New London Restaurant Openings For 2016

London’s restaurant scene is filled with anticipation as 2016 sees a wave of fabulous new openings from Michelin starred chefs, top restaurateurs and other culinary pedigrees that are set to tantalise the tastebuds and fill us with gastronomic excitement.

Where to start?

Let’s kick off with some home grown talent..

Multi-Michelin starred and critically acclaimed chef restaurateur, Jason Atherton, is set to finally open his “izakaya” social Japanese dining concept Sosharu in March this year in a 75 seater restaurant in Clerkenwell.

Meanwhile, the driving force behind Gordon Ramsay’s Royal Hospital Road, acclaimed Michelin starred chef Claire Smyth, has left the safety of the Ramsay stable and is opening her first solo venture this autumn – what & where it will be remains to be seen.

Food is set to meet art once again as Damian Hirst reopens his Pharmacy² concept but this time in the Newport Street Gallery.

Looking to European input, uber cool Portuguese Chiltern Firehouse founder Nuno Mendes will open Viajante in Wapping this autumn.

While from Spain, the three Michelin starred chef Eneko Atxa will launch his eponymous project, Eneko, a relaxed Basque restaurant and bar within One Aldwych in the summer. Speaking of Michelin-starred Spaniards, Street Xo from David Munoz is set to serve ‘street food- inspired cuisine in Mayfair.

And from Paris, we’re looking at the return of former Fifteen protégé with the second branch of Frenchie in Covent Garden thanks to husband and wife team Gregory & Marie Marchand.

Italy’s covered too, with the opening of the 100 cover restaurant, Margot, also in Covent Garden in May – the exciting result of a collaboration between well respected front of house managers from La Petite Maison and Bar Boulud.

London’s culinary scene is being spoilt with new Asian cuisine too. Watch out for Andy Oliver, ex-Nahm, who’s going solo with Som Saa a new Thai food restaurant initially at residency in Climpson’s Arch before settling down and finding their ‘forever’ home.

Notting Hill’s version of Covent Garden’s Tonkotsu – a counter-style ramen bar filled with ramen dishes, homemade gyoza and chicken karaage and some unique new dishes.

Also last, but very much not least, we can’t forget to mention the much anticipated opening of the very first hotel by iconic sushi-master Nobu, who’s finally moving into rooms as well as restaurants. All in all, we reckon 2016 is going to be a great year for London’s dining scene – there’s certainly a lot to ‘watch this space’ for!