Here’s a look back at the most exciting newcomers on the London restaurant scene in 2025, including Martino’s, Lilibet’s and The Fat Badger.

One Club Row

One Club Row is a new Shoreditch restaurant from chef Patrick Powell (Chiltern Firehouse, Allegra), James Dye (Bambi, The Camberwell Arms, Franks), and Benjy Leibowitz (NoMad NYC).

One Club Row is located in a beautiful dining room on the floor above The Knave of Clubs pub, but with its own street entrance.

Drawing on the time Benjy spent working in New York restaurants, One Club Row brings a slice of the glamour and the old school hospitality of New York to Shoreditch.

Think oysters, martinis and a house pianist with a menu of classic bistro dishes.

The Fat Badger

Notting Hill’s latest ‘it’ restaurant, The Fat Badger offers a set tasting menu (that you won’t see until you arrive) of gorgeous dishes using British ingredients – think mains like beef fillet, salad and hasselback potatoes.

The dining room, with its wood panelling and candle light, is beautiful, with a pristine kitchen on show.

The pub on the floor below is a must for a pre and post dinner drink with live music creating a fabulous atmosphere. You should try the sunday roast as well.

Kudu

Kudu, the South African-inspired restaurant from husband-and-wife duo Amy Corbin and Patrick Williams, has relocated from Peckham to Moxon Street in Marylebone.

Under one roof you will find Kudu Restaurant, the open-fire concept Kudu Grill, private dining space Curious Kudu and the cocktail bar, Smokey Kudu.

One the menu you will find the excellent Kudu bread with melted butter, lamb and pork chops and confit trout cooked on the braai and dishes to share such as dry aged T-Bone steaks and whole black bream.

Josephine Bistrot Marylebone

The second Josephine Bistrot from Claude and Lucy Bosi has opened in Marylbone, adding to the original Chelsea location.

Josphine Marylebone is very much modelled on Parisian brasseries, which they have captured perfectly with the design.

The menu is full of classic French food – Steak tartare, Soupe à l’oignon, Fillet de boeuf au poivre, Terrine de campagne for example.

Martino’s, Sloane Square

Martino’s is the latest restaurant from man of the moment, Martin Kuczmarski, following the success of The Dover.

Conceived as a Florentine trattoria, it combines a gorgeous restaurant with a menu of Italian classics with a cocktail bar where you can dine at the counter.

Try the tonno tonnato, shoestring zucchini fritti, tagliatelle Martino’s or a huge veal Milanese on the bone.

Lilibet’s

Lilibet’s is a beautiful new seafood restaurant located in Mayfair.

The interiors are opulent with marble, rich fabrics and antiques setting the tone.

The menu focuses on oysters, caviar, lobster and shellfish, with coal-roasted oysters and raw seafood among the highlights.

The Fish Triptych – fish served raw, grilled and as a soup – is a big hit.

The Hart, Marylebone

The Hart is the latest opening from the Public House Group, located on the corner of Chiltern Street and Blandford Street.

Downstairs, the focus is on drinks and upstairs, there is a more formal dining space featuring low lighting, wood panelling and open fires.

The menu draws on classic British pub cooking, using produce from the group’s farm with dishes such as pork pies, crab cakes, bubble and squeak and fish stew.

Dover Street Counter, Mayfair

Dover Street Counter is the second new restaurant from Martin Kuczmarski, which opened shortly after Martino’s, just a few doors from The Dover.

The menu is inspired by the classic American diner, featuring steaks and fries, burgers and fried chicken sandwiches, elevated for its Mayfair location.

Dover Street Counter has a great atmosphere and is excellent value for such quality.

Poon’s, Somerset House

Poon’s is Amy Poon’s first permanent restaurant, located in the New Wing of Somerset House. The menu focuses on Chinese home cooking, including claypot rice, soups and wind-dried meats made to family recipes.

Designed as an evolution of her parents’ Chinatown restaurant, the space is warm and informal with a focus on generosity and familiarity.

Hawksmoor St Pancras

Hawksmoor St Pancras occupies the former Midland Grand dining rooms, now reworked with the group’s signature wood floors and dark tones.

The dining room is impressive with a separate Martini Bar that has quickly become popular. The menu includes new additions alongside established Hawksmoor classics.

Legado

Legado is the latest restaurant from chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho, following Sabor and her earlier work at Barrafina.

Located in Montacute Yards in Shoreditch, the space includes a walk-in bar, a fish counter, and a large open kitchen.

The menu draws from across Spain, with a particular focus on regional cooking and traditional techniques, with a section devoted to suckling pig and Iberico pork.

Eel Sushi Bar

Eel Sushi Bar is a small counter restaurant from the team behind Dorian, located nearby in Notting Hill.

The menu is à la carte rather than omakase, focusing on sashimi and nigiri. Fish is cut generously with eel, tuna and shellfish among the highlights.

The pared-back interior and strong wine list contribute to its growing reputation as one of the area’s most sought-after sushi counters.

The Good Food Guide launches Restaurant Month 2026

From 13 January to 13 February 2026, The Good Food Guide will run its first-ever Restaurant Month — a nationwide celebration designed to coax diners back out during hospitality’s quietest weeks.

More than 350 restaurants across Britain will take part, each offering a special set menu or exclusive deal, spanning everything from fine dining to much-loved neighbourhood favourites.

In London, highlights include Café Murano, The River Cafe, Arlington and Sessions Arts Club.

Click here for further details.

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