Best new restaurants in London to visit in 2026
The best new restaurant openings in London, expertly reviewed by the olive team. Keep up to date with the hottest new openings and find out which are not to be missed, plus which dishes to order in each restaurant
Looking for new restaurants in London? We've visited the hot new openings in the capital to experience the restaurant for ourselves to bring you our regularly updated best London restaurants list. Read on for all the best new openings (including some from the end of last year) and we'll be continually adding new restaurant openings for 2026 as they launch, after we've expertly reviewed each one. For more restaurant guides check out our best restaurants in Soho, Covent Garden, Shoreditch and the best restaurants with rooms in the UK. If you want to pull out all the stops, find out the UK's best showstopping restaurants to impress or try the best chef's table experiences in the UK. Best new London restaurant openings 2026 Cometa, Fitzrovia For bold Mexican seafood made for sharing Cometa, the latest from the Carousel collective, brings contemporary Mexican seafood to Charlotte Street with confident ease. It sits comfortably in the old bones of the building yet feels fresh, as though it has already found its rhythm. Terrazzo floors and warm details give the room an inviting glow. Banquettes suit groups, window tables are perfect for two. Come ready to share and order widely. The menu runs from crudos to larger plates, with seafood at its heart. I began with the house margarita and, usually wary of mezcal, was won over. Bright and citrus-led, with a touch of tamarind sweetness and a faint sherbet lift, it was dangerously easy to drink. Prawn ceviche was delicate and sweet, its smoky heat softened by lemon cream and crisp tostadas that appeared generously. Crab chilpachole rice with eel cream was deeply savoury, smoke and warmth in every spoonful. Fried chicken was the standout: shatteringly crisp, juicy within, lifted by agave and fresh mint. There are only 15 portions a day. Ex-dairy sirloin followed, boldly charred and topped with bone marrow fried tortilla and chilli. A caesar salad brought anchovy and parmesan comfort. Dulce de leche crème caramel closed the evening, silky and gently bitter. Technically assured yet relaxed, Cometa pairs flair with generosity. carousel-london.com Lydia Anderson Cooper's Cut at Four Seasons Hotel Tower Bridge Set inside the grand former Port of London Authority building – now the Four Seasons at Tower Bridge – Cooper’s Cut takes its name from Sir Edwin Cooper, the British architect who designed the building in 1922. His work combined scale with detail and the restaurant follows his inspiration: grand surroundings and cooking that is impressively precise. The centrepiece, and the reason to come, is Australian executive chef Luke Armstrong’s pride and joy: Japanese hokkaido A4 wagyu fillet. The steak arrives with a golden crust and a deeply succulent interior that all but dissolves as you eat. A quenelle of Kristal caviar and a silky Pomerol sauce push the classic surf and turf idea somewhere more refined. The wagyu is the star of a concise, elegant lunch that works as a guided tour of what the restaurant does best. We began with an amuse-bouche of Belted Galloway beef tartare and smoked scallop, followed by heritage beetroot with dijon mustard, crème fraîche and merlot vinegar: a simple, bright plate that set the tone. Next came chargrilled Scottish langoustines with saffron and citrus beurre blanc, sweet and lightly smoky from the grill. Dessert was a neat finish: granny smith apple tarte tatin with crème fraîche ice cream. There are plenty of other steaks on the main menu – Angus côte de boeuf and blue grey chateaubriand from the Lake District among them – but the wagyu is the dish that made our eyelashes flutter. cooperscutlondon.com instagram.com/cooperscut Keith Kendrick Bambi 2.0, London Fields James Dye first opened his music-led bar and restaurant in 2023 and has recently refurbed to double its capacity. Playful vibes remain, with contemporary art, a cosy mezzanine space and a large vinyl library at the back, from which DJs spin the decks every evening (plus, on weekends tables are cleared after dinner for dancing). Get up close and personal at the stainless steel counter while you work your way through the menu. Head chef Jamie Thorneycroft takes inspiration from around the world, most notably in the butterflied bream, dressed half and half in parsley and adobo sauce – a firm nod to his visit to Contramar in Mexico City (having tried both myself, this version certainly does the original justice). Kick off as we did with sourdough from neighbouring E5 Bakehouse to scoop up whipped ricotta drizzled in hot honey. Next comes miso trout atop mini blue corn tostadas, crunchy buttermilk fried chicken pieces with Szechuan gremolata and plump Atlantic prawns, still in their charcoaled armour, slathered in peri-peri sauce alongside sweet black garlic aïoli. Our sommelier Francesco recommended a Czech skin contact to complement the latter, my first time trying a wine from the region. The low-intervention wine list includes chilled reds and skin contact aplenty, all served in jazzy bespoke glasses. For dessert on our visit a choice of blood orange sorbet or basque cheesecake catered to post-lunch indulgence as well as a lighter option, to ensure nothing’s holding you back from that martini-fuelled dancefloor come 11pm. bambi-bar.com Alex Crossley Noodle Nova, The Strand Londoners are no strangers to hand-pulled Chinese noodles. Noodle Nova, tucked in a 400-year-old building on the Strand, is that latest kid on the block. Opened by Linhui Hu and Ziqi Wang out of nostalgia for the cooking of their hometown, the restaurant is an homage to Lanzhou, a city in north-west China famous for its hand-pulled beef noodles. Noodles come in all forms at Noodle Nova: you can choose not only between signature toppings (including yuxiang shredded beef and mapo tofu) but also thickness, which come in eight varieties. Though noodles are sure to be the main draw, the stir-fries are where we feel the kitchen shines. The aubergine, green peppers and tomatoes dish is tangy and well balanced, while the shredded beef with Chinese cabbage and glass noodles delivers a satisfyingly spicy kick. Our unassuming star of the show is the san pao tai, a traditional north-western Chinese herbal tea served in a large gaiwan (covered bowl). Brewed with tea leaves, dried fruits and fragrant herbs, this warming drink is a symbol of hospitality in Chinese culture and only grows sweeter with every sip. noodlenova.co.uk Ao Lan Guo Hoppers, Shoreditch For Sri Lankan and South Indian dishes Ten years after the Soho original, Hoppers has its fourth London site at the Tea Building in Shoreditch — and this one acts as a bridge between Sri Lanka and South India, bringing Bangalore, Madurai and Kochi into the mix alongside Colombo and Jaffna. The menu moves between regions. Prawn paniyaram – crisp, golden balls filled with masala prawns – come with a Chettinad rasa for dipping, hot and peppery. Kochi chilli chicken chop arrives in a curry leaf crumb, fried until shattering. Then there’s the crab kari omelette, inspired by Madurai: fluffy, spice-laced egg wrapped around crab, served with flaky thread parotta, podi-coated soft shell crab and a glossy crab gravy for mopping up. It’s the dish that will have you reaching for your phone camera. From Bangalore comes lamb benne dosa – buttery and pliable, wrapped around pulled lamb shoulder masala with sharp pickled onions. The Kerala sizzling fish kari lands theatrically, salmon cooked in banana leaf, aromatic and gently spiced. Alongside it, Lanka chicken kari delivers that familiar red warmth of pandan and lemongrass. The Shoreditch space, designed by Atelier Wren, channels South Indian palaces and Chettiar homes through Hoppers’ tropical-modern lens. It’s louder, more social and encourages ordering across the menu rather than sticking to one region. To drink, we balanced the spice with Hoppers’ signature Toddy Ale and an Arrack Attack highball, bringing Sri Lanka back into focus. olive tip: order across both regions – dosa next to kari, paniyaram next to omelette – to taste how closely Sri Lanka and South India intertwine. hopperslondon.com Keith Kendrick Best new London restaurant openings 2025 Acre, Notting Hill For simple food using quality, in-season ingredients Acre is the little sister to Thomas Straker’s flagship restaurant just a few doors away on the lively Golborne Road in west London. It’s an inviting, corner spot – arriving on a wet winter evening we emerged through heavy velvet curtains into a cosy, warmly lit room that felt a little bit like a snug Paris bistro. You may know Straker from his Insta fame and some of the dishes are already viral hits (like the chilli cheese smashburger, which is on and off the menu). Aside from that, the rest of the concise menu is a beautiful balance of top-notch ingredients and spot-on cooking. Deep-fried crunchy bites of pork belly came with a punchy herb and za’atar sauce for dipping. From the starters we loved the burrata with a salad of thinly shaved fennel and blood orange – creamy, sweet and sharp with little nuggets of caramelised walnuts. A main of pearly, fall-apart cod cooked with white beans and winter tomatoes was comfort heaven. The agnolotti stuffed with ricotta and rainbow chard was a pillowy and light, with a creamy parmesan sauce. We had food envy seeing our neighbours’ mussels with 'nduja (which we’d been recommended but decided against) but there’s always next time. The drinks are also on point – try the sweet/sour yuzu drop cocktail or a glass of complex, savoury nebbiolo by the glass. A nostalgic pudding of vanilla-spiked, creamy custard topped with perfectly poached pink rhubarb was a deliciously simple end to the meal. acre-london.com Janine Ratcliffe Maset, Marylebone For French and Mediterranean sharing dishes Located on Chiltern Street in Marylebone, Maset offers something relaxed and grounded in a polished postcode. It has the feel of a French neighbourhood bistro but the cooking tilts lighter, with Mediterranean touches running through a menu built around small plates and dishes made for sharing. Start with bowls piled high with clams, white wine and parsley, and the silkiest spinach and basil linguine. Then move on to generous plates of iberico pork chop with cannellini beans, winter tomatoes and salsa verde, or the freshest dover sole served with hazelnuts and verbena. The dessert menu is simple but stunning: beautifully dark chocolate mousse with refreshing blood orange, or the perfect citrussy lemon tart with crème fraîche. For a boozy finish, opt for an after-dinner cocktail: the saffron margarita and preserved lemon martini carry the perfect kick. Service here is sleek and warm without being over-attentive – it’s very easy to settle in for the night. maset.london Lily Barclay Gilroy's Loft, Covent Garden For Guinness and seafood Gilroy’s Loft is the cherry on the top of the new Guinness Open Gate Brewery recently opened in the Neal Street area of Covent Garden. Walk in from the outdoor courtyard (where you can grab a casual pint and a pie from pastry legend Calum Franklin) through The Porter’s Table grill and a dedicated lift whizzes you up to a top-floor, light-filled dining room. The atmosphere on a late Friday afternoon is fun and buzzy – the terrace wasn’t open when we visited but will be a draw once the summer months arrive. There’s a large horseshoe bar in the middle of the room which can accommodate walk-ins for those who just fancy a snack and a pint. Exec-chef Pip Lacey (ex Murano and Hicce) has leaned into the classic Guinness and seafood pairing – there are oyster platters and fruits de mer platters of increasing sizes. We decide to start with a selection of three types of oysters (two Irish, one from Guernsey) which came with classic shallot vinegar. It’s almost compulsory to try the Guinness here but if cocktails are more your thing try the Espresso