London is a Michelin star studded bustling playground for some of the best known chefs in the world, and every year we all franticly search the web to discover a list of top openings where we can take friends and dates to. Here's your call to find your favourite restaurant and book your spot as soon as booking is available.
Having already received widespread international acclaim in Beirut and Dubai, CLAP is now making its European debut in the vibrant heart of Knightsbridge. Recognized for its exceptional Japanese cuisine, CLAP consistently earns a place on the prestigious World's Best Restaurants list for the Middle East and North Africa.
Scheduled to open its doors in early 2024, Josephine is the latest culinary venture by Claude Bosi, situated in Chelsea. Embracing the essence of a Lyonnaise bouchon, the menu pays homage to Bosi's roots in Lyon, his family's bistro in the city, and his sentimental connection to the region. Diners can anticipate a classic Lyonnaise menu, reflecting the influence of Bosi's formative years in a province widely regarded as the epicenter of French cuisine.
Tim Jefferies, owner of Mayfair’s Hamiltons Gallery, and Chef Larry Jayasekara have opened The Cocochine in Bruton Place, London. They restored and renovated a historic property, approaching it as custodians. The restaurant focuses on personal connection and old-school hospitality, with no online bookings. The Cocochine celebrates art and craftsmanship, featuring a 28-seat main dining room with thoughtful lighting and a mosaic-covered first level housing a chef's counter. The second floor, dedicated to private events, retains original features, including a fireplace, and showcases curated artwork. The space accommodates up to 14 guests for a private and elegant dining experience.
Scheduled to open in early 2024 in Mayfair's St. James's, Arlington is a revived version of the iconic Le Caprice, once a legendary dining spot frequented by notable figures like Princess Diana and Elton John. Situated on the former site of Le Caprice, the restaurant is under the direction of Jeremy King, one of the original owners of Le Caprice. Arlington aims to bring back old-world glamour, offering a timeless menu featuring transatlantic favorites, salads, crustacea, and steaks, promising a dining experience infused with the spirit of its legendary predecessor.
Mediterranean-inspired cuisine is currently a culinary sensation in London, and Bellazul is the second restaurant opening in February to embrace this trend. Helmed by Simone Serafini, former Head Chef of Cecconi's Mayfair, Bellazul's opening menu features enticing dishes such as Moroccan lamb tagine and lobster, complemented by a Mediterranean-inspired wine list. Of special interest is the Bellazul Martini, which captivates with its unique infusion of focaccia into the gin base.
In February 2024, Mayfair will welcome Mistress, a new French restaurant and members club hidden below street level. Inspired by historic clandestine tunnels, this subterranean venue offers refined French cuisine with shared delicacies like lobster rolls, oysters, fillet mignon, and truffle-infused French fries. The dining experience includes a roaming Champagne trolley, classic cocktails, and an outstanding wine list, providing an exclusive and hedonistic atmosphere in the heart of Mayfair.
Established in 1967 by interior designer Julie Hodgess, this renowned restaurant and champagne bar, frequented by A-listers, boasts the famous booth G3, affectionately called 'the G-spot,' tucked away in a curtained alcove for VIPs. Hosting Kate Moss's seventeenth birthday and bearing marks from Tina Turner's high heels on a dancing table, Julie's was an iconic spot until Timothy and Cathy Herring sold it in January. Now, Holland Park local and Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Tara MacBain has taken the reins, with plans to transform it into a modern French brasserie. MacBain, a former patron, aims to revive Julie's effortless elegance with a glamorous menu featuring seafood towers, oysters, and a martini trolley offering tableside cocktails.
Korean-born, Colorado-raised Chef Akira Back, renowned for his Michelin-starred expertise, introduces his first UK venture, seamlessly blending Japanese and Korean influences. With a menu inspired by his heritage and global travels, the restaurant offers all-day dining, featuring Asian dishes and international classics for breakfast. Chef Back's 'greatest hits' include crafted Bento Boxes for lunch and delicate snacks for dinner, all highlighting seasonal ingredients sourced locally.
