Bucking the trend for doom and gloom (and steadfastly ignoring the B-word) we look at some of the cracking new openings planned for 2019 on the London restaurant scene.
Arros QD
Where: Fitzrovia - Eastcastle Street, London W1
What: Much celebrated and Michelin-adorned chef Quique Dacosta has been threatening to open in London for a few years now. Originally expected to be a branch of his InPaella, this is now going to be a brand new restaurant for him. But, as the name suggests, there will still be a bit of an emphasis on rice.
When: Spring 2019
Bob Bob Cité
Where: City - 122 Leadenhall St, London EC3V 4QT
What: This is the third time we've had Bob Bob Cité on our yearly restaurants-to-watch list, but we're pretty sure that it's finally opening in 2019. When we last talked to Bob Bob Ricard's Leonid Shutov, he promised that all the attention to detail they're putting into the new opening will be well worth the wait, as will Eric Chavot's brand new menu. And we think London's really going to need some more "Press for Champagne" buttons in 2019.
When: March 2019
The new Claridge's restaurant
Where: Mayfair - Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR
What: With the closure of Fera on the final day of 2018, the announcement of its replacement restaurant is imminent. And all our sources are telling us that it will indeed be Eleven Madison Park's Daniel Humm in charge (who once reached no. 1 on the World's 50 best list). That's a hugely exciting prospect for the restaurant, making it one of the hottest openings of the year.
When: 2019
Dandy Cafe
Where: Bermondsey - 35 Malty Street, London SE1 3PA
What: We really loved the version of Dandy that appeared on Newington Green for all-too-short a time. So hearing that a successful crowdfunding means they're returning for good - and will have a little more control over their direction - is good news indeed. This will be a must-visit place in Maltby Street when it opens - and expect the brunch offering to be huge.
When: Spring 2019
Darby's
Where: Vauxhall - 3 Viaduct Gardens Road, Embassy Gardens, London, SW11 7AY
What: Last year saw the Dairy team sadly closing Paradise Garage, but also launching a really successful successor to The Manor with Sorella in Clapham. This sees Robin Gill expanding their operations to Central London for the first time, taking over a prime position in Vauxhall. On top of the restaurant we're also promised a bakery. stout brewery, their own vermouth and more...
When: Spring 2019
Eggslut
Where: TBC - central London
What: This American import may have a name that raises eyebrows, but there's still a huge amount of excitement at the opening of the London eggslut. Expect counter dining and some of the best eggy rolls and sandwiches you can imagine.
When: 2019
HOME
Where: Mayfair - Pollen St, Mayfair, London W1S 1NQ
What: After seemingly opening a new restaurant every few months, Jason Atherton calmed down a bit in 2018 - but he's looking busier this year. We're already expecting a Sosharu replacement, but all eyes will be on this tiny restaurant that's right next door to his main restaurant, Pollen Street Social. Expect something more experimental and more pared back than usual, as well as counter dining.
When: 2019
Peg
Where: Hackney - 120 Morning Lane, London E9 6LH
What: They had one of 2018's hottest launches with Bright and now the team behind P Franco are getting ready for another Hackney opening. This time they're taking over the space from the sadly-departed Legs and reinventing it as an all-counter experience.
When: February 2019
Orasay
Where: Notting Hill - 31 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2EU
What: With the success of St Leonards behind them, Jackson Boxer and Andrew Clarke are going way out west for their next restaurant, opening Orasay in Notting Hill. Expect a big focus on seafood and plenty of cooking over fire too.
When: March 2019
Soutine
Where: St John's Wood - 60 St Johns Wood High Street, London NW8 7SH
What: After sadly departing from The Beaumont Hotel in 2018, this year is starting out strongly for Corbin & King with their first new opening since Bellanger in late 2015. They're keeping their cards close to their chests as usual, but we're told it will be like "Colbert meets Fischer’s but with its own identity"
When: Spring 2019
Allegra
Where: Manhattan Loft Gardens - 22 International Way, Olympic Park, London, E20 1GQ
What: We're always a sucker for a restaurant with a view, so the arrival of this seventh floor restaurant complete with sky garden overlooking Stratford should be good. The fact that the chef in charge is ex-Chiltern Firehouse head chef Patrick Powell just seals the deal.
When: April 2019
Tayer + Elementary
Where: Old Street - 152 Old Street, London, EC1V 9BJ
What: Not only does this see the holder of the title of World's Best Bar (for four years) returning to London, but it sees the wonderful Ta Ta Eatery setting up their first permanent place too. Expect what may be London's best cocktails paired with food that we hope will include that legendary katsu sandwich.
When: Spring 2019
Also keep an eye out for...
There are also some promising new restaurants that we just don't know too much about at this point...
- Adam Handling at the Cadogan - He made his fame at a big hotel restaurant - now Adam Handling is heading to Belmond's London hotel.
- Andre Garrett at the Northall - The top chef returns to London to take over The Corinthia's impressive second restaurant space (Kerridge has the other).
- Bar Jaleo - From the man who brought us the lovely Rambla, this is all about paella.
- Eataly London - not a restaurant but a huge Italian food hall. The influential NYC original came with a few restaurants included, though.
- Flor - The people behind Lyle's are opening a wine bar and bakery in Borough
- Nathan Outlaw at the Goring - The Goring unleashes its first hotel in 100 years - and Nathan Outlaw is taking it on.
- Parrillan - an outside grill beside Barrafina in King's Cross, and a completely new approach for them too.
- The Standard - with Adam Rawson on the ground floor and Casamia's Peter Sanchez-Iglesias running the rooftop spot, this will be a huge draw for King's Cross.
- Xier - former head chef of Babbo goes it alone with a split personality (and level) restaurant in Marylebone.
Not to mention...
Salt Bae's Nusr-Et steakhouse
Where: TBC in Central London
What: It definitely got a reaction when it opened in New York in 2018 - and there's still a chance that Salt Bae could come to London in 2019. Honestly, for entertainment value alone we'll be there like a shot, preparing our salt flourishes in advance, if he makes it over. Expect a LOT of attention, which is sure to be mixed, if it does appear...
When: 2019
And there's even more...
Of course, the best place to keep up with all the upcoming London restaurants is to bookmark our Upcoming London Restaurants page. It's updated daily with new additions, the latest dates and more besides. It's the only guide you'll ever need to London's upcoming restaurants.
See all of London's upcoming restaurants
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