Top 10: London Restaurant Openings Before XmasBy Angelica Malin
From the city of jam sandwiches to a global culinary hub, London’s come a long way in the last couple of decades. TRULY Experiences, the UK’s leading provider of unique experiences for him and her, take us through the best restaurant openings coming up before Christmas. Here’s where you need to eat:
Formerly of Gaucho, steak lover Martin Williams is to open his second M Restaurant – in Victoria. Following on from the original location in the City, look out for M Grill, offering some of the world’s best steak, and M Raw, featuring tartares, sushi and sashimi.
Great for: steak lovers
Quite possibly the biggest opening yet from Alan Yau (Hakkasan, Busaba Eathai, Wagamamas), Park Chinois is a revival of a brand first seen in New York some years ago. Expect evening jazz and a 1940s feel, with fine Chinese fare.
Great for: blowout indulgence
The siblings behind Michelin-starred Gymkahana and Trishna, two of the restaurants that redefined Indian dining in London, are launching a new 40-cover restaurant focusing on Tamil Nadu and Sri Lankan street food.
Great for: trendy dining with bold flavours
Photo by John Carey
Formerly of Nahm, widely known as the world’s best Thai restaurant, Andy Oliver’s Som Saa popup at Climpson’s Arch earned rave reviews. So much so that they’re now opening their first permanent site. The Guardian’s Marina O’Loughlin called it some of the best Thai grub outside of the land of smiles (and even in it).
Great for: incredible Thai cuisine
>As you’ve just read, Climpson’s Arch, by London Fields, has rather a habit of breeding success. The latest pop-up comes from ex-Mugaritz and Viajante chef Leo Carriera. Serving modern Portuguese flavours, it might be wise to book in early.
Great for: the best pork ribs in town
Turkish-Cypriot chef Selin Kiazim made a name for herself cooking at popups at Carousel, Ember Yard and a half-year residency at Haggerston’s Trip Kitchen. Oklava will include Turkish / barbecue fare, with an open kitchen and “Barrafina vibe”.
Great for: barbecue guzzlers
Japanese master chef Yoshihiro Murata holds 7 Michelin stars, the same number as Gordon Ramsay. He’s heading west to Mayfair to showcase some of the world’s best kaiseki cuisine.
Great for: kaiseki samurais
Iconic Paris three star Les 110 de Taillevent makes the journey across the channel, bringing to London a deluxe brasserie. Why 110? It refers to the number of wines available by the glass.
Great for: bistro lovers
Marina O’Loughlin recently called The Sportsman Britain’s best restaurant. Now the restaurant’s Stephen Harris is consulting on the menu for a new restaurant-cum-wine bar for London, Noble Rot. It replaces Vats on Lamb’s Conduit street.
Great for: wine connoisseurs
This month, D&D London will open German Gymnasium within the newly renovated Grade II listed former gymnasium between King’s Cross station and St Pancras International. The ground floor Grand Café will serve an all-day dining modern European menu, including German classics and a comprehensive grill selection. German Gymnasiumis set to become a dining and drinking destination for London foodies, King’s Cross locals and international commuters alike.
Great for: All-day dining
Photo by Paul Winch-Furness
Words by Chris Old. Chris Old is a foodie specialist from TRULY Experiences, where you can find the most extraordinary restaurant gift vouchers.