London's culinary scene is steeped in history and rich in culture.
Let's be honest though, we're overwhelmed with choices and therefore often end up sticking to what we already know. But with the new restaurant openings happening in the capital this year, your palette is going to be more well-versed than ever in 2024.
The list of ultra-chic new openings is already plentiful, from omasake restaurants with just six seats, to luxury bistros with vintage French decor, we're keeping you up to date with the most luxurious new openings throughout the year.
How We Chose:
- Newness: I chose restaurants in London that are new or reopening in 2024. I explored the menus, decor and location of each to provide all the necessary information you need.
- Location: Each restaurant is based in London.
- Menu: As these are either just opened or not yet open, some may not have a personal review from the Hello! Fashion team, therefore the "menu highlights" are pieces that stood out to me as a selling point from each menu.
The Chicest New Restaurants In London:
Akira Back
Situated inside the Mandarin Oriental in Mayfair, Chef Akira Back is making his UK debut with a stunning eatery that seats up to 148 guests. With restaurants already in Dubai, Beverly Hills, Singapore and more, he will bring his culinary expertise to London to lead concepts including: Akira Back restaurant, chef's table Dosa, as well as cocktail bar ABar Lounge and ABar Rooftop. Our Editor Natalie Salmon tried it and said, "I love the sleek, modern ambiance and innovative flavour combinations. The Tuna Pizza, with its incredible blend of umami aioli, shiso, truffle oil, and fresh black truffle, was irresistible. I also loved the cocktail lounge; go for The Monkey Paw, it doesn't disappoint."
Menu highlights: Chef Akira's signature Tuna Pizza, The Monkey Paw cocktail and the Spider Roll
22 Hanover Square, Akira Back London
Ixchel London
Ixchel has truly revolutionised the Mexican cuisine scene in London. Proud to be "infusing Chelsea with the authentic flavours of Mexico," this place does exactly what it says on the tin. Situated on the iconic King's Road, the restaurant is chic yet inviting, the food is delectable and the tequila menu is seriously on point. With the seal of approval from multiple members of the H! Fashion team, it's truly one not to be missed...
Menu Highlights: Prawn Quesadilla, Pork rib, Smoked pasilla chilli and Short rib, Smoky adobo, Pineapple salsa
33H King's Road, Ixchel London
Sale e Pepe
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the revamped Sale e Pepe in Knightsbridge, and can confirm it's a dining experience not to be missed. Whilst not technically a new restaurant, it has undergone a transformation under new ownership of the esteemed Thesleff Group, known for its culinary prowess at Los Mochis Notting Hill. The result? A luxurious interior makeover and an inviting famiglia-style menu. Though the restaurant is impeccably chic and sophisticated, it also feels relaxed, cosy and completely unpretentious. Honestly? I think this was also down to the staff, who were as delightful as the food. The homemade tiramisu was the true icing on the cake...
Menu Highlights: Homemade tiramisu, Tagliatelle with caviar, Grilled Dover Sole
9-15 Pavilion Rd, Sale e Pepe
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Clap London
Clap is a new sensory Japanese dining experience in Knightsbridge. With luxury restaurants already in Riyadh, Dubai and Beirut, Clap's fourth location and first in the UK opened in January. The fine-dining restaurant is spread across two stories: the sixth floor boasts live sushi and robata counters, while the seventh floor features an ultra-chic rooftop bar, lounge and terrace area with views across London's most luxurious borough.
Menu highlights: Rock Shrimp Tempura, Wagyu Beef & Foie Gras Gyoza with truffle teriyaki, sea bass and mango ceviche, yellowtail sashimi
12-14 Basil Street, Clap
Bar du Champagne
This new bar opened on Henrietta Street in Covent Garden just before the new year. If the name didn't give it away, the restaurant boasts a decadent champagne bar alongside a modern French bistro. Split across two floors with an outdoor heated terrace and semi-private dining space, the interiors are a haven for retro decor lovers - the furniture is entirely vintage, with walls washed in warming yellow and adorned with pink Venini chandeliers, and 1950s bar stools. I'm sold already...
Menu highlights: Duck rillettes with 'boozy cherry', Truffled Croque Monsieur, Ox cheek & mozzarella croquettes with truffle mayonnaise & pecorino
24 Henrietta St, Bar Du Champagne
Juno
They say big things come in small packages, which is why we've high hopes for London's smallest omakase bar that recently opened in Notting Hill. With just six seats, successfully getting a booking is going to earn you serious bragging rights. Housed upstairs inside Los Mochis, the restaurant's executive chef Leonard Tanyag and head sushi chef Han will serve a 15-course fine dining 'Mexico meets Japan' menu using line-caught fish.
Menu highlights: Omakase means that the dishes are selected by the chef, therefore there's no menu to choose from, but the good news is every dish is entirely gluten and nut-free.
2-4 Farmer St (inside Los Mochis), Juno
Restaurant Story
A new opening with a twist. Tom Sellers first opened this restaurant in 2013, gaining a Michelin star after five months, followed by a second in 2021. In 2023 the site closed for a 'six-month' refurbishment, and finally, eleven months later, the multi-million pound makeover is complete. The new restaurant includes a brand new floor with an outdoor balcony and views of the Shard. There's also a new opulent private dining room with open kitchen views.
Menu highlights: Story doesn't give out menus. Instead, your meal will consist of "delicate, masterful dishes inspired and led by the British seasons and the very best produce available". It offers a nine-course tasting menu with snacks and treats, at both lunch and dinner...
199 Tooley St, Story
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