This year is shaping up to be a landmark for the culinary scene, with new ventures from some key player, alongside international debuts from the likes of Velvet Taco and Shanghai Me. Here’s a roundup of some of the most anticipated openings.
Le Caprice – The Chancery Rosewood
The iconic Le Caprice is set to reopen this summer, five years after its original location closed.
Positioned within The Chancery Rosewood in Mayfair, this new iteration will accommodate 200 diners and promises to retain the essence of the beloved original.
It's scheduled to launch in June.
Also heading for The Chancery Rosewood this summer is Carbone, one of New York’s hottest Italian-American restaurants, which is bringing its upscale take on “red sauce” cuisine to Mayfair, complete with signature dishes like spicy rigatoni vodka and veal parm.
Himi Tokyo-Style Restaurant
After two successful years on South Molton Street, chefs Tamas Naszai and Tomoko
Hasegawa are branching out with a new restaurant, Himi, focused on updated and
elevated izakaya classics. Located just minutes from Oxford Circus, Himi offers a
small, cozy dining experience.
Himi (him-ee, meaning ‘taste of Japan’) draws inspiration from Tokyo’s neo-izakayas,
blending modern interpretations of Japanese classics with signature dishes from their omakase restaurant, Roji in Mayfair.
The restaurant, in Newburgh Street, features counter seating, sit-down tables, and an outdoor terrace for summer alfresco dining.
Bookings are being taken from 31st January
Francesco Mazzei – The Corinthia
Chef Francesco Mazzei returns to London with a high-end Italian restaurant in The Corinthia hotel, located in the former Northall Brasserie; a corner site with high ceilings and large windows. Expect a menu reminiscent of his celebrated L’Anima days, using the finest British produce.
Due to open this summer.
22 Bishopsgate – Gordon Ramsay Group
One of the year’s most significant launches in terms of scale and investment, Gordon Ramsay’s new project at 22 Bishopsgate will house five restaurant concepts, including Lucky Cat and Bread Street Kitchen.
A highlight is said to be the 14-seat chef’s table inspired by Ramsay’s flagship three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Chelsea.
Expected to open in February.
Simpson’s in the Strand – Jeremy King
Jeremy King is reviving this historic London restaurant, Simpson's In The Strand, preserving its traditional charm while introducing a more affordable dining concept upstairs. Signature carving trolleys will remain a centerpiece for both main courses and desserts.
Simpson’s in the Strand is temporarily closed with an official opening date expected soon.
Din Tai Fung – Canary Wharf
The famed steamed dumpling specialist will open its fourth London location, Tai Fung in Crossrail Place, Canary Wharf, early this year.
With over 60 years of culinary heritage and nod to craftsmanship, they will be bringing their world-famous Xiao Long Bao, authentic flavours and newly-launched immersive masterclass experiences to this vibrant corner of the city.
The 112-seat cosy restaurant, including a private dining room for 16, will be a welcoming hub for everyone, from families to city professionals.
Shanghai Me – Park Lane
This high-end pan-Asian concept from Dubai will debut in London on the 28th floor of London Hilton on Park Lane, featuring 1930s Shanghai-inspired interiors and a menu packed with dim sum and East Asian classics.
Shanghai Me intertwines the vibrant essence of Oriental and Chinese flavors with the artistry of Japanese techniques, honouring the profound respect and harmony that resonate throughout each culture. Shanghai Me is a celebration of good music, gatherings, and fine ingredients.
Coming soon...
Velvet Taco – Piccadilly Circus
Tex-Mex favorite Velvet Taco is launching its first UK location with globally inspired tacos, including a London-themed fish and chips taco.
Heading to Piccadilly Circus this spring!
Noisy Oyster – Soho
Noisy Oyster is a new concept from the team behind Firebird restaurant, serving fish and seafood alongside simple, seasonal vegetable-based dishes with cocktails and wines in a relaxed and approachable atmosphere.
To open in Brewer Street - date yet to be announced.
BLOODSPORTS – Covent Garden
Scott Collins of MEATliquor fame is opening this US-style dive bar and sports hub featuring slushies, highballs, and a post-9pm horror movie lineup. Opening soon in Endell Street.
La Môme – The Berkeley
French restaurateurs Ugo and Antoine Lecorché will bring the glamour of the French Riviera, past and present, to The Berkeley, with an iteration of their sophisticated restaurant La Môme.
La Môme is a must go when visiting Cannes; serving quintessential Mediterranean dishes with a taste of Provence and Italy.
Like the restaurants in both Cannes and Monte Carlo, La Môme London will be imbued with the same rich, seductive material and colour palette with interiors designed by Cannes-based and award-winning interior architect Samy Chams.
Opened today!
London's New MICHELIN-Worthy Restaurants
With another 22 establishments earning their place in The MICHELIN Guide, including 11 in London, it really is a thrilling time to be a foodie. Perhaps most exciting is the sheer variety of styles, from country house tasting menus to Filipino sharing plates – plus two additions to the country’s Japanese restaurant roster.
The London 11 Are:
New Hotel Planned for Heart of the City
Family-run business, JMK Group has secured a £16.6M loan to launch a brand new, 185-key hotel along St. Clement's Lane.
This privately-owned hospitality business was founded in 2009, starting as a small boutique hotel in Kensington.
Since then, the Group's portfolio has grown to include hotels, properties and cafes across London and Ireland.
It is reported that the co-loan from OakNorth and REL Finance will be used to acquire the five-storey Grade II listed office block and convert it into a hotel, subject to receiving planning permission.
Notting Hill - 31 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2EU
Last month brought the news that the end was coming for Jackson Boxer's Orasay, one of the really great restaurants in Notting Hill. However, Boxer also revealed that it was to be swiftly replaced by Dove, a restaurant led by a menu filled with dishes that Jackson wants to cook and eat right now - from deep-fried taleggio to Wiltshire truffle lasagne!
Opened last week.
Somewhere at Harrods
A new new Middle Eastern-inspired eaterie, Somewhere cafe has launched Knightsbridge department store, Harrods. Bringing its unique Dubai charm to London, Somewhere is all about bold flavours, beautiful interiors, and the joy of discovery.
Shrimp kunafa, beef shawarma beetroot rice, French coffee baklava.
This is the first Somewhere outpost in the UK, joining seven acclaimed locations in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, each celebrated for showcasing Middle Eastern flavours inspired by the team’s travels. True to its theme, the décor immerses you in a scenic escape, featuring warm and inviting interiors.