It's been a challenging year, but some fantastic restaurant have launched in London in 2020. We asked you to name your favourites....
The readers' pick - best new restaurant
Fallow - your choice for best new restaurant of 2020
10 Heddon St, Mayfair, London W1B 4BX
The winner in our readers' vote for 2020 was Fallow. Already popular with the critics - Fay went back multiple times before the end of her tenure at The Evening Standard - it turns out that this sustainable, ethical led restaurant on Heddon Street was exactly what the doctor ordered for the year that we've just had. Readers loved the food, but just as many singled out the staff for praise - saying they're great for making sure everyone was having a great time. And, when all is said and done, isn't that really what restaurants are all about?
Here's what you said...
"Over five visits, this buzzing space has never failed to disappoint. Charming staff serve up delicious dishes - and the Mushroom Parfait is the star of the show..." Lizzie
"The food was so good and innovative - the corn ribs! I am a pescatarian and it's not usually that easy to find interesting/different non-meat options." Susan
"They are doing so well considering what has been thrown at them in this difficult year. All the staff are so welcoming and friendly too." Julia
"They are doing exceptional things with zero-waste which more restaurants should be following. But they don’t compromise on taste or elegance. They are the whole package!" Hannah
And the rest of the top 10...
2 - Smoke & Salt
115 Tooting High St, Tooting, London SW17 0SY
You said: “Always been blown away by what they had produced out of that shipping container in Brixton so now to see them graduate to a proper place of their own is heartwarming in this year of all years.” Nik
3 - Sollip
8 Melior St, Bermondsey, London SE1 3QP
You said: “The best meal in a couple of years for me!” (Hwajin) and “An absolute gem of a restaurant.” (Louisa)
4 - Noble Rot Soho
2 Greek St, Soho, London W1D 4NB
You said: “The food and wine, as at the original site, were amazing and the restoration of the old Gay Hussar is so well thought through, not changing what is special about that type of narrow, Soho restaurant, but layering on so much more as well.” Tom
5 - The Connaught Grill
The Connaught, Carlos Pl, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL
You said: “Giving the Grill back to us! In all the best ways! Had a Sussex bone-in sirloin black pepper condiment - perfection!” Julia
More about The Connaught Grill
6 - Six by Nico
33-41 Charlotte Street, London, W1T 1RR
You said: “Six by Nico really has a unique offering. Michelin standard food at affordable prices. What is there not to love? The cherry on top is that the menu changes every 6 weeks with a new creative theme. Meaning every time you go back will be a new food experience. Definitely one of my new favourite restaurants in London.” Karen
7 - Darjeeling Express
2a Garrick St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9BH
You said: “Two words: Asma Khan. The work she does to support women is incredible. And the passion she (and her all-female team) has is so clearly reflected in her food. It's the kind of food that is based on recipes that have been passed down through generations of families.” Leila
8= Bermondsey Larder
153-157 Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 3LW
You said: “Keeping up the solid run offered by the Dairy - and fantastic service to boot.” Alari
9= Joy at Portobello
Portobello Dock, 344 Ladbroke Grove, London W10 5BU
You said: “Great vibe in Notting hill / Kensal Rise. Really embodies the location and SO SO glad it’s back as the old Dock Kitchen was an absolute favourite! Summer nights on the terrace and so many memories of the best food and drink.” Susan
10 - Wildflower
Buck Street Market, Camden High Street, NW1 8QP
You said: “A little gem in a little box in Camden. No sooner did it launch, Covid closed it down. Then again. But the flavours of this young Irish chef is a vaccine to these depressing times.” Barry
Read our own review of the year
You've read what Hot Dinners readers thought of 2020 - now you can read what we thought with the Hot Dinners Awards 2020.
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