Stoutini, the Guinness reduction giving surprising malty, caramel notes to the drink. There’s more Guinness in the rarebit from the starters, a thick slice of toasted bread piled with an umami, melty cheese topping with lovely crisp edges, served with a pickled carrot and chicory salad and walnut ketchup. Mains carry on the seafood theme. Lobster comes grilled in the half shell with a deeply savoury brown and pine nut butter, and a dish of perfectly flaking tender hake has a seasonal side of chargrilled sprouts with silky velouté. Crunchy golden fries with seaweed mayo were a great side. For dessert a must try is the blood orange mousse with Guinness ice cream: malty, sweet and savoury – a real revelation. opengatelondon.guinness.com Janine Ratcliffe Barang, Borough Market For big Cambodian flavours Tom Geoffrey’s smoky, herb-heavy Khmer-inspired menu is a symphony of a sharing experience, drawing on the chef’s years visiting Cambodia, delivered with the panache he honed at Kiln. Every flavour is amplified, working in harmony with myriad textures. Sharp is the way to start: a Kampot gin martini alongside a Carlingford oyster dressed with Koh Kong mignonette. The oyster, clean and saline, the mignonette bringing a hit of acidity, brought our tastebuds to attention for the sharing plates to come. From there a diver scallop, wallowing in melted tamarind brown butter, was sweet, sour and crunchy, topped with shards of pig’s ear crackling. Laab of venison – savoury, aromatic minced meat salad, enriched with pork fat and Khmer spices – is scoop-ably loose, perfect for piling into fresh lime leaves. Its richness is offset by stir-fried winter greens with pork jowl, served alongside bright citrus fruit with pear, bitter leaves and shrimp floss. From the grill comes the drama. Fragrant whole red mullet, cooked in banana leaf, torn apart and dipped into Kep sauce with fistfuls of herbs. Then the hero of the experience: bone-in sirloin – thick, juicy, charred, served with bone marrow and prahok dripping, plus a sharp chilli relish to keep it balanced. Dessert finishes the meal with freshness – pineapple and galangal sorbet topped with candied nuts and lime leaf meringue: fragrant and refreshing. olive tip: book early to bag a table with a view of the pass, then grab a beer from the downstairs bar at The Globe Tavern and enjoy the theatre. baranglondon.com Keith Kendrick Huǒ, Belisize Village For an extensive pan-Asian menu Bright, airy and fun, Huǒ is a venue to come to with friends and family. There’s an extensive pan-Asian menu of good-sized servings, so sharing is the way to go – the more of you there, the more you can try. The range of choice means that there will be something for everyone, no matter their chilli rating preference, and several dishes can be had with tofu rather than meat. Start with classics like siu mai, lettuce wraps and daikon cakes, and then move on to pad thai (excellent), steamed seabass with ginger and garlic, and crispy shredded chilli beef or a massaman curry. Cocktails range from classic to those with an Asian flavour twist (alcoholic or not) and there’s a lovely bar so you could pop in for a drink and some noodles for a more low-key night out. There’s also private dining space if you’ve got a special meal to host. This is the second Huǒ to open: if you are nearer Chelsea then there's one your end of town too. nw3.huo.london Lulu Grimes Brasserie Constance, Fulham For faultless classics with a modern British edge, served with Thames views Set on the first floor of Fulham Pier (next to Fulham football club), Brasserie Constance has the polish of a grand hotel dining room but with an easy-going brasserie hum. Floor-to-ceiling river views (and a terrace in warmer weather) set the scene for confidently updated classics, beautifully made pastry and comforting mains. The name nods to Constance Spry, and ‘coronation’ notes pop up across the menu in clever, not too literal ways. We began with snacks of anchovy ‘fingers’ in crisp, immaculate pastry, then lamb and mint skewers that somehow tasted like a whole roast dinner in miniature. Smoked haddock croquettes arrived hot and rich, more luxe fishcake than bar snack. Coronation flavours made a cameo in a chicken pâté en croûte (a real flex of the kitchen’s pastry skill), followed by a light, flaky crab vol-au-vent slicked with a vibrant coronation remoulade. Mains were generous: skate came dressed in brown butter spiked with lime, lovage and capers, while a perfectly cooked pork chop was carved from the bone and brightened with blood orange and bitter leaves. From the sides we ordered fries which were everything they should be, and broccoli with hazelnuts and anchovy. Desserts kept the classical theme going, a light rhubarb savarin and a molten chocolate ale cake with malt ice cream. We went in the evening but if you go for lunch ask for a table by the windows for peak river views, and there’s also a great value set lunch Tuesdays to Fridays. brasserieconstance.com Barney Desmazery Belly Bistro, Kentish Town For modern Filipino fare Bistro vibes meet Filipino flavours in this charming neighbourhood spot. The room is cosy and warm with white tablecloths, soft lighting and gentle acoustics – remarkably for somewhere so compact, you won’t be listening in on your neighbours’ conversation. We started with a round of cocktails from the short, fun menu: a classic negroni softened with vanilla notes from pandan and a sweet, sour and fruity pineapple and tamarind margarita. Our server happily talked us through the menu, explaining the more unfamiliar dishes and recommending some of the big hitters. Scallops were prettily presented in half-shell bowls – thin slices, cured and bathed in a light creamy coconut sauce with tiny flavour pops of basil oil and fiery chilli. Our early table meant we could try the famous tempura cod pandesal (which regularly sells out). A chunky tranche of cod in a crisp, light batter served in a bun with American cheese and salmon roe tartar, it was a textural delight, like a posh Filet-O-Fish. There’s a selection of wagyu steaks (priced by weight and cut) – we chose the rib eye and it came medium-rare, perfectly seared but buttery soft in a deep, savoury soy and citrus sauce (and do get the crunchy beef fat fries to mop up the sauce). Wine is from mostly small low-intervention vineyards with plenty by the glass: we tried a delicious crisp German riesling and a juicy chilled red from Lebanon. If you can fit it in don’t miss the frozen custard profiterole with patis (Filipino fish sauce) caramel – we were a bit dubious about the combination but the balance of sweet and salty was perfect, and we kept going back until there was nothing left. A fitting, fun and surprising end to the dinner. Neighbourhood gem is often overused as a description but Belly Bistro really ticks all of the boxes. bellylondon.com Janine Ratcliffe Labombe, Mayfair For Michelin-starred à la carte dining that feels genuinely relaxed (but still seriously polished) Labombe sits in the corner of the COMO Metropolitan London with its own street entrance, so it feels like a standalone Mayfair wine bar rather than a hotel restaurant. The room is pared-back but plush – warm woods, soft lighting and an open kitchen that keeps the atmosphere lively – and the cooking is modern European with the occasional wink to nose-to-tail. It’s just earned a Michelin star. The menu is à la carte and built for grazing, snacks, starters, grills and a few generous mains. We started with the popular hot tongue bun – thinly sliced tongue stacked in toasted brioche with sharp pickles – essentially a very posh hot dog. Duck heart and cherry skewers were the bolder follow-up, the hearts wrapped in melting lardo and lifted by lightly pickled fruit. Hand-rolled pici pasta came glossed in a rich madeira and mushroom sauce, while seabass crudo was brightened with orange ponzu and a pleasing, fermented anchovy funk. Mains were more comforting, a plate-sized veal schnitzel and meaty chunks of monkfish with coco beans in glossy chicken sauce. We were too full for pudding but our neighbouring table’s rhubarb frangipane tart had us plotting a return. labombe.co.uk Barney Desmazery Poons, Somerset House For home-cooked Chinese food You should approach the Poon’s menu with a game plan in hand, it’s easy to get distracted unless you’ve done your homework, especially if dining as a twosome. Pick wontons or claypot or chicken, or, if you are lunching, the daily congee or noodles and go all in, the rest of the menu can wait for another day. If you have a choice of seating then the bar will give you plenty to observe – but wherever you end up this is a cosseting, pretty, elegant space that manages not to be slightest bit stuffy. Amy Poon started her business with an online dumpling dispatch business she called a ‘wontoneria’ and the same silky wontons are available at Poon’s: order the whole menu of pork, prawn, chicken and veg all slicked with chilli oil and a side of crunchy house pickles, and you’ll die happy. For the next visit choose white-cut poussin with spring onion ginger and chilli oil, or the wind-dried meat claypot rice alongside boiled peanuts (yes, delicious) and silken tofu with avocado and diced century eggs, and you’ll have had a completely different style of meal. Drink delightful small-batch teas from China and Taiwan (worth it for the tabletop tea dispenser alone) and a truly lovely selection of wines both chosen by Amy’s husband Michael Mackenzie. poonslondon.com Lulu Grimes Dim Sum Library, Covent Garden For innovative dim sum London isn’t short of fantastic places to eat dim sum but Dim Sum Library brings a particular kind of Hong Kong polish to Long Acre. Aqua Restaurant Group’s new international outpost has settled neatly into Covent Garden’s all-day rhythm – somewhere you can drop in for lunch, stretch things into afternoon tea or head pre-theatre for tea-themed cocktails. We went in dim sum first. The signature wagyu beef puff is the dish to swoon over: crisp, flaky pastry with a rich black pepper filling that’s light yet indulgent. Dan dan xiao long bao comes with a little jeopardy – delicate dumpling skins hold a spicy broth that requires care with the chopsticks. Black truffle har gau are plump with prawn sweetness, while the black truffle crispy skin chicken has skin so thin it cracks like glass. If you love heat, order dai-ching Sichuan chicken, mouth-tingling with chilli intensity. Then cool a little with slippery, aromatic cheung fun filled with roasted pork, spring onion and coriander. Beyond the baskets, there are larger Cantonese classics – black cod, sweet and sour pork – but dim sum is the main focus, skilfully showcased by deft chefs in the open-plan kitchen that runs the length of the vast, buzzy room. Dessert is worth saving room for. The classic egg tart has impossibly short, buttery pastry, while the oolong crème brûlée is soft, creamy and gently perfumed. dimsumlibrary.co.uk Keith Kendrick Cafe Kowloon, London Fields For contemporary Cantonese dining Hot on the toes of its noodle bar opening, Wonton Charlie's, the team behind Mr Bao has launched a contemporary Cantonese evening spot through the back, inspired by the fast-paced buzz of Hong Kong (from where co-owner Frank Yeung's dad hails). We sat at the glossy tiled counter so we could watch the chefs work the charcoal grill, while the adjacent dining room has a real vibe with a neon-lit bar and swishy curved booths, larger tables complete with lazy susans for sharing-style dishes. Kick off with on-trend sipping cocktails, a lime leaf delicately perched on the white lady offering a fragrant hit. Snacks include fish ball skewers in a light, fragrant curry sauce, tinned dace and black beans whipped into a cream cheese dip, and beef tendons two ways: puffed up like crackers and soy-marinated for deep umami results. On to the sharing highlights – lo bak go (turnip cake) garnished with crispy Chinese-style sausage and prawn toast, its bread base custom designed by E5 Bakehouse, topped with a thick layer of prawn and sesame seeds, deep-fried