New London restaurants

Renowned for its versatile and comprehensive dining options, London remains a destination for the culinarily curious. Here are some of the latest and greatest we've been frequenting throughout the capital.

Arlington

Jeremy King's revival of the legendary Le Caprice – opened in partnership with Chris Corbin in 1981 and the former go-to destination for those in the know, such as Princess Diana, Mick Jagger, and Elizabeth Hurley, for two decades – is finally here. The celebrated restauranteur knows how to bring a crowd, which has already been the case at the newly-opened Arlington – a fast pick for the well-heeled fashion crowd. The interiors are refined and elegant but not stuffy, with walls covered in photos and Art Deco details throughout.

The menu spotlights European classic dishes, punctuated by a few great salads and a Bannockburn rib-eye steak. We loved the beer-battered haddock and chips, perfectly crisp with plump fish, delivered with excellent service. Save some space for the tarte Tatin; served with cinnamon ice cream, it's a great riff on the classic French dessert.

Oma

Oma bills itself as 'inspired by the Greek Isles', which feels like an accurate description. Located in Borough Market and courtesy of proprietor David Carter of Smokestak and Manteca fame, the flavours that define the concise menu feel like a holiday. Greek classics like a village salad, spanakopita, and a trio of dips lead the way for a delicious section of protein and vegetables cooked over a charcoal grill. Don't miss a few selections of crudo, either, as starters – and instead of bread, order a basket of warm, fresh crisps.

Complement your meal with some excellent Greek wine (there are more than 500 bottles on offer). Enjoyed on the soon-to-open terrace overlooking Borough Market, you might just feel transported.

Mimosa

Inspired by the French Riviera, this Parisian restaurant at The Langham imparts a needed dose of sunshine to Regent Street. It takes the idea of vibrance quite seriously; golden and terracotta tones and a live fig tree imbue a sense of warmth across every detail of the dinnerware and décor.

Don't miss the signature eggs mimosa (a French iteration of deviled eggs that typically involves grating the yoke), which feature with various toppings (we prefer caviar, obviously). It's the perfect place to order a bunch of starters and sides to share; the salade Niçoise is excellent, as is the pissaladière. Pair it all with a crisp bottle of wine, and it'll become your new summer staple.

abc kitchens

Jean-Georges Vongerichten finally brings his treasured abc kitchen enterprise to London. Based on a farm-to-table (and heavily plant-based) cooking ethos, the London location harmonises the three NYC restaurants: abc kitchen, abc cocina, and abcV. The comfortable dining room is amplified by Damien Hirst's artwork and dim lighting, located in the chic new all-suite hotel from the Maybourne Group, The Emory, and overlooking Hyde Park.

The entire menu is based around sharing plates – it's a great place to eat with a group – and prepared to be wowed by the level of flavour considering the simplicity of the ingredients. The kale salad is unforgettable, as is the crab toast and pretzel-crusted calamari. The Mexican-leaning dishes lend intrigue (arroz con pollo ignites with a lemon finish), and the pizza crust is cracker-thin. Make sure to save space for dessert: the salted caramel ice cream sundae comes finished with a candy-floss-like swirl of sugar over the top.

Yasmin Soho

Small and rooftop only, Yasmin Soho opened just in time for summer date nights. This stylishly appointed restaurant is intimate with indoor and outdoor banquette seatings plus space at the bar; its petite stature meant that every square inch was occupied on a recent night.

Come for the vibes (especially when the weather is good), stay for the food – it is unexpected and full of flavour. The hummus has a surprise pop of peanut dressing, strawberries join a Greek-inspired salad, and the manti is plant-based. The Feasting Menu is the best way to get the whole experience.

Los Mochis – The City

Notting Hill restaurant Los Mochis has become popular for its buzzy atmosphere and Mexico-meets-Japan cuisine. The new outpost in the City of London, near Liverpool Street, promises more of the same – but now across two floors with a sushi bar, rooftop terrace, and separate agaveria.

Come for the drinks and the views, which are beautiful and sweeping across much of London. The cocktails are well-shaken and not too sweet, and an ample selection of sake speaks to the Japanese contingent of the menu. Instead of a full meal, opt for sharing bites – the salmon tiradito and miso nasu were recent hits – this location is more about the atmosphere than the food.

NIJŪ

Beloved London-based sushi chef Endo Kazutoshi comes to Mayfair with his newest venture, NIJŪ. Spotlighting home-cooked Japanese food alongside sushi in a welcoming, informal environment, it's an ideal destination for experimenting and ordering a bunch off the menu to share. Begin with a selection of sashimi or nigiri, followed by various grilled items. Cooked on a Konro Grill over a proprietary blend of Binchō-tan, briquette and cherry wood, they have a rich, smoky flavour; the Kobe sirloin is amongst the best we've ever tasted.

The sides options are perfect accompaniments to the hearty mains. As with his other restaurants, Chef Endo features creative cocktails that incorporate fresh and seasonal ingredients (Satsuma & Blossom margarita, please); if you choose not to imbibe, 12 distinct tea options are a warming partner for the food.

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