty tuna and truffle - and features sushi by the piece, as well as rolls, platters and other signature MASA bites.
Opened: October 2023 
Where: 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL 
Book now: Sushi by MASA

Il Gattopardo, Mayfair

What: Il Gattopardo is a lux Italian restaurant from the group behind Roka, Zuma and Amazonico, and promises a slice of ‘la dolce vita’ with a theme that encompasses the glitz and glamour of the 1960s Italian Riviera. The hidden courtyard terrace should be extremely popular too.
Opened: October 2023
Where: 27 Albemarle Street, W1S 4HZ
Book now: Il Gattopardo

Bebe Bob, Soho

What: The team behind Bob Bob Ricard are opening another venture in the middle of Soho, this time with a focus on rotisserie chicken and reasonably priced wines. It's set to take over a spot just off Golden Square, serving 56 diners in a dining room that reflects the brand's signature red and blue art deco style.
Opened: October 2023
Where: 37 Golden Square, W1F 9LB
Book now: Bebe Bob

Bistro Freddie, Shoreditch

What: A third opening from the Crispin group - who seem to go from strength to strength each year - Bistro Freddie has lured chef Anna Sogaard from Erst in Manchester to rattle the pans in the old Oklava site in Shoreditch. Combined with highly regarded group sommelier Alex Price, Freddie promises to be something special
Opened: October 2023
Where: 74 Luke Street, EC2A 4PY
Book now: Bistro Freddie

Chishuru, Fitzrovia

What: Joke Bakare’s Brixton site was a phenom, scooping awards left right and centre before sadly being forced to close. Bakare isn’t going down like that, though - Chishuru is moving to a site in Fitzrovia soon, bringing her barnstorming West African cooking back to a restaurant scene that sorely misses it.
Opened: September 2023
Where: 3 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 8AX
Book now: Chishuru

Little Cellars, Camberwell

What: Beloved Peckham wine bar and restaurant Peckham Cellars is expanding, with Little Cellars opening up just down the road in Camberwell. We’re promised that this will be more of a wine cellar and private events space, with a snack menu and a bottle shop next door so you can buy a few nice bottles to have at home.
Opened: September 2023
Where: 75 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8TU
Read more: Little Cellars

The best new London restaurants opening soon

Restaurants continue to open in the capital at breakneck speed - we've rounded up all the big new openings coming up in the next few months and beyond.

Jamie Oliver Catherine Street, Covent Garden

What: Jamie is coming back to the London restaurant scene with Jamie Oliver Catherine Street, housed inside a vast old building and courtyard next to the Theatre Royal at Covent Garden. Expect lots of seasonal British cooking, with top quality produce from around the British Isles featuring heavily.
Opening: November 2023
Where: 6 Catherine Street, WC2B 5JY
Book now: Jamie Oliver Catherine Street

The Butcher's Tap and Grill, Chelsea

What: The Butcher’s Tap and Grill is doubling up, with a Chelsea site joining the already successful Marlow gastropub. Kerridge promises that this will remain down-to-earth and pubby, despite the West London surroundings. Like the Marlow site, The Butcher’s Tap Chelsea will have its own meat-ageing fridges installed in the back, and you’ll be able to buy meat from the butchery or sit in for burgers, hot dogs, steaks and more.
Opening: November 2023
Where: 27 Tryon Street, SW3 3LG
Book now: The Butcher's Tap and Grill

Mambow, Clapton

What: Abby Lee’s brilliant fifth-gear Malaysian cooking is on the move, from Peckham to Clapton, where it takes up a nifty site on Clapham High Street. A new menu is promised but expect the same full-throttle Malaysian cooking and easy-drinking wines.
Opening: November 2023
Where: 78 Lower Clapton Road, E5 0RN
Book now: Mambow

Ixchel, Chelsea

What: 2023 has been an interesting year for London’s Mexican dining scene and it looks like things are about to hot up once again with Ixchel - a modern Mexican restaurant from chef Ximena Gayosso Gonzalez, whose CV includes time at Brat, Ella Canta, and Mexico City’s Dulce Patria. It should be big and loud with lots of authentic Mexican cooking, and a tequila bar too.
When does it open? November 2023
Where: 33 King's Road, SW3 4LX 
Read more: Ixcel