and sliced into soldiers alongside crispy prawn heads to dip into spring onion chill oil. There are two larger sharers: whole steamed sea bass looked fabulous but we were tempted by the Cantonese-style chickens twirling on the spit. Half a chicken, foot and all, comes doused in ginger sauce, Szechuan salt on the side, best paired with sesame-sautéed cabbage. The Hong Kong french toast is another winner (spot a theme?) – two thick slices of bread filled with a silky peanut crème patissière then deep-fried to ensure a crisp yet surprisingly light finish. cafekowloon.co.uk Alex Crossley Daka Daka, Mayfair For modern Georgian and natural wine Georgia is the world’s oldest wine-producing country, with 8,000 years of viticulture woven into its culture – and DakaDaka on Heddon Street puts that heritage front and centre. This modern Georgian restaurant and natural wine bar comes from Giorgi Mindiashvili and chef-patron Mitz Vora, with a list of more than 100 bottles curated by Honey Spencer, one of the UK’s most influential sommeliers and a leading voice in natural wine. We started, naturally, with an amber wine fermented on skins in the Georgian tradition: textured, savoury and a perfect match for the food. The kitchen, led by head chef Adrian Hernandez Farina, cooks over charcoal and a wood-fired hearth, and the menu leans into Georgia’s most defining dishes. We began with lobio – a kidney bean hummus slicked with ajika chilli crisp – earthy and smoky, made for scooping. Then came the khinkali, hand-folded soup dumplings served steaming hot. The iberico pork pluma and aged beef versions arrived with cracked black pepper and a burst of slurpable broth inside, the kind of dish that makes you slow down. From the grill, kababi skewers brought smoke and spice, while penovani (flaky, cheese-filled pastry) was rich and moreish. We moved on to shkmeruli, roast chicken in a confit garlic sauce, glossy and deeply savoury. Dessert kept things Georgian too. Napoleon, the regional mille-feuille, came layered with dulce de leche cream and caramel – delicately crisp and not overly sweet. Olive tip: ask the knowledgeable team to guide you through the amber wines by the glass alongside the khinkali: it’s the quickest way to understand what DakaDaka is really all about. instagram.com/dakadaka.london Keith Kendrick Plaza Khao Gaeng, Borough Yards For fiery southern Thai cooking Set under the railway arches that flank Borough Market, this fun spot brings the energy of a raan khao gaeng – the informal canteens that pop up on street corners and markets across Thailand. The high-ceilinged room is breezy and buzzy with a quirky, eclectic style: stainless steel tables, zingy pops of colour, retro Thai movie posters and restaurant signs all add to the atmosphere. Pre-visit we’d read a lot about the heat level of some of the southern Thai dishes and our server was keen to make sure we didn’t go in blind. She helpfully marked up our menu with dots (one for a mild dish, three for fiery), recommended a couple of must-order dishes and we chose accordingly. A Paricha margarita eased us into the heat zone – mango infused tequila and kumquat liquor with a kick of fresh Thai chilli served alongside an appetiser plate of miang pla: betel leaves to be wrapped around spicy sausage, dried fish and crunchy galangal floss to make a herbal, tangy mouthful. The yam strawberry salad was a refreshing sweet/salty surprise – strawberries in a punchy dressing, topped with a sprinkling of the tiniest translucent fish and coconut. From the curries, the gaeng massaman neua was deeply comforting – big chunks of beef, slow cooked in a rich spiced coconut sauce with hunks of potato to soak up all of that fragrant curry. Gung pad prik gaeng sator (tiger prawns stir-fried in red curry paste) brought some of that notorious heat but balanced it well with coconut cream. We kept the heat at bay with a icy glass of Singha beer, served in a chunky frozen glass tankard. Or if you’re in a crowd there’s the option to order a three-litre beer tower with your own tap – a fun playful touch for a very fun spot. plazakhaogaeng.com Janine Ratcliffe Sartoria Launcestone Place, South Kensington For a date night deserving of a white tablecloth Set between the bustle of Kensington High Street and the quieter elegance of Gloucester Road sits Sartoria Launceston Place. It’s a restaurant negotiating several identities at once: Regency stucco houses on one side, galleries and traffic on the other. Inside, though, it’s clear about what it wants to be. This is Milanese cooking, done with confidence and restraint. Sartoria Launceston Place is the younger sister to the original Sartoria on Savile Row and it carries that same sense of polish and tradition, just loosened slightly for this corner of west London. The room is all softness and polish. Banquette seating, white tablecloths and plenty of tucked away corners give it an easy sense of comfort, while still feeling smart. It’s an obvious choice for a date, though there are larger tables too, should the evening stretch into something more sociable. Being part of the Terence Conran family shows, not loudly, but in the calm assurance of the space. The menu follows the familiar Italian rhythm: snacks and breads, antipasti, primi, secondi and sides. I drank a peach bellini, sweet and balanced, with a gentle floral lift. Calamari arrived shatteringly crisp, paired with a chilli jam carrying just enough heat. Tuna tartare and beef carpaccio made a pleasing contrast: the tuna soft and buttery, glossed with vivid basil oil; the carpaccio deeply beefy, brightened by the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. For my primi, I chose the calamarata: generous and seafood-rich, mussels scattered through the pasta, red prawns offering small bursts of sweetness. Fillet steak followed, perfectly rare and lounging in a pool of creamy peppercorn sauce, so good we wished the plate had lingered a moment longer. We kept sides simple with sautéed spinach, its slight bite cutting cleanly through the richness. Tiramisu finished things, served from a large bowl at the table. It was exactly what you hope for: soft, balanced and quietly indulgent. Sometimes that’s more than enough. Service is warm and attentive, perhaps a little formal for some, but in keeping with the room and the setting. sartoria-launcestonplace.co.uk Lydia Anderson Motorino, Fitzrovia For modern London-Italian fare Modern and open, Stevie Parle’ and Luke Ahearne’s Italian-inspired bar-restaurant is a space for all occasions – quick lunches, group meals or cosy dinners. Booths line the walls, while bigger tables keep sight of the buzzy open kitchen. It’s a place you can talk without being overheard, or laugh without annoying your neighbours. We started with Moto Classic martinis, then tore into springy rosemary-scented focaccia, complemented by crisp, acidic pickles. From the starters, delica pumpkin with stracciatella, candied hazelnuts and radicchio moved comfortably between sweet, creamy and bitter. But the dish that defined the meal was the agnolotti carbonara. Each small pinched pasta pocket was filled with a classic pecorino and yolk-rich carbonara, and topped with salty bites of guanciale. The fun comes from eating it whole, as it bursts between your teeth. Clever and deeply satisfying. We’d heard about chef-owner Stevie’s Wildfarmed steaks from his own herd but, as tempted as we were, went another way. An old spot chop, sliced into slabs, was juicy and beautifully cooked, where the pink becomes blush, the rich meat cut through by mustard fruits and apple. Cornish blonde ray followed, robust and flake-apart, with a shellfish sauce that added depth without dulling the fish. Add a couple of glasses of the light Burgundy pinot noir and you have a perfectly balanced lunch. motorino.london Keith Kendrick Island, Kings Cross For elevated surf and turf Island takes the concept of surf and turf, and adds two cult chefs - Tom Brown (on surf) and Brad Carter (on turf) – to create a unique and playful menu. Although they aren’t cooking here day to day there’s some serious skill behind the open grill that lends a beautifully smoky edge to dishes. The dining room occupies the top floor of buzzy Mare St Market – it’s a big space but the cosy velvet-lined booths, banquette seating and chandelier-covered ceiling manage to make it warm and welcoming. We kicked off with a lamb and clam skewer – chunks of lamb belly, the fat rendered crispy and smoky, topped with tiny salty clams. Not listed on the menu but recommended by our server were seaweed flatbreads, puffed and golden with the edges almost like fried bread. We shared a whole grilled john dory which came doused in caper-spiked café de paris butter, the sweet flesh falling of the bone. An aged dairy ribeye was served with a deep umami version of peppercorn sauce and in place of chips little crunchy ‘turf’ roasties dusted with bone marrow powder (we also got the surf version dusted with mussel powder). A Bogtrotter-style layered chocolate cake to share finished us off – rich and dark with a shiny chocolate glaze, it was a perfect end to the meal. island-restaurants.com Janine Ratcliffe 74 Charlotte St by Ben Murphy, Fitzrovia For modern European 74 Charlotte Street by Ben Murphy sees the chef (who ran the kitchen at Launceston Place to great acclaim) in his first solo spot. The room is calm and elegant: coming in from a rainy winter evening the golden light and a warm atmosphere was immediately welcoming, as was the beautiful crescent-shaped cocktail bar where we kicked off with an icy, citrussy yuzu gimlet and a French 75. Such is the commitment to a perfect cocktail that my drink was decanted into a fresh frosty glass halfway through to keep it chilled. Don’t skip the bread – a pillowy loaf of tear-apart milk bread served with a cube of beurre noisette and a dish of hummus with vivid green pumpkin seed oil was just gorgeous. We loved the tender butter poached lobster tail with a tartlet topped with tiny discs of pumpkin to look like fish scales, and the iberica presa pork served perfectly pink with tiny grilled baby gem, carrot purée and a savoury jus – each dish looking like a little work of art. The wine list has some interesting by the glass options, with a Turkish sauvignon blanc being a particular surprise. Desserts are fun – there’s a retro mint green ice cream trolley with a seasonal flavour (mince pie on our visit) and a lovely chocolate tart, dense and rich with crisp chocolate pastry and hazelnut praline. 