London’s food scene never sleeps. Just when you think you’ve tasted it all, a new chef, a new concept, or a small neighbourhood gem pops up and flips the table — literally and figuratively. So, if you’re planning to eat your way through the city this year, here’s a fresh list of places that truly stand out in 2025. Some are new, some are already iconic, but all of them are worth every bite.
1. Kol – Mexican fine dining with British soul (Marylebone)
If you think you know Mexican food, Kol will change your mind. Chef Santiago Lastra crafts dishes like langoustine tacos with sea buckthorn — familiar yet totally unexpected. It’s elegant, earthy, and just a little wild. Book ahead; dinner spots vanish weeks in advance.
2. Dorian – The modern bistro everyone’s talking about (Notting Hill)
There’s something effortlessly cool about Dorian. The open kitchen, the buzz, the perfectly charred ribeye that melts like butter. You’ll leave thinking, “that’s how a London bistro should feel.” Plus, their wine list? Killer.
3. Sushi Kanesaka – A taste of Tokyo in Mayfair
Honestly, this is the closest you’ll get to Japan without flying there. The omakase menu is precise, serene, and surprisingly emotional. When the chef hands you a piece of toro with a quiet nod, time stops. Pricey, yes — but unforgettable.
4. Brat – Flame, smoke and perfection (Shoreditch)
Seafood grilled over open fire, the smell of oak, the chatter of locals who actually know their food — Brat has become a London ritual. The turbot is the star, but don’t skip the burnt cheesecake. Seriously, don’t.
5. Darjeeling Express – Home-style Indian food made with heart (Soho)
Run by the incredible Asma Khan, this place feels like being invited into someone’s home — if that someone happened to be one of the most talented chefs in the city. Every curry has a story, every spice a memory. Warm, bold, and deeply satisfying.
6. Sessions Arts Club – Art, architecture and indulgence (Clerkenwell)
Part restaurant, part art installation, part time capsule. You climb an old staircase, step into a crumbling 18th-century room, and somehow end up eating one of the most refined plates in London. It’s not just dinner — it’s an experience.
7. Bibi – Indian flavours, fine dining precision (Mayfair)
Bibi walks that perfect line between playful and polished. Imagine chaat reimagined with caviar, or grilled lamb chops that feel like a love letter to spice. It’s loud, joyful, and seriously addictive.
8. Akoko – West African fire and finesse (Fitzrovia)
Akoko doesn’t just serve food — it tells stories from across West Africa. Think smoky jollof rice, aged beef with plantain, and sauces that hum with depth. It’s fine dining, yes, but soulful to the core.
9. Café Cecilia – Simplicity done perfectly (Hackney)
This one’s for those who appreciate minimalism done right. The menu changes often, but expect comfort in its purest form: fried bread and anchovies, perfectly cooked duck, an almost nostalgic pudding. It’s small, calm, and quietly brilliant.
10. Dishoom – Still unbeatable for Bombay comfort food (Multiple locations)
Yeah, it’s not new, but come on — Dishoom still hits that sweet spot. The black daal, the bacon naan, the chai that could fix any bad day… it’s become part of London’s DNA. Sometimes, the classics just win.
Final thought
London in 2025 is all about contrasts — fire and finesse, heritage and experimentation. Whether you’re after Michelin polish or just a plate that makes you smile, this city delivers. The only real challenge? Choosing where to start. So, where will you book first?
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