London’s culinary scene never disappoints, and recently we’ve seen the arrival of some truly spectacular dining experiences.
London caters to all tastes. Here you will be able to find Turkish dishes, Spanish flavours, or something completely unique, so these new restaurants London locals think are definitely worth a visit.
1. Leydi
Leydi has an intimate but inviting atmosphere that is designed with soft lighting, Turkish art, and street scenes of Istanbul.
Its menu is designed for sharing and encourages group dining. Start your meal with lavash and pide paired with rich meze like smoked aubergine, tarama with chives, and spiced tomato ezme drizzled with pomegranate molasses.
The lamb lahmacun is a must-try, and don’t miss out on the feta-filled börek with leeks and truffle honey.
Finish your meal on a high note with kunefe, a syrupy dessert balanced with the coolness of goat’s milk vanilla ice cream.
2. Lolo
Lolo is perfect for any time of day, the menu offers a delightful blend of Spanish, British, and French influences.
Start with baked eggs and chorizo for breakfast, or indulge in buttery croissants and kouign-amann. If you’re coming for lunch, you can treat yourself to devilled eggs with anchovy or ham and cheese bikinis paired with a glass of cava or sherry.
For something heartier, the pork stew with creamy mash or a classic British cheese board will satisfy. The cosy interior has pink tones and British art from Tracey Emin and Norman Ackroyd, which creates a warm and welcoming vibe, perfect for a leisurely meal.
3. Mamapen
While it’s only around until the end of the year, Mamapen is a must-visit for those eager to explore new flavours. Highlights of its menu include a tangy pineapple curry with roasted sweet potato and pickled mango, and Khmer BBQ chicken glazed with a shaoxing teriyaki sauce, served alongside a tuk trey koh kong dipping sauce.
The menu doesn’t shy away from creative combinations, with dishes like braised beef tattie mince noodles topped with cucumber, spring onion, and chilli. Lunchtime specials cater to the busy Soho crowd, making it a favourite for a quick, flavorful bite.
4. Cornus
As you walk through a beautifully lit marble hallway and ascend a private elevator, you’ll find yourself in an elevated yet understated space, where crisp white tablecloths, earthy tones, and remarkable art set the mood.
Begin with the show-stopping hand-rolled spaghetti in bisque and lemon sauce, topped with lobster and caviar. The Cornish bluefin tuna, with smoked almond pesto, blood peach, and sweet tomatoes, is equally impressive.
For mains, the roast Newlyn cod is simplicity perfected, while the lamb, accompanied by kofte, olives, and a robust Romero pepper piperade, is a hearty choice.
Cornus also boasts an extensive wine collection that expertly pairs with your meal.
5. Oma
Oma boasts a raw fish ice counter at its entrance and a central grill where skewers are cooked to perfection.
Standout dishes include the XO salt cod and labneh dip, a combination that’s nothing short of mesmerising. The minimalist slate-grey interior frames views of Bedale Street’s Dickensian cobblestones, adding a touch of old-world charm to the modern dining experience.
Other New Restaurants London You Might Like
The Dover
Dover is a place to see and be seen. The food includes well-executed classics like spaghetti meatballs, parmigiana, and house Dover sole. There’s also a serious martini list.
You can only book by phone, and it’s not open for lunch.
Location: 33 Dover St, W1S 4NF
Agora
Agora is inspired by the rustic street food of Athens. Agora allows you to stroll through the window and feel as though you are at a Greek market, thanks to its spacious hatches that offer a front-row view of a two-metre charcoal rotisserie.
Its dips are addictive, and skewers even better – especially the chicken thigh, which is amazingly soft and tender with a perfect layer of skin.
Location: 4 Bedale St, SE1 9AL
Josephine
Josephine is a classic bouchon serving hearty Lyonnaise cuisine.
You can expect dishes like onglet à l’échalote, frogs’ legs in garlic butter, and cheese soufflé. There’s even an entire section of the menu dedicated to potatoes. Authentic and delicious.