74charlottestreet.com Janine Ratcliffe Ria's, Soho For deep-dish Detroit pizza Ria’s is a cosy, laid-back spot selling fluffy Detroit-style pizza and natural wines. It's perfect for intimate dates and candle-lit catch-ups, full of charm and character. The latest Soho site is snug yet elegantly furnished, building on everything that made the Notting Hill original a hit, with exciting new slices and a sultry wine cave. Ria’s ferments its dough for up to 72 hours, which gives it a deeper flavour and a deliciously chewy crust. Deep-dish pizza is filling but the pies at Ria’s never feel too much. Our favourite flavours were the House Pie and the Soho Chilli Crisp. The first had a red sauce base and a lip-smacking combination of ricotta, basil and lemon drizzle. The latter was laden with ’nduja, Lao Gan Ma crispy chilli oil, pickled shallots, spring onions and aged parmesan – tongue-tingling and tangy. There is a great range of natural wine to sip alongside your slice at Ria's: we enjoyed a glass of Orange de Rias for its tropical brightness, and a glass of Herrigoia – a crunchy, easy-going red with tart cherry notes. There's also a small but sharp cocktail list, bottled beer and a good range of soft drinks. If you’ve got room for dessert, treat yourself to a deep-fried Mars bar with soft serve vanilla ice cream. Sprinkled with a little bit of sea salt, it really is the ultimate treat. rias.world/soho Helen Salter 2210 by NattyCanCook, Herne Hill For reimagined Caribbean food As a Brixton resident I was extra excited about this opening. The Clink project at HMP Brixton inspired Nathaniel Mortley to turn his life around, launching a social media channel which led to residencies and now his permanent home in Herne Hill. Though born and raised in Peckham, Natty’s heritage is Bajan, Jamaican and Guyanese, thus he spotlights flavours and ingredients from the region in his elevated dishes. We kicked off by dunking grilled roti triangles into whipped scotch bonnet butter. Next came crispy spring rolls stuffed with ackee and saltfish, and pork belly with crackling trim, spiced jus and puddles of scotch bonnet mayo. I recommend sharing the hearty mains, all served with a choice of aromatic jollof rice or spiced rice and peas. There’s a sophisticated take on jerk chicken with mango and pineapple salsa, a much talked-about lamb rump with tamarind jus, and pan-seared spiced duck breast served with a show-stealing confit leg croquette. My highlight was whole brill lifted with a lightly spiced plantain velouté, pickled plantain cubes and vibrant coriander pesto. Don’t miss deep-fried apple crumble for dessert, presented in croquette form encasing spiced, pickled apple, with coffee chantilly cream and basil oil crème anglaise to lift. Cocktails pack a punch – signature rum punch is a popular choice, while margaritas are laced with scotch bonnet, and negronis infused with tangy sorrel. It’s a family affair – Natty's delightful godmother Cecilia was our server, his mum is his accountant and an old school friend helps out front of house. This, paired with the throwback soundtrack causing us to wiggle along in our plush grey chairs, ensures that good vibes prevail. I’m already planning a trip back for the Sunday roast, with the promise of scotch chimichurri roasties, followed by a brisk walk in neighbouring Brockwell Park. 2210bynattycancook.com Alex Crossley ALTA, Soho For sophisticated northern Spanish cuisine There’s a focus on northern Spanish cuisine at this large, sophisticated addition to Soho’s Kingly Court. The two-floor space combines industrial warehouse features (large windows, exposed ceilings) with earthy touches – rough stone walls, textured wood and soft lighting. At the helm is Rob Roy Cameron, a chef well versed in the region thanks to years as Albert Adria’s right-hand man. We were advised to order four to five snacks and starters to share between two. The highlight was a set of five rich, smoked Txistorra pork sausages charred on the grill and doused in aged PX vinegar, closely followed by a striking sardine and wine-soaked raisin empanada neatly encased in a puff pastry blanket, the fish head and tail peeking out for show. Sharing mains are cooked on the wood-fired open grill, providing a theatrical focal point on the restaurant’s ground floor. Think 35-day aged sirloin and ribeye, pork chops and Basque classic turbot. Must-order salt-baked Charlotte potatoes are finished in the pan, topped with a disc of mojo verde butter that slowly melts into the hot, crispy flesh. Desserts are by no means an afterthought – finish with dark chocolate ganache lifted with olive oil and salt, topped with sourdough ice cream and charred Italian meringue. The drinks menu is strong – Basque 75 is a pétillant combination of txakoli, oak-aged vodka, verjus, orange blossom and oloroso sherry, while a considerable selection of vermouths and sherry are a welcome feature alongside natural wines. alta-restaurant.com som saa, Shoreditch For Thai food After a fire devastated its kitchen early in 2025, som saa has reopened with its same regional Thai authenticity and buzzy vibes, but with a few new angles and a bit more bar-snack energy – recalibrations the team introduced after months to reflect and refresh. We started where the menu now gently nudges you to start: the nibbly bits. Tua phrik krob — deep-fried cashews with makrut lime leaf and dried chilli — are toasty, fragrant and entice you to keep reaching back into the bowl. Nang gai thort, crisp chicken skin with sriracha, makes you yearn to recreate it at home from the family roast. From there, the table builds itself. Gai yaang (BBQ chicken) comes off the grill juicy and lightly charred, with a tamarind jaew dip that keeps the sweet-sour heat tidy. Yum sanat, a warm northern salad of grilled pork, aubergine and herbs, has that lovely Thai balancing act: smoky meat, soft veg, bright herbs, a little roasted rice nuttiness. Dtom juet — clear soup of shiitake, samphire, kajon flowers and tofu skin — is the reset button in the middle of all that spice. Curries and braises keep the meal anchored. Mu parlow (five-spice soy-braised pork with fermented chilli sauce and a soy-cured egg) is glossy, savoury comfort, while gaeng gari yort mapraow orn — tofu with heart of coconut palm — brings an aromatic, gently sweet warmth. A side of sticky rice feels less like an option and more like the point. Olive tip: Start with four or five small dishes, then add a curry and rice. If the daily som dtam is on, order it — it sharpens everything around it. somsaa.com Keith Kendrick Cô Thành, Covent Garden For Vietnamese noodles On visiting Ho Chi Minh in 2013, Hong Kong based Brian Woo was transfixed by local Nguyễn Thị Thanh's street stand, returning daily for her rotating noodle soups. He befriended the ‘Lunch Lady’, training with her for three years before opening a restaurant in her name in Hong Kong. Now Cô Thành comes to Covent Garden, taking the elegant former Frenchie site and adding a vibrant Vietnamese canteen sheen – mirrored tabletops, signage popping from exposed brick walls and colourful plastic stools outside. Sharing starters include minced beef wrapped in betel leaf, sausage skewers glistening in tamarind glaze and beer battered chicken wings with sweet, spicy fish sauce. Next comes an extensive list of noodle soups, my highlight being fragrant bún bò huế, the broth sweetened with pineapple that tenderises the rare beef and beef shank slices along with springy meatballs, fresh herbs and shredded morning glory. Seafood-packed bún Thái has a tom yum edge thanks to tamarind, galangal and ginger, while bún mám packs a fermented umami punch, and bún riêu’s crab base is ideal for thinner vermicelli noodles. We were recommended to drop a couple of unique yellow chillies into our broth, allow them to infuse their floral fragrant spicy kick and then remove. Dinky desserts punch above their weight, from kem chuối inspired coconut and banana ice cream lifted with lime zest, to tiramisu laced with rum and dark roast coffee that caramelises into the mascarpone. Dipping deep-fried sponge fritters into Vietnamese drip cà phê took me right back to Hanoi’s quirky coffee shops. Next time I’ll be trying the clarified bloody mary style cocktail, Vietnamese Maria, for a savoury pick-me-up. cothanhrestaurant.com/london Alex Crossley The Salusbury, Queens Park For modern European cooking in a neighbourhood restaurant setting Half pub, half dining room, The Salusbury brings a confident new energy to leafy north-west London. We visited on a busy Friday night, the bar buzzing with chatter and that end-of-week cheer. Step through to the dining room, though, and the volume drops – it feels like a little pocket of calm tucked just off the action. Modern European cooking leads the charge and the kitchen delivers. We kicked off with the du jour snack, parmesan churros, and these were easily the best version we’ve tried: crisp, savoury and impossible not to leave even a crumb behind. A silky Dorset crab linguine with a peppery cacio e pepe kick had us chasing every last strand, helped along by warm rosemary focaccia that’s clearly made with care. Generous portions continue into the mains. Roast cod came piled high with mussels and sweet leeks in a bowl-sipping cider broth, while Somerset chicken arrived succulent and bronzed with golden gnocchi, sweetcorn and girolles. Desserts hold their own too – the salted caramel tart has just the right wobble and a perfectly judged sweetness. A polished, promising new neighbourhood staple. thesalusbury.co.uk Barney Desmazery Khao-Sō-i, Soho For fiery Northern Thai cuisine London doesn’t lack for Thai restaurants but at Khao-Sō-i – named after the curry noodle dish of Chiang Mai – chef Win Srinavakool has created a menu shaped by the flavours of northern Thailand, with smoke from a wood-fired grill and bold (okay, hot) spice. We began with moo ping: wafer-thin Norfolk pork belly skewers grilled over wood with a sticky, caramelised edge and a deep, savoury warmth. Tum khanun – young jackfruit salad tossed with northern herbs – whacks your tastebuds with refreshing and tingling heat and zest. It’s a perfect spot for an after-work or after-shopping catch-up, buzzing with chatter, the throb of music and the theatre of the open grill. The main event is the namesake khao soi. We tried it two ways: gai (chicken) and bai pye (torched beef chuck eye). The pleasure is in shaping it. Each bowl arrives with coconut cream, chilli flakes, herbs and crisp noodles on the side, so you build your own version: richer, hotter, crunchier, or all of the above, before you pull the noodles from the creamy spiced broth and slurp like no one’s watching. There’s an extensive drinks list but ice-cold Neckstamper pale ale is the way to go to douse the fire and cleanse your palate before diving in to luxurious cha thai cheesecake or bai toey ice cream with cloud-like cubes of brioche. Olive tip: If you go as a two-some order separate dishes and share. You’ll want to experience as much of the menu as possible. khaosoilondon.com Keith Kendrick Il Bambini Club, Hoxton For Italian food in beautiful surroundings Walk into the main entrance of The Hoxton hotel and you are immediately swept into the chic world of Il Bambini Club. The room is warmly lit and beautifully furnished – think curved banquette seating, colourful stripes and florals, and giant fringed lampshades. A big open kitchen runs along one side, which adds to the appealing buzz. We tucked ourselves into one of the comfy booths and kicked things off with pair of cocktails – a rosso spritz with Martini Riserva, cherry and sparkling red, and a punchy vesper martini. The concise menu is trattoria-style. Antipasti of zingy yellowfin tuna tartare came heaped on a pile of crushed avocado, and a whole burrata was served with a juicy panzanella salad (for smaller appetites these would make a perfect lunch or light dinner). After consulting our waiter went for piatti (mains) of meatballs cloaked in a rich tomato sauce with dollops of whipped ricotta and a roasted sea bass – the sweet flesh cut with bitter escarole and capers. From a mostly Italian wine list the chilled Nero d’Avola is great value at £9 a glass – a lovely partner to the food or light enough to drink as an aperitivo. For dessert we shared the very generous tiramisu – creamy and light with a decent kick of espresso and booze. It gave us an excuse to linger, have one more drink and enjoy the cosy vibes of the beautiful room. bambini-restaurant.com Janine Ratcliffe The Elizabeth, Belgravia For cosy bistro vibes This exciting opening sees legendary chef Anthony Demetre, who pioneered modern British cooking at restaurants like Arbutus and Wild Honey, overseeing the new menu. Stepping into the intimate dining room, all leather banquettes and dark wood panelling, felt like entering a Parisian-style bistro. We loved the cosy feel, especially as we were able to get a sneak peek at our neighbour’s dishes to help ordering. The concise menu follows a three-course style which felt refreshing in this age of sharing plates. From starters we chose a Demetre classic, pâté en croûte. Layers of guinea fowl, pork and duck in a crisp pastry shell which came in a generous slab with a dollop of pickled walnut ketchup. After consulting our server we went for mains with an autumnal feel – a steamed Cornish sea bream with a piquant diced piperade and a rich bouillabaisse sauce poured tableside for drama, and a meltingly tender duck confit with comforting stew of chickpeas, spinach and oregano. There’s a pleasingly retro cocktail list – I tried the zingy Lemondrop and my