Start your 2024 off with a bang with the most exciting new restaurants in London. The capital continues to dazzle when it comes to its culinary scene and this year is no exception, with several foodie hotspots opening up all over the city that are guaranteed to take you on a culinary journey around the globe.
So, whether you fancy checking out an award winner’s reopening in London Bridge, a local gem mixing Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine in trendy Hackney, or trying West Africa’s most famous snack in Southwark, the latest London openings promise a gastronomic adventure in new surroundings, as well as a range of flavour combinations for an adventurous meal.
A night out at one of these best new restaurants in London for 2024 is one to remember, so read on for a guide, and book your table on OpenTable now.
The best new restaurants in London for 2024 to book now – read on for a guide
For British fare with an unexpected edgy twist – visit Jamie Oliver Catherine St in Covent Garden
Jamie Oliver Catherine St is the latest must-visit restaurant in celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s repertoire. Opened in November 2023 in the bustling area of Covent Garden, this gem is home to some of the finest contemporary British cuisine around. The menu is built around some of Jamie Oliver’s favourite food as a child, as well as his journey to becoming a world-renowned chef. Standout dishes include the classic stornaway black pudding scotch egg starter, as well as the delectable fish stew brimming with Dorset clams, mussels and Butterfield prawns, and the mouth-watering beef pie sharer made with London black braised ox cheek. The drinks menu is filled with inviting cocktails, such as the smoky Marg and the naked and famous, both tequila and mezcal-based creations, while a classic wine list includes some great wines to go with your dish. The vibrant atmosphere of this Art Deco-style bar adds another layer to the whole experience.
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For one of the best new London restaurants for MICHELIN-starred cuisine – book a table at Restaurant Story (3.0) in London Bridge
London Bridge’s Restaurant Story (3.0) re-emerges as a culinary must-visit this winter, set to captivate diners with its MICHELIN-starred charm. This high-end spot from executive chef Tom Sellers is set to reopen its doors in January 2024 after undergoing a lavish £2.5 million makeover, making it one of the best new restaurants in London for 2024. Experience Sellers’ culinary wizardry with signature dishes like the delicate turbot with fermented cabbage and roasted fish bone sauce, BBQ langoustine tail, and roasted crown of duck. The wine list boasts a wide range of choices to complement each dish, while the cocktail menu features creations that will lead your taste buds in a merry dance. As guests step into the revamped restaurant, they’ll be enveloped by an atmosphere that seamlessly blends sophistication and warmth, inviting diners to indulge in award-winning flavours amidst a vibrant but elegant setting.
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For African fare with a Brazilian kick – check out Akara Restaurant in Southwark
Take a journey through West Africa via the streets of Salvador in Brazil by trying out the new Akara Restaurant in Southwark. Recently opened in November 2023 near bustling Borough Market, this spot presents an innovative take on ‘akara’, seamlessly merging the crispy, fluffy qualities of Nigerian akara osu with the flavour-packed delights of Brazilian acaraje. Akara, the black-eyed pea fritter with origins in West Africa, now has a redefined interpretation taking centre stage on the a la carte menu. Choose from tasty adaptations filled with BBQ tiger prawn, BBQ wild mushroom, braised ox cheek or seared scallop. You can also try out a diverse array of dishes to accompany your akara, such as grilled pollock with caramelised onion and lemon sauce or Lagos chicken with Senegalese hot sauce, as well as sides like plantain, grilled octopus and pepper relish. Finish off with a gin and tonic with a coconut and pineapple twist after your meal, as you admire the historic Stoney Street arches.
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For a new restaurant in London with Argentinian-style pizzas – book a table at Florencio Pizza in Marylebone
When it comes to new restaurant openings in London, Florencio Pizza is up there with the very best. This new spot fulfils chef Diego Jacquet’s dream of launching a pizza eatery in London, seamlessly blending his Argentinian upbringing with the global experiences acquired during his culinary journey. Florencio combines delicious pizza dough, meticulously fermented over 48 hours, with the finest seasonal ingredients to create an impressive menu. The neighbourhood spot opened its doors in November 2023 and hasn’t looked back since. Here you have a wide range of classics to choose from, as well as some new combinations even the most ardent pizza fans may not have tried before. Highlights from the menu include fluffy burrata pizza with fior di latte mozzarella or the Martita pizza with gorgonzola bechamel, courgettes, walnuts, oregano and pickled shallots. The restaurant provides warm, welcoming service with an unwavering passion for the art of crafting pizzas – couple that with the modern, classy setting and you’re onto a winner.
