The votes are in. We've counted the results and, without further preamble, here's what you voted as your favourite new restaurants of 2023.
Reader's vote winner - best new restaurant of 2023
1 - The Parakeet
Kentish Town - 256 Kentish Town Rd, London NW5 2EN
The team behind Camden's Jazz Café and The Blues Kitchen took over a pub in Kentish Town, gave it a proper makeover and brought in a hot new chef (ex-Brat chef Ben Allen) who's been delivering an excellent menu with a fair bit of cooking over fire. All that and it's remained a proper pub too. The Parakeet has been a big success since opening and it's obviously been very popular with Hot Dinners readers too. Here's what you had to say:
"Have been multiple times and was always amazed by the food quality and the outstanding service. Tried most of the dishes and was never disappointed. Also, excellent wine selection." - Jacopo
"Because the food is addictive! The chef Ben is just amazing. The potato bread and the whipped butter is just yum! Staff are fab and the spicy margaritas rock!" - Lucinda
"Traditional pub cozy atmosphere combined with genre-breaking twists on traditional food and stellar, friendly and knowledgeable service. And just goddamn tasty." - Emily
"Amazing food, amazing service, amazing atmosphere. Had one of the best Friday nights of the whole year here. Also got to meet Ben & Ed the chefs who are just as wonderful as the creations they make." - Sophie
And the rest of the top 10...
2 - 
Sune
Broadway Market - 129A Pritchard’s Road, London E2 9AP
It only opened a few weeks back but clearly Sune in Broadway Market is already picking up something of a devoted following. This team-up of Honey Spencer and Charlie Sims is a winner (and it looks beautiful too).
"The most mind-blowing wine, the most incredible food and the best service in the world. Sune feels like home." - Rachel
"Sune is a gorgeous addition to Broadway Market. It has a classy, upmarket but cosy feel, perfect to make any occasion feel a little bit special but not top formal. Food is amazing and staff are wonderful." - Felicity
3 - 
Il Gattopardo
Mayfair - 27 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4HZ
There have been a few high-end Italian restaurants opening in Mayfair over the past few years, but few have done it with the style of Il Gattopardo. When we visited only a few weeks after launch, it had already become something of a scene - and their veal Milanese is amazing.
"Great space(s), vibey, good food. Awesome vitello tonnato and veal milanese." - SL
"Food was perfect, with a concise but well-executed menu. Beautiful Gatsby interior which transported the diner to another world - worth every penny. Highly recommend" - Kumutha
4 - 
Origin City
City of London - 12 West Smithfield London EC1A 9JR
Origin City opened in Smithfield rather quietly but it's clearly offering something that the City of London needs - well-sourced food, a great classic nose-to-tail menu and all at pretty decent prices. Jay Rayner was a fan too, one of the few critics to pay it a visit.
"Excellent quality meats from their own organic farm. The top-notch cooking brings out the authenticity of the foods." - Konil
"Fantastic restaurant with responsible and sound ethos. Very warm and welcoming atmosphere, incredible food with great ingredients and zero wastage. Very affordable, which for a London city restaurant is becoming rarer." - Lisa
5 - 
Mountain
Soho - 16-18 Beak St, London W1F 9RD
Tomo Parry's Mountain was our own best new restaurant of 2023 and it makes an appearance on your list too. A mix of basque-style cooking with Welsh produce, this has been a hit from day one.
"Our new local, went just before the first reviews dropped so no expectation built and excellent food, atmosphere and service" - Ben
"Exceptional seasonal food, great atmosphere and diverse team. Lovely to see so many female chefs." - Carmen
6 - 
Manzi's
Soho - 1 Bateman's Buildings, Soho, London W1D 3EN
The first new restaurant to come from The Wolseley Hospitality Group post-Corbin and King, Manzi's has picked up fans for its kitsch look and decent seafood menu (the monkfish Wellington really is good).
"It’s like walking into Neptune’s sea world. The colours are peaceful and uplifting. The bar service is jolly and the banquettes cosy. Superb food served with style. Go for the savoury souffle" - Theresa
"Amazing Menu, the decor is amazing and has really brought a new posh life to Soho and that alleyway....long may it continue." - Afees
7 - 
Saltine
Highbury - 11 Highbury Park, London N5 1QJ
Lucky Highbury residents found themselves home to an elegant new neighbourhood spot when Saltine opened its doors this year. From the team behind Fink's it's serving up a very seasonal menu with one particular showstopping dessert.
"The atmosphere, the food, the staff all are top notch. It makes you realise how starved of quality this little street was until now. Great quality wine list and that Sticky Toffee pudding!" - Samantha
"Delicious food, lovely space, perfect addition to the N5 neighbourhood " - Phoebe
8 - 
Papi
London Fields - 1F Mentmore Terrace, London E8 3PN
Papi arrived with a bit of a bang in London Fields, offering a very lively mix of small plates and an excellent natural wine list.
"Fun, unique and chaotic - in a good way - with brilliantly creative food and amazing wines. Love love love!" - Ricky
"The food was unreal, flavours unrivalled, the vibe is lovely, the people make the place " - Toby
9 - 
Dovetale
Mayfair - 1 Dover Yard at 1 Hotel Mayfair, London W1J 8DJ
This was Tom Sellers' second new restaurant of 2023 - a huge space inside the 1 Hotel Mayfair where he and head chef Tom Anglesea are turning out some excellent dishes like the pictured wagyu carpaccio.
"The vibe was great, the service was excellent, has the most beautiful terrace and the food was immaculate. My new favourite restaurant." - Ben
"Have you tasted the chicken? It's divine. The flavours of all dishes are phenomenal and the presentation and service levels are sublime." - Clio
10 - 
64 Goodge Street
Fitzrovia - 64 Goodge St, London W1T 4NF
The team behind Clipstone, Quality Chop House and Portland have another winner on their hands with 64 Goodge Street. The compact restaurant has a real homely feel, backed up by a comforting French menu.
"Outstanding cooking. Brilliant service and very old-school setting. Loved it!" - Ewan
"From the moment I walked through the door, this restaurant made me feel like a grown-up about to have a good time. The space looks and smells like generous conviviality" - Richard
Also see...
Subscribe to hear the latest from Hot Dinners