Location: 315 Fulham Rd, SW10 9QH
Julie’s
Opened in 1969, the latest incarnation of Julie’s combines fabulous interiors with a serious menu.
Don’t miss the pea panisse, a fritter heady with Cornish gouda, or the chunky asparagus spears served with nothing more than pecorino and butter.
Location: 135 Portland Road, W11 4LW
Akara
Akara has a critically acclaimed take on West African cuisine.
Akara, the titular dish, is a fluffy, fried cake topped with prawns, ox cheek, mushrooms, or scallops, served with scotch bonnet sauce for an extra kick.
Location: 18 Stoney St, SE1 9AD
Sesta
At Sesta, silliness sits comfortably alongside seriousness. On its menu, you’ll find these specialties; nduja-scotched olives, coastal cheddar and cider scones, smacked cucumber drizzled with sweet raspberry hot sauce, beef ragu toasties, and funky-looking prawn and stone bass dolma with ouzo butter.
Location: 52 Wilton Way, London E8 1BG
Donia
Donia serves up modern Filipino fare.
Highlights include prawn and pork dumplings, sea bream kinilaw, lobster ginataan with creamy coconut sauce, and a sensational lamb shoulder caldereta pie.
Location: 2.14, Top Floor, Kingly Ct, Carnaby St, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW
Corrochio’s
Corrochio’s is a beloved Dalston Mexican spot serving up regional specialities like huaraches, tacos, tortas, and tostadas.
The main chef Daniel Carillo, knows his craft, and his concise menu delivers punchy flavours. The cocktails are equally impressive, rounding out a genuine Mexican dining experience.
Location: 70-74 Stoke Newington Rd, N16 7XB
Marceline
Despite access via a designated waterside bridge, Marceline is anything but ostentatious.
Mains are classic; moules frites, rotisserie chicken, and fillet steak au poivre, while desserts, like profiteroles with banana and ice cream instead of crème pâtissière, have a playful twist. Chic, delicious, and worth it.
Location: 5 Water St, E14 5GX
The Hero
The Hero might look like a traditional British pub, but it’s a great restaurant in disguise. From sticky lamb ribs to oozing cheese and onion pie, the menu is hearty and robust.
The pastry on that pie is short and dense, and the filling – a savoury take on chocolate lava cake – bursts with melted cheese. There’s no bar seating here, so come for a meal, not just a pint.
Location: 55 Shirland Rd, W9 2JD
Tollington’s
Tollington’s is a Spanish fish bar in an old Finsbury Park fish and chip shop. The original tiled floors, pine counters, and sign remain, giving it a backstreet San Sebastian vibe.
The menu is all small plates, and the best of the lot is a smoked eel omelette with an oozy yolk. Booze is plentiful and delightfully cheap.
Location: 172 Tollington Park, N4 3AJ
Whyte’s
The setup of Whyte’s is simple, verging on the basics – a handful of tables and a long L-shaped counter where you can watch the all-smiles Whyte serve forth whatever happens to interest him at that particular moment in time.
Location: Unit 3, 143 Mare St, E8 3RH
Kioku
Kioku offers Japanese technique filtered through Mediterranean influences and tummy-tingling views of Nelson’s Column, the Horse Guards Parade, and the London Eye, and the flavours are impeccable.
Top dishes include smoked yellowtail with crisp apple batons, aged caviar, and crunchy buckwheat sobacha guanciale, as well as chashu pork ramen ravioli – a creamy meat-packed one-bowl ballet.
Location: 6th Floor, The OWO, 2 Whitehall Pl, SW1A 2BD
Morchella
Modern interpretations of classic Mediterranean dishes dominate the menu, often described with just three words each.
‘Pork jowl’ doesn’t mention the quince and onion jam that accompanies it, ‘salt cod churros’ arrive with a chunky sauce, and ‘egg, spinach and chickpeas’ are dolloped with cream and asteroid-sized sourdough croutons.
Location: 84-86 Rosebery Ave, EC1R 4QY