The New Restaurants in London Opening this Summer

By now, I think we can all agree that London has shed its reputation for bad food. Yes, shepherd’s pie might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and yes, spotted dick might not translate well elsewhere, but we’ve moved past that now, haven’t we?

Earlier this year, TripAdvisor dubbed not New York, not Paris, but London the culinary capital of the world. So it’s more than safe to say that any sneers coming from across the pond or across the Channel about our food scene are more than unfounded. The problem our diners now face is a debilitating analysis paralysis from the sheer volume of quality osterias, brasseries, izakayas, gastropubs and more. Not least thanks to a stonking new crop of restaurant openings. As ever, to help you cut through the noise, SPHERE’s on hand with a curated list of all the tables worth booking this summer.

Vesper, Exmouth Market

Jackson Boxer is back with another opening: Vesper, a relaxed yet refined Mediterranean restaurant that very much lives up to the calibre of the rest of his portfolio. Blending French, Italian and British influences, the menu genuinely feels like something new - not an easy feat given the rate at which new restaurants spring up in London. The spring onion pancakes topped with raw tuna and Cantabrian anchovy, fried potato pizzette with stracciatella and mortadella, and grilled Atlantic prawns with fenugreek and black lime butter are just a few of the standout dishes, while larger plates like the coal-fired herb-fed chicken and 42-day Belted Galloway beef rib will leave you wanting to get truly stuck in.

Experience Vesper at vesper.restaurant

Clio, Marylebone

There’s somewhat of an Aegean influx in London right now, with a host of upscale Greek tavernas opening their doors in the last year. The latest of these is Clio on Chiltern Street in Marylebone, which has a menu characterised by simple yet exceptional ingredients – every dish is built around one or two ingredients. Think a whole fish from the grill, vegetables at their best dressed in oil and lemon, and meats slow-cooked. At the helm are internationally celebrated Executive Chef Glen Ballis, with a career spanning four decades, and Head Chef Louis Korovilas, who has a background in Michelin-starred fine dining at institutions such as Locanda Locatelli, Pied à Terre and Phil Howard. With a portfolio like that and a devotion to their shared Greek heritage, the duo is sure to succeed in their latest venture.

Book a table at cliorestaurant.co.uk

Latine, Mayfair

Done badly, fusion food misses the mark. Done well, it's a showcase for genuine invention, as seen with the arrival of Osteria Angelina in Shoreditch - who would’ve thought Japanese-Italian cuisine blends so well. Now, we have Latine, an elegant, design-led dining destination that blends the traditional refinement of French cuisine with punchier Latin American accents. Led by Executive Chef Francisco Lafee – Le Cordon Bleu-trained, ex-Centrale, El Celler de Can Roca and Barrafina – who honed the concept during his South American travels. Segmented into three, La Candela (a lively restaurant and lounge experience), The Restaurant (a Crudo bar and Champagne terrace) and LACAV (a late-night cocktail lounge with live DJ sets), Latine offers a full day-night arc. Much of the offering is centred on seafood, with ceviches, tiraditos and tartares featuring heavily on the menu. Keep an eye out for the signature chargrilled beef fillet with Périgord sauce and dark chocolate, and tarte tatin with plantain and coffee caramel for something classic yet unexpected.

Latine opened in Lancashire Court in June. Tables can be reserved at latinemayfair.com

Temaki, Mayfair

After building up a cult following, Temaki is reentering the London market by opening on Maddox Street. Here, you can expect California-esque handrolls and a broader selection of Japanese small plates in an elevated dining setting. Set over two levels, the menu features Temaki’s crispy rice topped with premium cuts of fish, A4 wagyu sliders, and revolving sandos and toro, complemented by Japanese saké and a curated cocktail offering alongside a more extensive wine list.

