BEST NEW LONDON RESTAURANTS TO BOOK NOW
Posted on by Cameron Tewson
From London’s newest restaurant openings and luxury hotel dining to Michelin-worthy experiences and hidden neighbourhood gems, Front Row Edit brings you the very best in the capital’s food scene. Our editors discover the restaurants, bars and culinary destinations shaping luxury dining across London and beyond, offering first-hand reviews, insider recommendations and the latest openings. Whether you’re searching for the best restaurants in London, unforgettable fine dining experiences or the hottest new places to book, our curated guides put you front row at the city’s most exciting tables.
Dante at Claridge’s, Brook St, London W1K 4HR
Since opening its permanent home inside Claridge’s, Dante has quickly established itself as one of the best restaurants in Mayfair, bringing the spirit of its legendary New York counterpart to one of London’s most iconic luxury hotels. Following the success of its 2025 residency, the restaurant has been reimagined by Bryan O’Sullivan Studio with an elegant palette of rich green and blue hues, complemented by Beth Rodway’s botanical murals that create a sophisticated yet inviting setting. The menu effortlessly blends New York favourites with elevated European flavours, beginning with Billecart-Salmon Champagne and the refreshing Negroni Rosa, before moving onto refined small plates including caviar tarts with Champagne pearls and impressive grilled king prawns finished with smoky chilli butter.
Signature dishes continue to impress, particularly the Dante Smash Burger, featuring a perfectly cooked beef patty layered with provolone cheese, caramelised onions and crisp golden fries, alongside a beautifully crisp Parmigiano Reggiano-coated veal Milanese. Dessert is equally memorable, with an espresso martini personalised using the bar’s innovative cocktail-printing technology and an indulgent sticky toffee doughnut dramatically finished tableside with a whiskey flambé. Combining exceptional cocktails, standout cuisine and timeless Mayfair elegance, Dante at Claridge’s has firmly cemented its place among London’s finest luxury dining destinations.
Bavette, 2 Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden,London, WC2H 9DP
More than a decade after first opening in New York’s West Village, chef Jody Williams has brought the much-loved Buvette to London’s Covent Garden, nestled within the colourful surroundings of Neal’s Yard. Effortlessly transporting the charm of a traditional Parisian bistro, the intimate restaurant combines vintage interiors, carefully sourced antiques and a welcoming neighbourhood feel with an all-day menu celebrating seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Following the house recommendation, we shared a selection of small plates, accompanied by a crisp glass of sparkling wine. Highlights included vibrant ratatouille, beautifully prepared steak tartare, rich garlicky escargot and indulgent dauphinois potatoes.
The undisputed star of the menu is Buvette’s signature croque, with the Forestier proving an irresistible vegetarian take on the French classic, perfectly paired with a generous glass of French white wine. To finish, a comforting tarte tatin and silky chocolate mousse delivered the perfect sweet finale before an impeccably crafted martini rounded off the evening. Whether stopping by for freshly baked pastries and coffee in the morning or settling in for an elegant dinner and cocktails, Buvette brings a slice of the West Village to one of London’s most vibrant dining destinations.
Idalia at Pillar Hall, Olympia, 5 c Way, London, W14 0EY
West London’s dining and entertainment scene has welcomed an exciting new destination with the launch of Pillar Hall, a spectacular live music venue, restaurant and late-night speakeasy housed within the beautifully restored Grade II-listed Olympia London. The opening marks a major milestone in Olympia’s £1.3 billion transformation, breathing new life into one of the capital’s most historic cultural landmarks. First opened in 1886 and designed by architect Henry Edward Coe, the hall has played host to everything from grand exhibitions and circus performances to early film screenings and iconic fashion shows. Today, the landmark enters an exciting new era, combining historic architecture with contemporary hospitality to create one of London’s most impressive new venues.
At the heart of the space is Idalia, the venue’s signature restaurant, named after an ancient title associated with Aphrodite. Surrounded by soaring ceilings, elegant interiors and lush botanical influences inspired by nearby Kensington, the 300-cover dining room delivers a striking setting for modern British cuisine. The drinks programme champions exceptional English sparkling wines alongside imaginative cocktails presented with theatrical flair. In the kitchen, executive chef Samantha Williams showcases seasonal British ingredients with subtle global influences, from crisp gochujang-glazed chicken and beautifully prepared whole roasted turbot, carved tableside and finished with fragrant shichimi togarashi butter, to indulgent beef tallow chips that elevate a classic pairing. The now-famous pistachio cheesecake provides a suitably decadent finale, making Idalia at Pillar Hall one of London’s standout new restaurants for celebratory dining, live entertainment and unforgettable evenings in the heart of Olympia.