non-drinking guest was given a Juke of Westminster – a non alcoholic wine shrub posing as a glass of red. There’s also a great selection of wines by the glass starting at £7.50. We did end up sharing a dessert of perfectly executed crème brûlée with a rich vanilla spiked custard and shatteringly crisp crust which was a lovely light way to end dinner. olive tip: There’s an amazing value set menu at lunch and early dinner (two courses for £25 or three for £29.50) – on our visit it included Cumbrian beef tartare with ’nduja mayo and beef dripping toast; chicken with pearl barley, morteau and duxelles; and a pear tart with clotted cream. theelizabethsw1.co.uk Janine Ratcliffe Platapian, Soho Of the many surprising dishes at Platapian, the Soho Thai restaurant from the people behind Patara, one especially stood out: cabbage roasted until soft yet still with bite, the wedges dressed with fish sauce and whole chillies to deliver a sweet-salty heat that works beautifully with the vegetable’s faint sourness. But it’s by no means the only eyebrow-raiser in this stylish, sleek space on one of London’s busiest streets. We started with crispy chicken skin with a squeeze of lime – think gourmet pork scratchings. Stuffed snub nose chilli stuffed with minced chicken and prawn is big enough to share, plump and aromatic, and, despite its name, only mildly hot. Then a pandan-leaf wrapped parcel of miang kham scallop, beautifully silky and smoky. Mains kept the balance between comfort and freshness. Short rib beef in five-spice ‘paloh’ with grated salted egg yolk is the stand-out. Flake-apart meat in a rich gravy was positively swoon-worthy. While southern-style yellow curry with crab, mellow and light, saucy with coconut, was a hug in a bowl. Together they showed how Platapian’s menu celebrates the whole of Thai cuisine. From the drinks list, Tom Yum-tini and a whisky sour are smart, punchy and in simpatico with the elegance of the restaurant, while desserts use Thai ingredients to twist familiar Western dishes, such as a smooth pandan crème brûlée. olive tip: When we went on a Thursday night, Platapian was packed, buzzing and loud – so if you want to talk ask for a counter seat near the front. pataralondon.com Keith Kendrick Taco Bros, East Finchley For taco lovers who’ll cross town for them Taco Bros is the sort of neighbourhood place you wander into for something simple and good, then find yourself staying longer than planned, thinking, okay, we’ll order another round. Taco Bros grew from a taco truck and still carries that scrappy charm, though the new bricks and mortar space has its own warmth. Family photos, bright ceiling decorations and the hum of early evening give it the feel of a home kitchen that happens to pour margaritas. I started with the guacamole, which arrived with a heap of crisp tortilla chips and a bowl of green that kept a little of its rustic chunkiness, the sort that feels properly made by hand rather than fussed with. The fish tacos took me straight back to their market days: batter shatter-crisp, slaw bright, tortillas full of flavour. The lamb birria came with a jus that was rich and intensely fatty in the most comforting way, sharpened by white onion and lime. Even the chicken enchiladas felt like a quiet hug, all smoke and gentle heat. The margarita list is long and playful. I went for mango, sweet and sunny, though I found myself wishing it was a touch more sour. There’s a full spread of Mexican soft drink brand Jarritos too, including flavours I’d never seen before. I finished with churros, hot and crisp with enough dulce de leche to make me grateful for the walk home. tacobrosldn.co.uk Legado, Shoreditch For regional Spanish cuisine in a contemporary setting At Nieves Barragán Mohacho (chef-owner of Michelin-starred Sabor)’s regional Spanish restaurant, a bar complete with Estrella Galicia’s signature ceramic taps welcomes guests into the contemporary space. A wine rack spans almost an entire exposed brick wall and prime kitchen pass seats watch over chefs adding finishing touches to no fewer than nine menu sections. We were advised to order three to four dishes each, including two starters, a rice dish and a dessert to share. Things kicked off strong with pan tomate – the olive oil doused tomato toast elevated with dry-cured beef – and tempura-coated piquillo peppers filled with creamy goat’s cheese. Seafood highlights included glistening pan-fried squid stuffed with girolles set on a rich squid ink bisque and tiny fried camarones coated in glossy egg yolk. The ibérico lagarto pork atop rice cooked in earthy mushroom stock is a menu must-order, while sliced tomatoes topped with red mullet bottarga and shaved cured blue fin tuna heart were a surprise highlight. Dessert left us gleeful – saffron honey ice cream quenelle with white chocolate mousse and caramelised pistachios – and we’ll be back to try the Segovian sponge cake. Unique 3-sip amuse-bouche cocktails are served in quirky cups – Spanish bitter aperitif Bonanto is balanced with sharp, sweet rhubarb. To follow, there are multiple sangria options, plenty of Spanish-style gin tonics (re:strong!) and a regional wine and sherry list including my favourite albariño grape from Rías Baixas. olive tip: I would usually order suckling pig if on the menu, and the one at Sabor is epic, but we opted for the more manageable (for two) half pig’s head, deep-fried and sprinkled with jamón powder, which we pulled apart to find juicy treasures. legadorestaurants.com Alex Crossley Canal, Westbourne Park Tucked down a cobbled mews between Notting Hill and Maida Vale, and built into the new Mason & Fifth hotel-apartment complex, Canal is one of London’s most exciting recent openings. Its towpath perch on the Grand Union Canal sets a modern, urban stage for food that’s both precise and packed with flavour. Provenance is proudly front and centre – sourdough comes from Layla, while charcuterie like jamón and Mangalitza sausages arrive from Coombeshead Farm. The menu is cleverly pitched so there’s something for everyone. A fat diner-style cheeseburger bucks the smashburger trend and feels all the better for it, while scallops arrive plump and caramelised, served in their shells with ’nduja butter begging to be mopped up with that sourdough. Crab on toast is so fresh it tastes like it’s just left the boat, and chicken with sweetcorn and girolles might be the most impressive chicken breast you’ll eat this year. Desserts are just as memorable – a tiramisu that’s unapologetically boozy, and a brown butter almond cake with sour cherries that’s indulgent yet balanced. With seasoned owners and staff who know their craft, Canal feels confident from the start – we can’t wait to return. mason-fifth.com Barney Desmazery The Lavery For modern European cooking inside a Grade II-listed townhouse The Lavery is an elegant space in smart South Kensington, where you can expect chic yet understated Georgian interiors: high ceilings, wooden floors, beautiful fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows. The menu and service are as chic as the interiors – no surprise given that the kitchen is led by Yohei Furuhashi, former chef at River Café, Petersham Nurseries and Toklas. His menu showcases Mediterranean seasonality while incorporating ingredients from the British Isles. Starters strike a beautiful balance of fresh flavours, from grilled squid with fresh borlotti, rocket and chilli to Honeymoon melon with shaved courgette and almonds. Standout mains include Scottish sea trout baked in fig leaves and sea salt served with pea, fennel and basil aïoli, and linguine with lobster in tomato and vodka sauce. Desserts are worth lingering over, from a feather-light bean chocolate mousse to the perfect almond tart accompanied by strawberries and cream. You’ll be well looked after from the moment you arrive to the last lick of the dessert spoon. For excellent value, visit for the three-course set lunch menu for £38 per person. thelavery.co.uk Lily Barclay Noisy Oyster, Shoreditch For modern bistro dishes Noisy Oyster is a new opening from the team behind Soho’s Firebird – a sleek modern bistro with a focus on sustainable seafood and killer martinis. The room is an airy, industrial space with shiny, steel-topped tables and huge open windows leading onto a large buzzy terrace. Kick things off with one of the cult icy-cold mini martinis – the Oyster, made with Sapling gin, Otto’s vermouth and an oyster leaf garnish is great paired with a smoked tomato water and oyster dressed with crème fraîche. From the playful menu, small plate wins include a raw scallop crudo topped with zingy pickled raspberries and basil oil, and a dish of rich, creamy stracciatella topped with anchovies and almond pesto (don’t forget to order the light, puffy focaccia to spoon this onto). Guinness bread topped with a generous slick of whipped butter and piled with Yarra Valley red caviar is the obvious Instagrammable dish but still delicious. Standout larger plates include a crunchy breaded hake with a seasonal peach panzanella, and monkfish skewers with XO sauce, topped with a melting, paper-thin slice of lardo. We tried a twist on rum baba for dessert soaked in fig leaf bourbon and served with crème anglaise and strawberries but the soft-serve Jersey ice cream topped with caviar is intriguing enough for a repeat visit. noisyoysterlondon.co.uk Janine Ratcliffe Lai Rai, Peckham For modern Vietnamese Meet friends for fuss-free snacks and cold beers at this dinky new-school Vietnamese. With the name Lai Rai meaning ‘little by little’, the space is a homage to Vietnamese canteens, with a buttery colour palette, neon lighting and slick red stools. By day it serves bánh mì and Vietnamese coffee, by evening the menu evolves into playful twists on familiar Vietnamese flavours – you won't find any bowls of pho here. Smaller plates include crunchy prawn lollies on sugarcane stalks and a light, multicoloured papaya jellyfish salad with lumps of pineapple, charred tomatoes, fresh Viet herbs and peanuts, mopped clean with charred bánh mì chunks. Larger dishes feature a twice-cooked chicken leg atop a herby dressing and grilled betel leaf beef, bathed in a smoky pool of house-made coffee barbecue jus. Vietnamese-inspired cocktails include the Xoài Kick, a bracing mix of tequila, mango, red chillies and fruit salt, and a Viet coffee-laced vodka martini. Finish with a scoop of freshly churned ice cream made by small south London manufacturer Clingy Wrap, with unique flavours such as fish sauce vanilla caramel and kumquat cucumber sorbet. If you're looking for something altogether unexpected, you’ll find it here. lairai.london Helen Salter SINO, Notting Hill For Ukrainian fine dining Sino means “hay” in Ukrainian, but the word goes much deeper to encapsulate the country’s agricultural roots. At their contemporary fine-dining restaurant on All Saints Road, Ukrainian duo Polina Sychova and Eugene Korolev weave this concept into everything they do, from the menu to striking ceiling installation and handcrafted crockery. Interiors are soft, natural and warm – brushed clay walls, beige banquettes and linen drapes dressing the windows. Chef Eugene combines his Michelin-starred experience and Ukrainian heritage to revamp traditional dishes – bitesize potato and sorrel waffles stacked with sorrel-flecked soured cream and smoked pike roe; chicken kyiv presented in a bonbon-style sphere bursting with wild garlic butter alongside bison grass mash; and beef cheek dumplings bathing in oxtail broth spiced with star anise, fragrant with lemon verbena and umami-rich thanks to smoked mushroom garum. Don’t miss tartare-style marinated aubergine served with Kyyrma smoked cheese flatbread and spiced adjika dip to start. Elevated desserts include a riff on honey cake; its layers of honey and buckwheat flour crowned with buckwheat chocolate in a moat of whipped walnut sauce. Eastern European wines hail from Kyiv, Georgia’s Kakheti region and the Black Sea, while Ana Reznik’s cocktails play on nostalgic flavours from a childhood in Ukraine. sinorestaurant.co.uk Alex