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For succulent BBQ in a new London restaurant – book at temper in Paddington
Located on the outskirts of Paddington Basin, just a brief stroll from the train station, temper Paddington opened its latest branch – the fifth in London – in December 2023. A distinctive smokehouse restaurant known for its BBQ classics and international culinary offerings, the menu predominantly focuses on beef, lamb, and pork dishes, but also caters to seafood lovers and vegetarians. Start your meal with must-try snacks such as the beef fat cornbread paired with gochujang butter, crispy pork bites, and tacos filled with yellowfin tuna. Afterwards, explore sharing plates laden with barbecue-smoked meats and seafood selections like mezcal prawns and lemon butter seabass. Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind ambience adorned with neon lights, neatly stacked firewood, and glass displays showcasing ageing cuts of meat, all while an open grill emanates warmth from the lively kitchen. Don’t leave without trying one of temper’s smoky interpretations of a traditional margarita.
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For one of the best new restaurants in London in 2024 for Japanese fine dining – don’t miss Clap London in Knightsbridge
Opened last December and already establishing itself as one of the great new restaurants in London, Clap London is a Japanese fine-dining hotspot. Spread across two floors, the restaurant features live sushi and robata counters that bring the real flavours of Japan to life. Meanwhile, the rooftop bar and lounge offer unparalleled views over London’s famous skyline, along with sublime cocktails. Choose from a selection of different menus, such as the omakase menu – ‘omakase’ translates to ‘I leave it up to you’ in Japanese, meaning all your dishes will be chosen by the chef. Otherwise, why not try some ‘zensai’ (bites) before your main, with tasty black cod and juicy Wagyu beef tartare and caviar both popular choices. While there’s an extensive raw bar with ceviche, fresh sea bass and clams on offer, the main event is the sushi menu, filled with delicate and mouth-watering creations such as the signature surf and turf, the spicy tuna maki and the salmon volcano roll.
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For a new London restaurant that specialises in a fusion of Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine – stop by La Bibliothèque in Hackney
Since its grand opening in October 2023, La Bibliothèque has emerged as a sophisticated dining spot that seamlessly weaves together Mediterranean and Japanese influences. Headed up by the talented chef James Mayle and his team, the menu boasts starters such as Japanese milk bread, scallops paired with prosciutto and wasabi, and an oyster dish crafted in traditional wanton style. Main courses, meanwhile, include delights like tender sirloin with ceps and sesame, and duck with plum and shiso. When it comes to drinks, you can be treated by the cocktail master Melissa Frangi and her signature creations, like the tokinoda – a tantalising blend of Ukiyo rice vodka, coconut water, and clarified pandan. The owner Joseph Arowolo’s latest venture not only promises an elevated dining experience but also has the feeling of a boutique hotel, where diners are invited to explore an inviting outdoor terrace, celebrate a special occasion in the exclusive private dining room or book a whiskey masterclass in the well-stocked bar.
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For a new restaurant in London for fine Italian cuisine – book a table at Paper Moon London in Charing Cross
With only a few months under its belt since opening in October 2023, Paper Moon London has already made an impression on the capital’s historical centre and firmly cemented itself as one of the best new restaurants in London for 2024. Here you can enjoy the authentic flavours of Italian food in the heart of Westminster, where the iconic OWO building provides a stunning backdrop for your meal. Head chef Leonardo Pieri Buti and his team serve up some of the most delightful Italian fare you’re likely to sample. Inside you’ll find a stylish atmosphere perfect for intimate meals with friends, family, or colleagues, while outside is an enchanting courtyard, where you can savour a range of innovative cocktails alongside renowned Milanese recipes. Check out offerings such as the seared baby squid and burrata Pugliese starters, while ‘first dishes’ include exquisite pasta options like gnocchi, linguine and tagliatelle with rich sauces. Meanwhile, ‘second dishes’ such as grilled Mediterranean squid or braised veal shank with risotto really hit the spot.
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London is always evolving and changing with the times, and that’s doubly true when it comes to the hot new restaurants opening in the capital. From fine dining Italian cuisine to smoky BBQ joints and fusion wizardry, there’s no shortage of great new spots to add to your must-visits. Get ready to explore what might just be some of the best new restaurants in London for 2024.