Sune, Hackney 

What: Has Hackney had enough? Absolutely not. This autumn, Broadway Market is due to welcome the first restaurant of acclaimed sommelier Honey Spencer and former Noma manager Charlie Sims. The pair will channel a combined 35 years of experience into a neighbourhood-style restaurant with a seasonally changing wine list and a menu headed by chef Michael Robins.  
When does it open? November 2023
Where:129A Pritchard's Road, E2 9AP
Read more: Sune

The Cocochine, Mayfair

What: After much anticipation, head chef Larry Jayasekara and Hamilton Gallery owner Tim Jefferies are one step closer to opening their elegant restaurant at Bruton Place. Jayasekara’s rap sheet covers 20 years in fine dining restaurants including Petrus where he was head chef. The menu is very much under wraps, but we are told to expect influences from his varied travels and a celebration of ‘the joy of eating’.
When does it open? November 2023
Where: 27 Bruton Place, London W1J 6NQ

Dishoom, Battersea

What: Years after taking London by storm, Dishoom is stretching into South London for the very first time. Taking up residence on Electric Boulevard as part of the Battersea Power Station redevelopment, the eleventh addition to the restaurant café group promises all-day dining in a futuristic setting which simultaneously evokes the nostalgia of 1960s Bombay.  
When does it open? December 2023
Where:42 Electric Boulevard, SW11 8AL
Read more: Dishoom Battersea

Clap, Knightsbridge

What: After experiencing Michelin-starred success in Dubai and Beirut, Clap is spreading to London. Knightsbridge is to be the first European debut for the Japanese fine-dining restaurant. The menu is expected to include fusion dishes, along with Japanese classics, and an omakase offering. The London outpost will cover three floors of a refurbished tube station and promises a café, restaurant lounge, and a rooftop bar with panoramic views. 
When does it open? December 2023
Where: 12-14 Basil Street, SW3 1AJ

Akira Back at the Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair  

What: Michelin-starred Akira Back is coming to London’s iconic Mandarin Oriental hotel to create an exciting new dining experience consisting of two restaurants and two bars. The stunning triple-height dining room will be adjoined by three separate private rooms available for hire, whilst the rooftop ‘ABar’ will afford unbeatable views over Mayfair. As expected from such a renowned chef, the dinner menu is set to be a culinary journey mostly based in the chef's Korean heritage but also featuring Japanese elements and executed with French cooking techniques. 
When does it open? 2023
Where: 22 Hanover Square, W1S 1JP
Read more: Akira Back at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair

Row on 5, Mayfair

What: The newest venture from renowned esteemed chefs Jason Atheron and Tom Kerridge, Row on 5 is set to be their ‘flagship’ location. Spread over two floors in a brand-new building on the famous tailor's street, there will be an open kitchen downstairs with counter seating and tables available on the ground floor. There is limited information available concerning the menu, however, rumours are it will be a ‘culinary voyage’ journeying through a multi-course dining experience.  
When does it open? 2023 
Where: 5 Savile Row, W1S 3PB

Endo at The OWO, Westminster

What: The last piece of the OWO puzzle is yet to come, in the form of another restaurant for Endo Kazutoshi - the multi award-winning master sushi chef behind Endo at The Rotunda. This rooftop spot will feature a Japanese-influenced menu from the sushi master, as well as a sake bar on the ground floor.
Opening: 2024
Where: 57 Whitehall, SW1A 2BX
Book now: Endo at The OWO

The Park, Bayswater

What: A welcome return to London for Jeremy King, The Park is planned for Spring 2024 and will open inside the new Park Modern Building, opposite Kensington Palace Gardens. Little is known at the moment but King himself has said we can expect a restaurant that riffs on the same European ‘grand cafe’ style that made Corbin & King so iconic.
When does it open? Spring 2024
Where: 123 Bayswater Road, W2 3JH
Read more: The Park

If that’s whetted your appetite, check out our pick of London's coolest, trendiest restaurants.