Are you on the lookout for the hottest, trendiest, and most mouthwatering new restaurants to grace the capital’s streets? Well, London is a city that never sleeps, especially when it comes to its ever-evolving food scene – so, you’re in for a treat!
We’ve scoured the city to unearth the hidden gems and sizzling newcomers that just opened a few months ago and are already causing a stir. Let’s just say London’s culinary scene is about to get a whole lot tastier!
Forza Wine at the NT
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Location: National Theatre, London SE1 9PX, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7452 3555
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Pricing: £££
Dubbed as “Italian-ish” gastronomic mastery, Forza Wine at the NT takes residence on the upper echelon of a prominent South Bank edifice. Hailing from Peckham, this culinary haven tempts the taste buds with a profusion of vibrant and farm-fresh flavours.
Make sure to try their buttery broccoli that’s punctuated by saline bursts of brown shrimp, a robust pork ragu atop a crisply fried bread wedge, and adorned with generous slices of chilli and pickled fennel.
While the price tag might raise an eyebrow, Forza Wine embraces an ethos where the extravaganza is subtle. It’s worth it.
Bistro Freedie
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Location: Bistro Freddie, 74 Luke St, Greater, London EC2A 4PY, United Kingdom
Contact: [email protected]
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Pricing: £££
Bistro Freedie sets itself apart in London’s gastronomic landscape and exudes a laid-back coolness without subjecting patrons to the unusual starkness of trendy dining spots. At the helm of the open-fronted kitchen is Anna Søgaard.
Anna is a maestro who transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Take, for instance, the ‘house sausage’ – a glistening rhombus of culinary delight accompanied by a bold, homemade brown sauce.
Make sure to try unique dishes here like snails that are delicately perched on pillowy flatbread and adorned with crispy chicken skin.
Pearly Queen
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Location: 44 Commercial St, London E1 6LT, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8161 0399
Opening hours:
- Tuesday – 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Pricing: £££
Pearly Queen is the brainchild of Tom Brown, a chef hailing from Cornwall renowned for his Michelin-starred seafood haven Cornerstone in Hackney Wick. While Brown’s heart remains devoted to seafood, this restaurant takes a creative turn.
Among the must-try offerings here is the ‘Cockney Crumble’. It’s a dessert that pays homage to the classic rhubarb crumble but with a cheeky London twist. The menu, though diverse, carries a cohesive theme that celebrates the city’s culinary diversity.
This is the perfect place to be before a night out at one of the best bars in Shoreditch.
Mambow
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Location: 78 Lower Clapton Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 0RN, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8161 0399
Opening hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: £££
Having transitioned from a bustling Peckham market stall to its inaugural brick-and-mortar establishment, Mambow is nothing short of a culinary revelation.
Here, you can indulge in their ‘lor bak’ which is a masterful creation of irresistibly crispy five-spice pork and bean curls rolls also accompanied by a powerful chilli vinegar jam.
But the real showstopper of this restaurant is chef Alejandro Moreno. He brings his inventive touch to traditional Malaysian dishes and transforms them into dishes that leave a lasting impression.
Kolae
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Location: 6 Park St, London SE1 9AB, United Kingdom
Contact: [email protected]
Opening hours:
- Monday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Once you’re at Kolae, you can anticipate a feast of chicken-centric dishes and an abundance of culinary delights featuring marinades infused with coconut and ingredients like lemongrass.
Complementing their menu is a thoughtfully curated drinks selection. It features a concise selection of 15 to 20 high-quality wines and original cocktails. It’s the perfect accompaniment to the bold and spicy flavours that define Kolae’s culinary creations.
Donia
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Location: 2.14, Top Floor, Kingly Ct, Carnaby St, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3340 8775
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Led by the culinary expert chef Florence Mae Maglanoc, Donia is a culinary adventure that combines innovation and tradition with a sprinkle of magic. This brings the rich and diverse flavours of the Philippines straight to the heart of London.
Must-tries at this haven include Adobo Mushroom Croqueta and Sea Bream Kinilaw. And of course, leave ample room for dessert, where the famous Ube ice cream beckons with its unique and delightful flavour.
Tashas
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Location: Battersea Power Station, 3 Prospect Way, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BH, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3011 1989
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Originating in South Africa, Tashas has garnered notable success over the years and is making its debut in the UK with its first restaurant. While the roots are firmly planted in South Africa, the culinary approach takes a refreshing turn towards a lighter and healthier fare.
Whether you’re craving a leisurely brunch or a sophisticated dinner, Tasha’s menu offers a diverse array of choices. Among their highlights is the “Billionaire’s Shortbread” which is a decadent dessert that encapsulates the brand’s ability to elevate familiar flavours.
Leo’s
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Location: 59 Chatsworth Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 0LH, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 4559 8598
Opening hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Pricing: ££
The atmosphere at Leo’s is an artful blend of chic and welcoming. The restaurant’s decor mirrors Chef Giordano’s sophistication, with wood-panelled walls and vintage Italian vermouth posters adorning the space.
Their menu showcases the best of local and seasonal ingredients that align with eco-conscious dining preferences without compromising on flavour.
Highlighting the menu are must-try dishes like the “Truffle Infused Risotto” and the “Sea Bass Carpaccio”. These creations exemplify their chef’s culinary finesse and elevate simple ingredients into gastronomic delights.
Edo Izakaya
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Location: 154 Old St, London EC1V 9BW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3301 7601
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Pricing: ££
As the name subtly suggests, the menu is an enticing marriage of sushi, small plates and savoury grilled snacks. Amidst their culinary wonders, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the must-try Sashimi Platter (2pcs).
Another culinary gem to try is their Agedashi Tofu (vg). It’s fried tofu with spring onions, a drizzle of tempura sauce and a sprinkle of chopped seaweed.
When it comes to libations, Edo Izakaya has Japanese-inspired cocktails like the Edo Highball which is a Toki Whiskey infused with Mio sparkling sake, soda & your choice of liquor (Peach, Strawberry, Banana, Yuzu).
Mystic Burek
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Location: 227 Dartmouth Rd, London SE26 4QY, United Kingdom
Contact: [email protected]
Opening hours:
- Friday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Pricing: £
Originally emerging during the summer of lockdown, Mystic Burek’s unique creations gained popularity through unconventional channels such as Instagram and pop-up appearances across the capital.
However, the culinary venture has now found a home in south London, offering Chef Dinkvski the much-awaited space to call her own kitchen. Once you’re here, make sure to try their Macedonian filo pies. It’s a flaky pastry with ground meat, gooey cheese and a touch of butter.
Fun fact: this restaurant is named after the Julia Roberts movie “Mystic Pizza”.