Temaki is open daily for lunch between 12pm - 3pm and for dinner 5pm - 10pm. temaki.co.uk

Nammos, Mayfair

Anyone who has been to Mykonos will be all too aware of the iconic Nammos – and its impossibly long waiting list. And while the London iteration may have less dancing on the tables and whirling of white napkins (no promises, though), it maintains the brand’s signature day-to-night energy. Music remains central to the experience with live singers and DJs soundtracking long lunches that effortlessly drift into late-night dinners. On the menu, you’ll find classics like the aubergine mille-feuille, spicy crab tartare served with a zesty truffle yuzu, as well as premium Black Angus beef. All to be washed down with a Nammos spritz or Mediterranean martini – pick your fighter.

Nammos Mayfair is not to be missed. Book a space at nammos.com

Rosina, Wandsworth

Chez Bruce has long dominated Wandsworth’s dining scene, but neighbourhood newcomer Rosina could really shake things up. Will Bee is in the kitchen, bringing his expertise from Michelin-starred Lita and Paul Ainsworth at No.6, and when paired with chef-owner Adam Byatt, it’s a pretty punchy duo. Inspired by Byatt’s long-time love of Italy, the menu will showcase the region’s outstanding produce and wines. Snacks like the gnocco fritto with Mortadella and Datterini tomatoes with Mozzarella di bufala Campana, nectarine and basil have us salivating. As does the cavatelli cacio e pepe and Salt-baked gilt-head bream. But it’s the roaming dessert trolley that has us really excited – who can ever say no to a table-side tiramisu?

Book a seat at rosinarestaurant.co.uk

Café Clement, Temple

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In his first post-Soho House sale move, Nick Jones has partnered with chef Danny Bohan to launch a Franco-Italian all-day dining destination. Café Clement has received just about as much hype as you’d expect, already attracting the glitterati and celeb crowd. Whether you opt for counter seating, each setting with its own flower vase and lamp, or a spot on the south-facing terrace, expect polished European dining. Pastries and eggs in the morning, followed by handmade pasta (Danny is ex-River Café after all) and soufflé later in the day, there’s every reason to stay a while.

Find out more and make a reservation at stclement.co.uk

Langosteria, Whitehall

Acclaimed Milan seafood restaurant group Langosteria has officially made its UK debut, opening its doors for the first time on British soil at The OWO. The whole concept is seafood-led – sashimi, tuna carpaccio, blue lobster langoustine, a selection of oysters, etc – featuring all the Langosteria classics, as well as some original dishes designed for the London location. Designed by architect Carlo Samarati, the restaurant combines elegant contemporary interiors with the historic character of the Old War Office building. It’s elevated dining and warm hospitality at its finest.

Make a reservation at langosteria.com

Tower House, Richmond

Although not strictly a brand-new opening, having welcomed its first guests back in November, Tower House this month unveiled its sprawling new terrace, complete with sweeping views over the Thames. Set against typical lush Richmond greenery and serving a hyper-seasonal Mediterranean menu, diners could very well convince themselves they’re in a European terrazza. Executive Chef Theo Hill’s offering tastes even better outside, especially dishes like the Iberico pork chop and burnt butter beans, jamon and manchego croquettes, and, as ever, the beef shin ragu.

Experience riverside dining at thisistowerhouse.com

Kismet, Borough

Restaurateur Dom Hamdy builds on his impressive track record of Bistro Freddie, Crispin, Bar Crispin and Canal with his latest opening, Kismet in Borough. Set above the iconic Globe Tavern, AKA Bridget Jones’ flat, the new restaurant pays homage to the traditional meyhanes of Istanbul and Northern Cyprus with meze dishes from chef Keiran Mustafa like zeytinyağlı taze fasulye (braised green beans in olive oil), atom (buffalo milk yoghurt with chilli butter), bulgur köftesi (fried, stuffed bulgur wheat dumplings) and şeftali kebabı (a Cypriot minced lamb and beef kebab wrapped in caul fat). Kismet will be serving wine from one of Türkiye’s most respected wineries, and Kuzubağ will be serving wine from a female-led team working with native Aegean varietals to bring a wine list characterised by freshness, minerality and salinity.

Kismet opens for a year-long residency at The Globe Tavern on 15th July. Kismet.london