Crossley Tatar Bunar, Shoreditch For Ukrainian cuisine Southern Ukrainian cuisine is in the spotlight at this likeable new restaurant from Ukrainian restaurateurs Alex Cooper and Anna Andriienko. Named after Alex’s hometown of Tatarbunary, the menu is inspired by old family traditions and his grandmother’s recipes, as well as the richness of Bessarabian produce. There’s also a wine list packed with Ukrainian producers. Interiors are a soothing lush blend of creamy neutrals and natural textures with materials sourced from Eastern Europe such as reclaimed Carpathian wood and Bessarabian stone, with ceramics from Kyiv artist Svetlana Sholomitska. We start with forshmak: chunky dollops of finely chopped herring pâté on onion bread, the oily richness balanced by a disc of pink pickled onion and smoked soured cream. Bryndza, a crumbly, tangy, feta-like sheep’s milk cheese is topped with luscious slices of sweet tomato and sprat fillets for a caprese-like dish with an Eastern Europe spin. On the heartier side, banush – cornmeal and cream porridge – is velvety, cheesy and comforting, topped with meaty wild mushrooms. Mains come from the grill: we tried charred, juicy lamb chop served with yogurt, flavoursome pickled tomatoes and a bright and spicy sauce made with red peppers, the latter of which also accompanies tender, delicate grilled rabbit. Desserts are robust and rib-sticking. Crème brûlée comes with a secret surprise inside – a sturdy steamed varenyk dumpling filled with soft cheese – while crêpes come with three individual fillings: poppy seed sauce, blackcurrant jam and cottage cheese, all swimming in creamy custard. Tatar Bunar is generous to a fault – portions are sizeable, the glasses of wine are large and the flavours are bold and unapologetic. A refreshing addition to London's restaurant scene. @tatarbunar.london Hannah Guinness Lupa, Highbury For a neighbourhood Italian This cute neighbourhood corner spot is inspired by the osterias of Rome – where co-owner Ed Templeton lived for a time – with their comforting, simple dishes and casual, friendly atmosphere. The bright, breezy room feels fresh but keeps lots of the original charm intact, including the beautiful, almost floor to ceiling original windows. Chef Naz Hassan's menu is concise and a table of four could happily order most of the menu. Kick off with a punchy martini, heady with Malfy gin and fig leaf liqueur, and a snack of courgette flower stuffed with burrata, deep-fried and served on an umami courgette purée boosted with dashi. There are some pasta greatest hits – try the cacio e pepe with handmade pici in a generous slick of peppery, cheesy sauce. Mains include a thick slice of porchetta stuffed with apricot, gorgeously burnished with deep, crunchy crackling – order the creamy green vignarola veg as a perfect accompaniment. There are only two puddings but the tiramisu delivers – feather light and creamy with a proper kick of booze. Punters may book hoping to see a glimpse of co-owner Theo James (of White Lotus fame) but they’ll come back for the spot-on cooking. lupa.restaurant Janine Ratcliffe Osteria Angelina, Shoreditch For Italian and Japanese fusion Angelina in Dalston offers a unique fusion of Italian and Japanese cooking. This new offshoot caters to a more casual set-up, with tasting menus swapped out for a pick-and-mix of Italian-Japanese dishes and an open kitchen and pasta studio to be viewed from marble-topped tables. Small plates are split into pane (hello nori-flecked focaccia), insalate including Usman's magic mirin and star anise tricolore tomato salad, crudos, such as tuna belly with citrussy ponzu and wasabi, and fritti featuring courgette flowers stuffed with creamy miso and caramelised onion ricotta, topped with hazelnut furikake for extra crunch. Pastas are a highlight – the menu advises to order a couple and we agree. Kombu and truffle laced tortellini contrasts slow-cooked duck ragu and crunchy lotus flower pieces on folds of fazzoletti. Larger grill dishes include umami-rich grilled chicken in taro sauce slathered in miso butter, best paired with okonomiyaki-style shoestring fries. Finish with bruléed black sesame cheesecake or cheese panna cotta topped with caviar for a savoury burst. Playful combinations continue on the drinks list – Riso and Rosmarino pairs cynar and rosemary with sake and cucumber, while smoked pineapple and Sicilian smoked cactus distillate create a zippy Shinjuku Albatross. Lesser spotlighted regional Italian wines sit alongside sakes and a selection of digestifs including grappas and Japanese whiskies. angelina.london/osteria Alex Crossley Town, Covent Garden Stevie Parle's latest swishy, provenance-focused restaurant Any restaurant menu that opens with an extensive snack selection is on the money for London 2025: fried sage leaves with heather honey and chilli are a cocktail’s perfect partner. At Town, the new venue from Stevie Parle and Jonathan Downey the vibe is very much a modern take on early James Bond cool and classy. There’s a standalone bar (cocktails by Kevin Armstrong of Satan’s Whiskers fame, 3 choices of martini natch) which draws the eye on one side, while the space age pass to the kitchen is ringed in glowing baize green and every bit of detail from the ceiling to the frosted glasses shouts ‘attention’. The provenance of produce is equally hot. Wildfarmed beef is raised for the restaurant and served wine-cured with crunchy candied walnuts and posh ‘cheese whizz’, as steaks or in fat form as the cooking medium for pink fir potatoes. There are Seasalter clams swimming in sherry or as a main, curried with cod; Isle of Mull scallops with smoked chilli butter and Kentish asparagus swathed in Mangalista lardo. Kasmiri saffron risotto is served with bone marrow to be scooped out and stirred through, mighty rich in flavour and a show-off on the plate. Buttermilk pudding with roasted nespole (loquats) or a scoop of Todoli lemon and Thai basil sorbet make a refreshing end. There is of course an excellent wine list. town.restaurant Lulu Grimes Kerfield Arms, Camberwell Popular NE London pub team heads south of the river The team behind Islington favourite The Baring has kept things stripped back and simple at their new south London pub. The Victorian-era building boasts plenty of space to play with – for now, a bar with independent brews on tap divides a casual area dedicated to drinkers and walk-ins and a dining room for the full shebang, with the promise of outdoor seating and a private dining room next to the first-floor kitchen to come. To kick things off, a silky house martini combines olive oil fat washed Sapling gin and fennel-infused vermouth, while cherry blossom liqueur and sparkling rosé add spring flourish to a French 75. Order a portion of fried pizza dough fingers to scoop up taramasalata while you peruse the menu of seasonal stars. In the inaugural shish kebab, melting squiggles of squid and lardo slivers are barbecued on a skewer and served in spiced pul biber butter along with shaved fennel and whispy monk’s beard. Half a beefy smoked Marmande tomato, topped with cubes of smoked ricotta and pangrattato crumb, is balanced in a moat of zippy tomato consommé. For mains, grilled monkfish comes with tiny waxy Jersey Royals and friarielli greens in a rich shrimp bisque, while four pink, succulent Yorkshire hogget chops are nestled into a plate of violet artichokes, plump broad beans, creamy bagna cauda and rich hogget reduction. The short but strong dessert menu includes strawberry and chamomile custard doughnuts and chocolate olive oil mousse with rustic brownie and crème fraîche. thekerfieldarms.co.uk Alex Crossley Pyro, London Bridge Greek restaurant where smoke and fire do the talking Just a few minutes from Borough Market is Pyro, a light-filled, open-kitchen spot where smoke and fire do the heavy lifting. Headed up by Yiannis Mexis, formerly of Hide, the Greek menu leans into open-flame cooking with balance and control. Potato pita is essential: pillowy, dotted with onion seeds and perfect for scooping up cooling tzatziki or smoky aubergine topped with walnuts and pomegranate. A pork pluma skewer is rich, roasted and herb-packed, expertly balanced with sour apple. Sea bream crudo, by contrast, is light and bright – green olive and caper leaf add savoury lift, while precisely diced chillies lend occasional, welcome heat. The octopus is soft and lightly charred, paired with a spiced red wine sauce and silky yellow split pea. Lamb, cooked over alder wood, is standout – tender, subtly sweet, served with lamb-fat flatbreads and an anchovy-spiked yogurt. Sides more than pull their weight: crisp layered potatoes with garlicky skordalia and a confidently simple lettuce salad. Portokalopita, soaked with citrus syrup and served with a perfumed citrus leaf ice cream, ends things on a bright note. Pyro is a restaurant that lets fire do the talking but knows when to let something stay cool, crisp or raw. It’s considered and deeply satisfying. pyrorestaurant.co.uk Lydia Anderson Stay tuned for more reviews of new restaurants in London Reviews by Janine Ratcliffe, Christine Hayes, Lulu Grimes, Helen Salter, Hannah Guinness, Alex Crossley, Lydia Anderson Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Spring show-off dishes for the long weekend
Impress your guests with these four spring dishes, from an easy one-pot to a boozy lemon dessert
Long weekends are made for lingering lunches, laidback dinners and dishes worth gathering around. These spring showstoppers brings bold flavours to the table while keeping things low-effort and shareable – think an easy one-pot, punchy roast and build-your-own raclette spread. And, because no celebration is complete without something sweet, there’s a boozy lemon dessert to round things off in style. Discover more recipes for entertaining this season, consider a few unexpected ideas for hosting guests, or replicate private chef Nisha Parmar's vibrant sharing menu for a simple yet impressive three-course dinner at home. Slow-cooked spiced lamb with orzo This effortless one-pot is cooked with fragrant spices of cinnamon and allspice, which don't overpower, but provide gentle warmth. Fresh herbs, feta and lemon lift the finished dish. Bring the platter to the table for maximum wow-factor. Cowboy butter-roasted chicken A punchy butter instantly boosts the flavour of roast chicken. Spatchcocking the bird means it roasts evenly and fast – and, it's much easier to carve for guests. Serve with skinny fries and a vinegary salad to cut through the richness, and don't forget to spoon over all the buttery roasting juices. Raclette party This is a great way to serve a mix-and-match spread for friends. Traditionally, you'd serve raclette simply with boiled potatoes, charcuterie and pickles, but we've added a few extra flourishes to make your guests feel you've worked extra hard! You can buy various raclette sets, but you can also use small heatproof frying pans or dishes. Boozy lemon meringue trifle This zingy spring trifle is made with mostly ready-made ingredients, then finished with marshmallowy Italian meringue. Using hot sugar syrup means the meringue is 'cooked' and becomes much more stable. We think it's worth the extra effort, but if you want a simpler finish, you could pile up some shop-bought meringues and whipped cream instead.
This zingy spring trifle uses mostly ready-made ingredients, then is finished with a topping of marshmallowy Italian meringue
Try our boozy lemon meringue trifle, then discover classic meringues, key lime pie, custard tart and lemon tart. Also try our baked alaska for another impressive dessert featuring meringue. Using hot sugar syrup means the meringue is ‘cooked’ and becomes much more stable. We think it’s worth the extra effort but if you want a simpler finish you could pile up some ready-made meringues and whipped cream instead. Boozy lemon meringue trifle recipe
Traditionally you’d serve raclette simply with boiled potatoes, charcuterie and pickles... but we’ve added a few extra flourishes to make your guests feel you’ve worked extra hard!
