The best London restaurant openings of 2026 (so far)

There’s no shortage of places to eat in London. With new establishments cropping up almost on the daily, choosing a brunch, lunch or dinner spot can be overwhelming. So, let our pick of the best design-led spaces guide you. From a stylish vegetarian eatery to a laidback neighbourhood gastro pub and a Soho restaurant perfect for date night, there’s a place here for every appetite.

Holy Carrot

One of London’s most loved vegan restaurants has opened a long-awaited second site – rumours of it branching out started a year ago. In a twist, this one is not wholly plant-based (perhaps a sign of changing eating habits), and instead includes dishes such as khachapuri with baked egg, as well as familiar fermented and vegetable-based favourites. Faye Toogood has been called on to design the Spitalfields space, which acts as a canvas for her hand-drawn illustrations alongside metal, timber and tiled finishes. holycarrot.co.uk

Brasserie Angelica

Fitzrovia is one of London’s most storied neighbourhoods and Brasserie Angelica, situated with The Newman hotel, draws on its historic surroundings to create a convivial all-day dining destination. Design firm Lind + Almond blended Victorian and art deco references while paying homage to local figures such as furniture designer Gerald Summers. The kitchen turns out elegant bistro dishes such as Västerbotten cheese tart with smoked onion purée and broad beans, while another nod to the past is found in the charming lunchtime sandwich trolley that whips around the room for those not lucky enough to settle into a long lunch. thenewman.com

Kiyori

There’s nothing quite like London’s underground, and no, we’re not talking about the Tube. We mean the capital’s ever-expanding roster of subterranean spots that define its nightlife. A recent addition is Kiyori, a seductive bar tucked beneath the former bank turned restaurant Aki London in Cavendish Square. The interiors are by Francis Sultana, who delivers his signature high glamour: gilded ceilings, cinematic washes of burnished gold and deep bronze offset by velvet and reflective surfaces. Guests descend past Aziza Kadyri’s Procession/Descent tapestry into an intimate, low-lit space where Japanese-inspired cocktails are paired with a concise menu of small plates. akilondon.com

Café Kowloon

The vibrant colours, neon accents and punchy flavours of Hong Kong’s street food stalls, markets and cocktail bars can be found behind a wonton noodle bar in London Fields. Café Kowloon serves Cantonese classics with a modern twist – be sure to keep room for the region’s iconic French Toast, served here with peanut butter crème pâtissière and topped with condensed milk and roasted peanut powder. Design studio Daytrip worked with hospitality group 6 of 1 to devise an interior that nods to the energy of the Hong Kong while deftly avoiding any suggestion of pastiche. Guests can nab a counter seat to watch the action or settle into a roomy banquette complete with Lazy Susan. cafekowloon.co.uk

The Latimer

This casual establishment has the sort of pedigree most fine dining restaurants would dream of – restaurateurs Jon Spiteri, Melanie Arnold and their children Lorcan, Fin and Molly are a family who, collectively, have been involved in some of the capital’s most iconic institutions, including The French House Dining Room, St John and Rochelle Canteen. Now, they’ve come together to create a local where classic flavours meet elevated flourishes (think confit trout with tomato, green bean, new potato and radish, and hearty mains like oxtail with mash and horseradish). The relaxed, lived-in interior features the sort of well loved, recycled furniture that an afternoon is easily lost in, while a mural by artist and family friend Tanya Thompson sets the scene for guests as they descend downstairs. thelatimer.co.uk

Impala

The latest venture from formidable restaurant group Super 8, Impala was generating serious buzz before its doors had even opened. An open fire grill is the focal point of the space, from which head chef Meedu Saad creates punchy, unexpected fusion dishes that draw on the frenetic energy of Cairo with a distinctly Soho edge. The interiors combine raw concrete, stainless steel and warm walnut wood with mood lighting courtesy of Joe Armitage. ‘It was a rare opportunity to work within such a clearly defined and ambitious vision,’ he says. ‘There’s a real attention to atmosphere – almost like theatre, where every element contributes to the experience.’ impalasoho.com

Kino

At modern Japanese restaurant Kino both the food and interior are refined, understated and thoughtful. Studio APAA have applied a pared-back sensibility to the interiors, utilising the warmth of timber, textured plaster, stone and dark metal accents to add character to the minimalist dining room. Curvaceous architectural lines and low lighting soften the space creating an intimate atmosphere. Chef Pavel Baranovs is serving contemporary Japanese cuisine rooted in seasonality, alongside a focus on fermentation and head-to-tail cooking. ‘Kino is about clarity and intention,’ he says. ‘I wanted to create a place where Japanese technique meets a broader, more personal point of view.’ kinolondon.co.uk

Trèsind

Trèsind is bringing elevated Indian cooking to the heart of Mayfair. Opening its doors this weekend, this is a new venture from the team behind Dubai’s three Michelin-starred Trèsind Studio. Expect a multi-sensory experience within a modern seven-course tasting menu alongside ‘An Indian Odyssey’, a mixology experience that traverses the depth and diversity of India’s regional drinking traditions. The interiors, by Dubai-based 1747, reflect the rich heritage of India through a contemporary lens with curated artwork and bespoke finishes. tresind.co.uk