Besides pricey cocktails, late night Amazon purchases and city breaks, I’d say that most of my feel-good spending goes towards food. So when I hear of a buzzy new restaurant? Take my money now. From new London restaurants on the water to a whole host of launches taking over Mayfair, these are the hot openings to have on your radar for 2023.
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January
Ikoyi 2.0, Strand: previously located in St James, Ikoyi has set up shop at 180 The Strand for the second iteration of their two-Michelin star restaurant. The menu has shot up in price too, with the fine dining take on West African cuisine costing an eye-watering £300 for a tasting menu. Read my previous review of the top London restaurant here.
05/01 | Sichuan Fry, London Fields: purveyors of delicious dim sum and French toast that makes my mouth water, Dumpling Shack have ventured east to serve crispy chicken buns, wings and Hong Kong milkshakes in Hackney.
18/01 | Humo, Mayfair: with the Michelin-starred Endo at the Rotunda and sushi restaurant Sumi already under their belts, the Creative Restaurant Group’s latest venture is located in the space that once housed Wild Honey. Expect wood-grilled dishes in an intimate setting.
20/01 | Jacuzzi, Kensington: the fourth London restaurant from Parisian brand Big Mamma, this is set to be bigger and more Instagrammable than ever. This is top of my list for January.
24/01 | Mister Nice, Mayfair: central London is getting a huge foodie injection this year, with Mister Nice being a sexy string in W1’s bow. With an ex-Seabird and Barrafina chef at the helm, you can expect a menu that includes yellowtail sashimi crudos, burrata and elevated club sandiwches.
30/01 | Darjeeling Express, Soho: Located at Kingly Court, famous chef Asma Khan’s celebrated restaurant will see its third coming at the beginning of 2023.
February
14/02 | Papi, London Fields: what started as a lockdown project named Hot 4 U, chef Matthew Scott and drinks pro Charlie Carr’s passion project is getting its first bricks and mortar site in Hackney.
15/02 | Socca Bistro, Mayfair: chef Claude Bosi and Jamavar restaurateur Samyukta Nair have joined forces to launch a modern bistro on South Audley Street, where French and Mediterranean cooking takes centre stage to make this one of the top restaurants in London.
15/02 | TBC (The Butter Club), Notting Hill: Golborne Road locals will be happy to know that this brand-new restaurant is bringing caviar-topped fried chicken, lobster rolls and a whole host of cheat day faves to their neck of the woods, courtesy of chef duo Gabriël Verheij and Alexandre Scour.
16/02 | Joia, Battersea: spread across 3 floors of Battersea Power Station, two-Michelin-starred chef Henrique Sa Pessoa is bringing British-Iberian flavours at what’s gearing up to be one of the best restaurants in london with a view.
March
06/03 | Nessa, Soho: Tom Cenci, of Duck & Waffle and Loyal Tavern fame, has joined forces with Mortimer House’s Guy Ivesha for this modern bistro on Brewer Street.
11/03 | Sheesh, Mayfair: one of the most famous restaurants in Essex is coming to London, as celebrity haunt Sheesh sets up shop in the West End. I’m talking cheesy pastry rolls, wagyu burgers and fancy charcol-flamed kebabs in Insta-worthy surroundings.
16/03 | Lio, Leicester Square: Ibizan favourite Lio is landing in the West End, as the party-loving Pacha group revamp the old Cafe de Paris site. Think live cabaret, Mediterranean food and flowing drinks.
16/03 | Forno, Bethnal Green: Mitshel Ibrahim of Ombra, is bringing his moreish Roman buns, giant tiramusi and spongy focaccia to this much anticipated opening.
17/03 | Rambutan, Borough Market: named after the Southeast Asian fruit – and also the name of her debut cookbook – Cynthia Shanmugalingam’s Rambutan centres on Sri Lankan cooking.
April
06/04 | Noble Rot, Mayfair: Third time’s a charm for this much-loved wine bar and restaurant, as Noble Rot adds Mayfair to its collection with a menu devised by head chef Adam Wood. Think whole roast duck, smoked eel, sea bream and oyster tartare matched with a stunning selection of wines.
To Be Confirmed
Dovetale, Mayfair: another multi-Michelin-starred chef for the list, Tom Sellers has taken to 1 Hotel Mayfair for his latest project. There’s talk of classic grilled dishes and retro knickerbocker glories served from a fancy dessert trolley at what could be one of the best restaurants in central London.
Manzi’s Soho: seafood lovers – this ones for you. Restaurateur Jeremy King (of The Wolseley, The Delaunay, Brasserie Zédel and more) is opening ths huge new spot and I’m expecting stunning interiors with class service.
Nammos, Knightsbridge: from the same group that brought us the iconic venues in Dubai and Mykonos, Nammos is offering a relaxed Greek menu with an upscale vibe… and, most likely, a pricey bill at what is set to be among the best new restaurants in London for 2023.
Chishuru, location unknown: Brixton’s much loved West African restaurant is relocating in 2023. Watch this space for details on the new outpost.
AngloThai, Fitzrovia: authentic Thai cooking and natural wines come together from husband and wife duo John and Desiree Chantarasak. From famed supper club to West End fixture, this is heating up to be among the coolest restaurants in London.
Sarap, location unknown: one of my favourite restaurant pop-ups of last year, Sarap is the modern Filipino spot from Budgie Montoya. Stay tunes for detailed on the brand new permanent site.
Image credit: Sichuan Fry
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