What is a raclette? Raclette is a semi-soft cow's milk cheese from Switzerland and France, renowned for its exceptional melting properties. It is savoury, nutty and creamy, making them ideal for being scraped onto accompaniments like boiled potatoes, pickles, crusty bread, and meats. This is a great way to serve a mix and match spread for friends. You can buy various raclette sets but it’s also easy to use small heatproof frying pans or dishes. Try our raclette party, then discover raclette burgers, frying pan potato bread with melting raclette and pickle dressing or 66 cheese recipes. Raclette party recipe
Serve with skinny fries and a vinegary salad to cut through the richness, and don’t forget to spoon over all the buttery chicken juices
Try our cowboy butter-roasted chicken, then discover easy roast chicken, slow-cooked shawarma chicken, rosemary salt roast chicken and more roast chicken recipes. A punchy butter gives an instant flavour boost to roast chicken. Spatchcocking the bird means it roasts evenly and fast – and is much easier to carve for guests. Cowboy butter-roasted chicken recipe
This effortless one-pot slow-cooked lamb is roasted with fragrant spices of cinnamon and allspice for gentle warmth. Fresh herbs, feta and lemon give everything a final lift
Try our slow-cooked spiced lamb with orzo, then discover our lamb shank rogan josh, lamb bhuna, lamb dhansak and more lamb curry recipes. Bring the whole dish to the table for maximum wow factor. Slow-cooked spiced lamb with orzo recipe
When blood oranges are in season make the most of their sweet, floral character in this updated classic
Try our blood orange crêpes suzette, then discover classic crêpes, American pancakes, vegan crêpes and plenty more pancake recipes. You can make the sauce (and crêpes) ahead of time, then just warm them through in the syrup. Blood orange crêpes suzette recipe
Wild garlic has a short season (peaks March - May) so grab it while you can and make these comforting cheesy scones
Try our wild garlic and cheese scones, then discover Wensleydale cheese scones, comté cheese and olive scones or beef chilli with jalapeño cheddar scones. Wild garlic and cheese scones recipe
This beetroot carpaccio with stracciatella make a brilliant starter – serve it on a big platter for sharing and hand round extra pistachio pesto for people that want it
Try our beetroot carpaccio with stracciatella and pistachio pesto, then discover beetroot and goat's cheese salad, beetroot soup, beetroot risotto and more beetroot recipes. Stracciatella is the creamy inside of a burrata – find it in tubs or just tear a couple of burratas over the beets. Cook’s tip: Boost your plant points "Using two different colours of beetroot gives you an extra plant point - just make sure to pickle them in separate bowls so the colours don't bleed. For a seasonal twist, use 25 grams of wild garlic leaves in the place of the garlic and reduce the basil to 50 grams. I've served my carpaccio with seeded crackers for even more plant variety and fibre." View Green Video on the source website Note these changes to the recipe will alter the nutritional information displayed. Here are more ways to boost your plant points and plant-packed recipes. Beetroot carpaccio with stracciatella and pistachio pesto recipe
This rich smoked haddock, gruyère and watercress tart tart makes a lovely dish for a spring lunch – serve with a crisp green salad
Try our smoked haddock, gruyère and watercress tart, then discover gruyère and caramelised onion tart, salmon and watercress tartlets or smoked haddock and dill tart. Smoked haddock, gruyère and watercress tart recipe
Best restaurants in St Ives: an expert shares their favourite local spots
Discover the best restaurants in St Ives, serving up everything from Mediterranean tapas to fresh seafood and unbeatable brunch on the beach
This popular corner of Cornwall is filled with great restaurants, cafés and interesting bars. Here's our pick of the best places to eat and drink in buzzy St Ives. For more Cornwall inspiration, check out our guides to the best restaurants in Cornwall, best restaurants in Penzance and the best hotels in Cornwall. Best places to eat and drink in St Ives Brine For inventive brunch dishes Grab a coveted window seat at this cute first floor café overlooking St Ives Harbour and try one of the inventive brunch dishes, like the Ful (beans with flatbread, pickles and tomato confit) or the Jaffle toastie, stuffed with fresh crab, Singapore chilli sauce and cheese. In the evening Brine transforms into a cosy spot with freshly shucked and topped oysters, small plates (such as smoked mackerel caesar) natural wines and cocktails. Look out for the late afternoon wine and oyster happy hour bargains too. @brine_stives Ardor For Mediterranean grilling The Josper grill is the star of the show at this central Fore Street spot. The Med-influenced menu runs from lighter tapas dishes like scallop, prawn and octopus pil pil, and grilled sardines with chorizo and piperade, through to perfectly seared dry-aged steaks, duroc pork chops and monkfish skewers cooked over charcoal. There’s a concise European wine list with lots available by the glass to try. It’s an elegant spot perfect for date night and buzzy enough for a fun group outing. ardorstives.co.uk Silco Bar & Kitchen For stellar sharing plates This fun, casual space which hugs the Downalong side of the harbour is perfect if you fancy a drop-in lunch or perfectly mixed cocktail. Bag a seat outside and watch the boats bobbing as the sun goes down over the harbour. There’s a lovely playful menu of small sharing plates with eclectic global touches. The small kitchen turns out stellar dishes including a puttanesca butter flatbread with white anchovies and crispy capers, and a crisp pork belly, meltingly tender, with a nuoc cham sauce. You can also buy bottles of premixed house cocktails to take away. drinksilco.co.uk Porthmeor Beach Café For unbeatable views This breezy café perched directly over Porthmeor beach has some of the best views in St Ives with multiple areas to choose from, including a dog-friendly terrace, the main restaurant or cosy sea-facing pods. Whichever you choose you’ll be directly over the beach. The menu is a mix of vibrant spice-forward plates like celeriac shawarma with beet hummus and ras el hanout yogurt, or crispy skinned St Ives Bay mackerel with zaalouk (aubergine dip) and fennel and grape salad. It's the perfect spot to grab a spritz made from Cornish rose vermouth and watch the surfers during the day, or to savour a drink at sunset. porthmeor-beach.co.uk The Gurnard’s Head For an excellent pub There’s a reason The Gurnard's Head tops many 'best of West Cornwall' lists. It's not strictly in St Ives (you’ll need a car, taxi or local bus to get there) but absolutely unmissable if you want to try some of the best cooking in the area. The distinctive bright yellow pub sits on the edge of the coastal path and there’s a winding road down to the sea if you fancy a pre- or post-lunch stroll. In the summer the huge garden is great for views across the countryside, but if the weather turns there’s a cosy flagstoned pub room with an open fire, as well as a larger dining room. The menu changes seasonally and makes the most of locally landed fish in dishes like plaice with mussels, capers and seaweed, or wild sea bass with lobster butter. There’s a great selection of wines available by the carafe or glass. If you miss the lunch sitting there’s an all-day bar menu with a superior burger or ploughman's available, alongside a pint from Cornish brewers like Verdant, Firebrand or Skinner's. gurnardshead.co.uk JOHNS For unique bottles This Aladdin’s cave of craft spirits, wines and local beer and cider is worth visiting just to marvel at the sheer volume of different bottles on offer (including its own award-winning Crusty Juggler rum). Hidden away at the back is a cute, compact bar area where you can enjoy a bottle of wine chosen from the shelf or fridge, try the St Ives Brewery beers on taps, or sip an expertly poured Golden Hour martini. johnswines.co.uk St Eia For wine bar chic This chic, intimate wine bar pours rare, low-intervention bottles alongside a short menu of bistro-inspired food. Chat to the knowledgeable team, who will help you pick a glass you’ll love, or buy a bottle to go. steiawines.com More travel inspiration... Best day trips from London by train Brighton guide: where locals eat and drink 14 small towns across the UK every foodie should visit The UK's best pubs with rooms UK boutique hotels for food lovers 10 exciting UK city breaks for food lovers Best restaurants with rooms UK spa hotels for food lovers Best romantic UK hotels Best seaside staycations
22 lamb mince recipes for flavour-packed, budget friendly meals
Make the most of minced lamb with our easy ideas, from hearty meatballs to comforting shepherd's pie and sausage rolls
Looking for lamb mince recipes? Want the best meatballs or easy ragu recipes? Try our ideas below, including comforting pies and simple sausage rolls. See more ideas with our best pork mince recipes, beef mince recipes or turkey mince recipes.
28 showstopping lemon desserts that are bursting with citrusy flavour
Create one of our citrusy bakes and desserts, from lemon drizzle cake to lemon meringue pie and a zesty cheesecake or two, including vegan options
Looking for lemon desserts? Finish your meal with a refreshing citrus hit by serving the perfect lemon pie recipe or one of our sweet lemon tart ideas. Then check out our lemon cake recipes and for more sweet inspiration, try our chocolate desserts. Going on a picnic? Take a batch of our lemon cupcakes or lemon and blueberry tray bake bars. Now try all of our favourite sweet and savoury lemon recipes.
8 Jerusalem artichoke recipes to make the most of this sweet, earthy root vegetable
Make the most of this sweet, mushroomy root with our Jerusalem artichoke recipes, from hazelnut risotto to creamy soup, or served with miso butter
Looking for Jerusalem artichoke recipes? Want the best artichoke soup? Try our ideas below and check out our globe artichoke recipes. Though it may not look as pretty, Jerusalem artichoke is a variety of sunflower. We use its earthy to add umami to vegetarian entertaining dishes and wintery side dishes. When is Jerusalem artichoke in season?
71 cauliflower recipes which make veg the star of the show
We have plenty of cauliflower recipes to celebrate this versatile brassica, from classic cauliflower cheese and whole roast cauliflower to soups and curries
Want to know the best way to use cauliflower? Discover our best cauliflower cheese, warming cauli curries, healthy cauliflower salads and lots of new ways with this budget-friendly veg. We also have cauliflower steak recipes or whole roast cauliflower ideas. Want expert advice for growing your own crop? Learn how to grow your own cauliflower from our friends at Gardeners’ World. For more vibrant veg dishes, check out our broccoli recipes and fennel recipes.
64 prawn recipes for quick, flavour-packed meals
Prawns are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. From curries and salads to Middle Eastern recipes, our best ever prawn collection has it all
Looking for prawn recipes? Try our top prawn dishes, from garlic prawns to prawn curry, and plenty of simple starter ideas for your next dinner party... Prawns are a great midweek meal ingredient as they only take minutes to cook. You can buy them chilled or frozen, raw or ready-cooked. Always defrost frozen prawns thoroughly to ensure safe and even cooking. Most recipes will specify shell-on or peeled but peeled are probably the most widely sold and convenient.
