Ultimate foodie spots in London
There’s nothing that excites a Londoner more than a new restaurant. You can spot them queuing round the block to get a sample of the latest Asian street food, sourdough pizza or upmarket burger.
Where the high street has taken a bit of a pummelling over the last year and a half, the restaurant business has perhaps fared a little better, with new venues opening every week. Particularly strong, are smaller businesses, branching out and creating new venues, such as the well-loved Bao and the popular bakery the Dusty Knuckle.
But that’s not all. There’s loads more on offer, with Syrian, Greek, Italian and Taiwanese cuisines all represented. And of course, there’s always cheese on a barge. Here’s our roundup of the capital’s top ten new eateries.
Café Bao
Everyone’s favourite Taiwanese street food emporium, Bao, best known for its tiny Soho outlet, has opened a big new café in King’s Cross. Drawing inspiration from western style cafes in Asia, the new eatery will serve – among Bao standards – European dishes with an eastern twist, such as Taiwanese fried chicken kiev.4 Pancras Square, N1C 4DS
Nearest Tube: King’s Cross
Sunday in Brooklyn
The New York restaurant Sunday in Brooklyn is opening a venue in Notting Hill, just 20 minutes’ walk from Paddington station. With signature dishes that include whole smoked artichoke, grilled swordfish, and clams with garlic breadcrumb, it’s hard not to get excited. Due to begin serving in July.98 Westbourne Grove, W2 5RU
Nearest Tube: Bayswater
El Pastor Soho
The newest member of the ever-expanding family of London taquerias, El Pastor Soho will be bringing the company’s trademark tacos, tostadas, mezcal and a distinctly fiesta spirit to London’s West End. There’s not a single dud on the menu, which includes the house special taco, made with marinated pork shoulder and caramelised pineapple.66-70 Brewer St, Soho, London W1F 9UP
Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus
INO
Who doesn’t like Greek food? It’s simple, tasty, with a distinct emphasis on fresh ingredients, not to mention an inclination towards charcoal grilling. The new Hellenic-inspired restaurant, INO in Carnaby, serves up hearty dishes alongside excellent Greek wines and more.4 Newburgh Street, Carnaby, Soho, London W1F 7RF
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus
The Cheese Barge
London, it seems, is so overwhelmed with fabulous eateries that restaurateurs have resorted to serving cheese on a barge. It’s not just any old barge, of course. This one’s a double-decker, 96-footer moored on the Regent’s Canal just minutes from Paddington station. Enjoy an entire wheel of baked Baron Bigod and sup on excellent wines… while sitting on a barge.Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, London W2 6HY
Nearest Tube: Warwick Avenue
Imad's Syrian Kitchen
Imad Alarnab was a successful restaurateur in Damascus when he fled the war that destroyed his livelihood. His first permanent restaurant has newly opened in Carnaby and is going down a storm. Serving Syrian Mezze, including Imad’s famous falafel, this is a great place to go if you’re looking to share with friends and family.Top Floor, Kingly Court, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW
Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Piazza Italiana
This big, swanky restaurant in the City of London is worth a visit for the décor alone. The ornate cornicing is the ideal accompaniment to the upmarket Italian cuisine and polished service. An import from Russia (the restaurant’s founder is Sicily-born Remo Mazzucato), Piazza Italiana has brought with it a Muscovite enthusiasm for caviar, which is served with pancakes, quail eggs, crème fraiche and butter.38 Threadneedle St, London EC2R 8AY
Nearest Tube: Bank
Nusr-Et Steakhouse
Nobody can salt a bit of meat like the bicep-flexing Nusret Gökçe, aka Salt Bae. The well-seasoned steakhouse owner will be opening his first UK establishment in Knightsbridge. Meat lovers will be flocking in their droves to get a load of the Instagram star’s signature dishes.The Park Tower hotel, 101 Knightsbridge, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7RN
Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge
Ave Mario
The Big Mamma Group, the company responsible for hit London restaurants Gloria or Circolo Popolare, are opening a third venue, this time inspired by the Italian city of Florence. The huge new restaurant, in the heart of Covent Garden, will be run along the lines of a traditional trattoria, with a laid-back feel and top Tuscan grub.15 Henrietta St, WC2E 8QG. Opens Jun 25
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden
The Dusty Knuckle
The popular Dalston bakery is expanding, opening a new shop on Green Lanes in North London. A baker by day, serving some epic sandwiches, pastries and more, the venue will also work as a pizza restaurant three nights a week. And if previous form is anything to go by, expect to queue for seats at what looks to be a popular place to bag a bite to eat.429 Green Lanes, London N4 1HA
Nearest Tube: Harringay Green Lanes
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