If, like us, you’re familiar with London’s food scene, you’ll be fully aware that new spots are cropping up (and closing down) almost every day. And with these openings come flocks of foodies hungry for something fresh and exciting. So, if you fall under this category, you’ll be pleased to know that we'll update this list at the beginning of each month.
This guide rounds up the best new restaurants in London, but if you’re after something more specific, there’s more where that came from. We dish out everything from ever-trendy fusion flavours to traditional afternoon teas. But for now, dig into our recommendations for London’s best new restaurants and what to order below.
January 2026
DakaDaka, Mayfair
Opening: 17th January.
Best for: traditional Georgian dishes.
Order: the khachapuri.
Georgian restaurants are still sadly something of a rarity in London, which makes DakaDaka a welcome addition to the mix. But just because they’re scarce doesn’t mean they’re any less impressive. The same goes for the khachapuri: a hollow, boat-shaped bread filled with molten cheese and a glossy egg yolk. Come hungry and ready to get stuck in. This dish is best enjoyed the traditional way: tearing off the bread by hand and scooping up the gooey centre.
dakadaka.london
10 Heddon St, W1B 4BX
Tiella, Bethnal Green
Opening: mid-January.
Best for: comforting Italian cooking.
Order: the ricotta di Romagna.
You might remember Tiella from The Compton Arms (Dara Klein’s much-loved pop-up trattoria in Islington). And if you’ve been missing it, you’re in luck: she’s just about to open a permanent spot inside a former Victorian pub. What we know so far is that favourites from the original residency will return, including ricotta di Romagna, Calabrian chilli, and wild Sardinian honey, alongside new arrivals like her mother’s meatball recipe. Deliziosa.
tiella.co.uk
109 Columbia Rd, E2 7RL
Claridge’s Bakery, Mayfair
Opening: 21st January.
Best for: sweet tooths.
Order: the jammy dodger tarts.
Just when you thought there were enough buns in the oven at this time of year, Claridge’s is rising to the occasion with a new venture – one that’s been in the pipeline for several months. Headed up by critically acclaimed chef and baker Richard Hart, it’s a recipe for success, with British classics you’ll remember from your childhood, like jammy dodger tarts and iced fingers. Those with a sweet tooth are in for a real treat with this one.
claridges.co.uk
Brook St, W1K 4HR | Credit: Lateef Okunnu
December 2025
Dover Street Counter, Mayfair
Opened: 1st December.
Best for: snacks to share (we won’t judge if you don’t).
Order: the purple potato crisps.
On the first day of Christmas, restauranteur Martin Kuczmarski (the man behind The Dover) opened a spin-off just a couple of doors down. It looks distinctly like its sexy sister site, but with subtle – and very welcome – differences, such as an eight-margarita-strong drinks menu (though you can, of course, order plenty of other cocktails). The purple potato crisps with a lime sour cream dip are already proving to be very popular – as is the invite-only, IFYKYK basement club.
doverstreetcounter.com
31 Dover Street, W1S 4ND
Mazarine, Mayfair
Opened: 2nd December.
Best for: fancy French flavours.
Order: the smoked eel croquettes.
Bonjour, Mazarine. In case you haven’t been introduced, Le Gavroche’s former head chef has opened a French restaurant on Hanover Square. First impressions count, and this spot is already giving London’s best French restaurants a run for their money. Since it’s in Mayfair, the South of France-inspired, seafood-leaning menu features dishes such as smoked eel croquettes and Cornish crab ravioli with lobster broth. And anyone who's a sucker for shucking oysters will love the raw bar.
mazarinerestaurant.com
22 Hanover Sq, W1S 1JA
Tempo, Bethnal Green
Opened: 2nd December.
Best for: a Vietnamese eatery-slash-natural wine bar.
Order: the prawn toast.
Here to yet again debunk the idea that west is best is buzzy Bethnal Green, home to another hot new opening recently. Set under the railway arches on Paradise Row, Tempo is pulling in crowds from across the capital. Dishes like crispy prawn toast smothered in green chilli sauce are well worth the trek – and once you’ve tried them for yourself, you’ll definitely book a return ticket.
tempo.restaurant
252 Paradise Rw, E2 9LH
Corenucopia, Chelsea
Opened: 3rd December.
Best for: comfort food with a Clare Smyth twist.
Order: the fish and chips (trust us).
If this restaurant’s name rings a bell, it’s because it’s the encore to Clare Smyth’s three-Michelin-starred Core, one of Notting Hill’s best restaurants. It’s a tough act to follow, but the chef is getting the show on the (Chelsea) road with a chic bistro. There’ll be dishes like fish and chips on steroids: finger-like, battered fillets of Dover sole filled with lobster mousse and served with mushy peas and triple-cooked chips – miles better than your bog-standard chippy.
corenucopia.com
18–22 Holbein Pl, SW1W 8NL
Chargal, Mayfair
Opened: 11th December.
Best for: mezze.
Order: the grilled halloumi doughnuts.
W1 regulars will know that beef tartare and Berkeley Street are words that usually go hand in hand. And yes, this scorching-hot, three-storey Turkish spot will serve the former – but it's bringing far more than bougie (and frankly predictable) plates to the table. Specifically, hot and cold mezzes like chargrilled halloumi with hot honey and open-fire dishes like whole-tentacle octopus or lamb fillet with smoked aubergine. Head downstairs after dinner to the late-night club in the basement for a boogie.
chargal.com