Make the most of this seasonal citrus fruit with our recipes, including refreshing salads, zesty bakes and homemade marmalade
Looking for the best grapefruit recipes? Want to whip up an easy cake, simple marmalade or citrusy cocktail? Try our ideas below, then check out our zingy lemon dishes and blood orange recipes. Named for the fact that the fruits grow in grape-like bunches, grapefruits are the largest citrus fruits, growing up to 18cm in diameter. They come in both seeded and seedless varieties, and, although the skins are always yellow (sometimes with a faint blush of pink), the flesh varies from yellowish white to pink and ruby red. Inside, the flesh is segmented like an orange, but the flavour is more tart. The bitter notes are delicious added to cocktails, in salads with salty cheese like halloumi and simmered into a sticky marmalade. Sweet grapefruit recipes Coconut and pink grapefruit slices Check out our pretty coconut slices with tangy pink grapefruit. These sweet squares are easy to make and go perfectly with your afternoon cuppa. Grapefruit and mint syllabub This easy dessert is made with floral rosé wine and sharp, refreshing grapefruit – it may take just 10 minutes to make but will end your dinner on a high note. Check out our quick chocolate mousse. Grapefruit drizzle cake We’ve switched lemon for grapefruit in this seasonal twist on drizzle cake – the sugary crust gives a wonderful texture to the golden loaf. We also have a classic lemon drizzle cake. Grapefruit marmalade Add some zing to breakfast and bakes with this foolproof pink grapefruit marmalade. Follow the recipe and you’ll get it right every time. We also have a classic marmalade recipe. Grapefruit angel cake Try this zesty twist on a classic for a showstopping celebration cake or luxurious afternoon tea, topped with white chocolate frosting and candied grapefruit peel. You'll love our white chocolate fudge cake. Aperol and red grapefruit marmalade Make our red grapefruit marmalade, a unique twist on the classic jam. Aperol lends a lovely bitter orange note to this soft-set marmalade. Grapefruit upside-down cake A classy, grown-up take on an upside-down cake, with ruby red grapefruit, clementines, a light almond sponge and a gin-heavy drizzle on top. Next try our sweet and sticky mango upside-down cake. Savoury grapefruit recipes Pink grapefruit, cavolo nero, avocado and walnut salad This salad, with its contrasting textures and flavours, is striking to look at and packed full of the nutrients our bodies are craving. Plus it's vegetarian, low in calories and gluten-free. The grapefruit adds brightness and colour. We've got lots more nutritious kale recipes. Crab, cucumber and grapefruit salad This nourishing salad is packed full of fresh, zesty flavours and makes a great starter or main. Plus it's low in calories and gluten-free. See all our crab recipes. Watercress and avocado salad with pink grapefruit This fresh, zingy watercress and avocado salad with pink grapefruit and Campari vinaigrette makes a great summer starter. It's vegetarian, easy and ready in 30 minutes. See all our favourite ways with avocado. Thai pink grapefruit and prawn salad This salad is packed with flavour and features tiger prawns, pink grapefruit, peanuts, coconut, lime leaves and banana shallots. Refreshing and spicy, it's a winner! Tuck into our delicious Thai recipes. Grapefruit cocktails and drinks Grapefruit mimosa This sharp and zesty cocktail is a twist on the classic mimosa – the orange juice is swapped for grapefruit and a little triple sec to balance the tart citrus. Paloma cocktail The margarita's softer, breezier cousin – this tequila-based cocktail makes a great sip for the summer months, starring refreshing grapefruit. Sip on our best summer cocktail recipes. Grapefruit daiquiri This classic rum cocktail gets a zingy twist by swapping the classic lime juice for grapefruit. Grapefruit and cardamom shrub These tangy fruit and vinegar syrups make a great non-alcoholic drink when diluted with sparkling or tonic water. Combine grapefruit with orange, cardamom, caster sugar and raw apple cider vinegar for a refreshing drink. Enjoy more of our fragrant cardamom recipes. Fig and grapefruit twinkle cocktail Crème de figue liqueur adds a delicately spiced flavour to this celebratory cocktail, which also comes laced with grapefruit gin and champagne. See all our vodka cocktails and gin cocktails. Basil grapefruit cooler This cocktail is made with vodka and chilled grapefruit juice, and is finished with fresh basil leaves. The grapefruit enhances the bright, fruity flavours. Next, try our peach and basil cordial. Grapefruit and lychee fizz Kick back and relax with this refreshing cocktail for one. Enjoy the fruity flavours of grapefruit and lychee. Perfect to unwind with on a Friday night. Alternatively, try our lychee martini. When is grapefruit in season? Pink grapefruit is available all year round but is even better in winter and spring when it’s juicier and sweeter. When looking for the juiciest ones, opt for fruits that feel heavy. Health benefits of grapefruit Grapefruits are a good source of fibre and vitamin C. They're also high in antioxidants which help to protect cells in the body from potential damage. In particular, they’re a good source of beta-carotene, which is converted in the body to vitamin A.
Make a filling meal for two with our simple dinner recipes. Try a stunning date night carbonara, a comforting roast chicken or flavour-packed fajitas
Looking for easy weeknight dinners for two? Catering for a couple doesn't need to mean boring and basic. Dinner is no less of an important occasion with a smaller crowd, so make the most of evenings in with our midweek meals that bring something special to your plate. From punchy kimchi noodles to creamy courgette risottos, you won't feel like you're missing out. Get the best dinner recipes and healthy dinner ideas to see you through the midweek meal struggles or try our best easy 20-minute meals for colourful dishes you can put together in a flash. For romantic meals, check out our best date night recipes.
29 cabbage recipes from crunchy slaws and comforting traybakes to nourishing stews
From crunchy slaws to hearty stews and showstopping side dishes, try our top cabbage recipes using savoy, hispi and more varieties
Looking for cabbage recipes? Like most vegetables, cabbage is an excellent source of essential vitamins and is also high in potassium and iron. With so many varieties available to choose from – savoy, hispi, white – there are plenty of different and exciting ways to use cabbage in your cooking. Cabbage can be eaten raw or cooked, depending on your preference, and you should always try and buy it as fresh as possible so it hasn't lost any of its essential nutrients. Our recipes demonstrate how easy it is to use cabbage in your everyday cooking whether simply using it as a sandwich filling, adding it to a salad or creating a delicious main course dish for all the family to enjoy. Try our red cabbage recipes or our best vegetable side dishes for more produce at its peak. Explore fresh twists on traditional greens by browsing our best cabbage recipes collection. For more exciting veggies, see the best leafy greens to try including easy kale recipes, radicchio recipes and versatile spinach recipes. Also check out our fresh celery recipes and spring onion recipes.
42 leek recipes to celebrate this versatile vegetable being in season
Make the most of leeks with our recipes for comforting pies, hearty soups, savoury bakes, risottos and rib-sticking pasta dishes
If you want to find out how to cook leeks, look no further. Our leek recipes make the most out of this leafy green, from warming leek and potato soup recipes to side dish ideas. Next, check out our spring onion recipes, celery recipes, asparagus recipes, easy runner bean recipes and fennel recipes. Try our comforting chicken and leek pies, leek pasta and vegetarian leek recipes. Looking for something a bit lighter for the spring? Try our spring green broth and our other healthy leek recipes. When buying leeks, check that the dark green tips are in good condition and make sure that you wash them thoroughly – they're experts at trapping dirt between the layers. Don’t ditch these dark green ends, they are tough but quickly cooking in some oil or butter will soften them up. Want expert advice for growing your own crop? Learn how to grow your own leeks from our friends at Gardeners' World.
28 gnocchi recipes for comforting midweek dinners
Check out our comforting gnocchi recipes. The unique texture of these Italian dumplings works well with creamy, cheesy sauces and as a base for vegetarian dishes.
Looking for easy gnocchi recipes? Try our ideas here. The unique texture of potato gnocchi works well for vegetarian midweek meals and easy entertaining recipes. You can also try our gnocchi sauces.
43 pancake recipes for Pancake Day and beyond
Eat pancakes all year round with our recipes, from indulgent peanut butter and chocolate Nutella stacks to simple crepes and fluffy vegan pancakes
Looking for Pancake Day recipes? Here’s how to make pancakes from scratch, plus inspiring ideas for Shrove Tuesday. Try indulgent sweet pancakes for brunch or healthy breakfast crepes. Follow our guide to make perfect pancake batter and even which pan to choose. Remember, the majority of pancake batters can be made the night before (along with their toppings) and kept in the fridge, to save time in the morning. For more perfect pancake inspiration, check out our collections of savoury pancake recipes, sweet pancake recipes and indulgent pancake recipes. Looking for entertaining ideas? We've got all the info you need on how to host a pancake party, from assembling a DIY pancake bar to the best pancake kitchenware to buy. You can also discover the latest pancake trends, and learn how different countries celebrate Shrove Tuesday with our pancakes from around the world. Now try our favourite vanilla recipes and brunch recipes.
Give familiar dishes a fresh twist with these inventive recipes, from Peruvian roast chicken to dark chocolate focaccia
Explore the unexpected with our unique twists on classic entertaining dishes. Our elevated crowdpleasers will encourage guests to share stories of places travelled, cuisines explored and ingredients tasted. Gather your favourite people and be the spark of an enriching evening of conversation. Looking for more inventive entertaining inspiration? Try our cosy winter feasting ideas and Nisha Parmar's vibrant entertaining menu. Unexpected entertaining ideas Halloumi schnitzel with harissa honey drizzle and crispy apple slaw You can schnitz anything – chicken or pork are classics and veggies like celeriac also work really well. This halloumi version is a textural delight with the bouncy cheese in a crisp golden shell served with a spicy honey and a cool crunchy slaw. Peruvian-style roast chicken with herby green salad Roast chicken is a universal joy. This Peruvian chicken sees chicken thighs flavoured with a beer, lime and ginger marinade, then served with a green sauce and two types of salad. French onion beef stew with a cheesy croûte top Think of this as a mash-up between a French onion soup and a rich beef stew – the crispy gruyère-loaded croûtes take it to the next level. Serve in individual mini casseroles with some mash and greens on the side, if you like. Dark chocolate, olive oil and sea salt focaccia Sweet focaccia might seem strange but it’s having a moment. In this recipe, peppery olive oil and dark chocolate pair really well – throw some sea salt in the mix for a sweet/salty edge and you have baking heaven.
10 foolproof crêpe recipes for breakfast, brunch and beyond
Try these crêpe recipes for a lighter alternative to fluffy American-style pancakes. From boozy crêpes suzette and savoury ham and cheese to vegan versions
Looking for the best homemade crêpes? Want the perfect crêpe suzette to serve for pud on Pancake Day? These wafer thin French-style pancakes are perfect for topping and rolling up with a range of sweet and savoury fillings. We've got plenty of ideas below, from our basic recipe to elaborate crêpe cake towers and dairy-free versions. For more inspiration, check out our main collection of pancake recipes, along with our savoury pancake recipes, sweet pancake recipes and indulgent pancake recipes. Crêpe recipes Classic crêpes Our easiest ever crêpes recipe uses just five ingredients and can be ready in half an hour. These basic thin pancakes are perfect for customising with any toppings of your choice - one of our favourites is fresh fruit, whipped cream and a drizzle of hot chocolate sauce. Banana crêpes with butterscotch These easy crêpes are great for a decadent Shrove Tuesday treat or a sweet dessert all year round. Crêpes with espresso Looking for an easy crêpe recipe to pick you up? Try these delicate crêpes with espresso topped with chocolate and hazelnut for an indulgent dessert on Pancake Day. Crêpes suzette (French crêpe recipe) Crêpe suzette is a classic French dessert combining thin pancakes with a boozy orange sauce and we think they're perfect for Shrove Tuesday or, why not try them at your next dinner party. Ham and cheese savoury pancakes Stuff your savoury crêpe with chunky ham and salty gruyère for a quick, comforting midweek recipe or your main meal on Pancake Day! Matcha mille crêpe cake (plus how to video) Got friends coming over on Shrove Tuesday? Create this beautiful green tea-inspired cake using layers of crêpes and custard cream and dust with some matcha powder to finish. Toffee apple crêpes with calvados The classic combination of warm toffee sauce and sweet apples with a calvados kick makes these pancakes impossible to resist. Ready in under 30 minutes, these are quick and easy crêpes to impress on Shrove Tuesday. Savoury vegan crêpe Pack this crisp vegan crêpe with garlicky mushrooms for an easy plant-based lunch or for your vegan pals on Pancake Day. Also check out our vegan pancakes for more inspiration. Sweet vegan crêpe Got vegan friends coming over for Pancake Day? We make our vegan version of this French classic with plant milk and coconut oil for a plant-based sweet treat. Baked leftover crêpes If you've got any leftover pancakes, this comforting cheesy bake is the perfect way to reinvent them. With a mouthwatering mushroom, spinach and ham filling and crispy gruyère topping, this cannelloni-style dish makes for the ultimate Pancake Day dinner. Try our pancake toppings
Dark chocolate, olive oil and sea salt focaccia
Try our dark chocolate focaccia with olive oil and sea salt. Sweet focaccia might seem strange but it’s having a moment. In this recipe, peppery olive oil and dark chocolate pair really well – throw some sea salt in the mix for a sweet/salty edge and you have baking heaven.
Try our dark chocolate, olive oil and sea salt focaccia, then discover our citrussy chelsea buns, cinnamon buns, laminated milk bread and brioche recipe. Dark chocolate, olive oil and sea salt focaccia recipe