We know you’re a sucker for a new opening. Just the word ‘new’ in the title of this article was enough to lure you in, the promise of fresh drinking and dining spots too enticing to miss. And luckily, London has one of the most exciting food scenes in the world; an ever-changing tapestry of fusion flavours, best-in-class chefs, and ritzy, glitzy openings you simply must try.
So, as we’re the world’s leading luxury lifestyle group, we’ve selected the finest new restaurants this October. From pizza that’s gone viral to vodka poured out of petrol cans, here are five you won’t want to miss.
Punk Royale, Mayfair
Best for: a totally mad, 20-course tasting menu.
Order: the Menu Royale.
Forget everything you thought you knew about fine dining – Punk Royale packs its own punch. Foodies looking for something different are in luck: the Scandi restaurant group has landed in London – as have big caviar bumps, vodka shots poured from petrol cans, and 20 courses of theatrical chaos. But be warned: there’s a strict no-screens policy. Your phone will be confiscated once you’ve sat down, which is probably for the best, given the bedlam that’s about to unfold...
Opened: 12th September | punkroyale.com
6 Sackville St, W1S 3DD
Lagana, Shoreditch
Best for: Greek-inspired dishes.
Order: the seabass ceviche.
You’ve heard of Bottarga, zēphyr, and Nina (one of London’s best Italian restaurants right now), but how about the Pachamama Group’s latest opening, Lagana? The first-ever Shoreditch sister has swooped into the former home of Pachamama East, giving the space a glow-up with Greek-inspired dishes like silky seabass ceviche swimming in lovage oil and kakavia. Walk-ins are welcome, but you'll want to book before the buzz really builds.
Opened: 16th September | lagana.com
73 Great Eastern St, EC2A 3HU
Lilibet's, Mayfair
Best for: seafood fit for royalty.
Order: the Louët-Feisser oysters.
No points for guessing which monarch this new seafood spot is named after – but Lilibet’s certainly gets points for pedigree. Set in the birthplace of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, it comes courtesy of Ross Shonhan (former Nobu and Zuma executive chef). Crown jewels on the menu include the Louët-Feisser oysters, fire-roasted and finessed with seaweed butter, red wine shallots, and house hot sauce – or sea bream crudo – a royal feast fit for a king... or queen.
Opened: 16th September | lilibets.com
17 Bruton St, W1J 6QB
Michael Caines at The Stafford London, St James’s
Best for: produce from the British Isles.
Order: the Signature Tasting Menu.
At Michael Caines MBE’s debut London residency, you can sail from coast to city without leaving your chair. It’s difficult to talk about the Devon-born Michelin-starred chef without dropping a few sea-inspired puns, but the Signature Tasting Menu is shore to impress. Begin with the Orkney scallop ceviche topped with Oscietra caviar and a honey-soy avocado vinaigrette, then dive into the braised beef cheek with watercress purée and a red wine sauce.
Opened: 17th September | thestaffordlondon.com
16–18 St James’s Pl, SW1A 1NJ
Crisp Pizza at The Marlborough, Mayfair
Best for: pints paired with pizza.
Order: the Vecna Pie (pepperoni, burrata, and hot honey).
What do you get when two of London’s most raved-about restaurants – The Devonshire and Crisp Pizza W6 – rack their brains together? Well, without stating the obvious: something really good. But if we’re being more specific, The Marlborough, a Grade II-listed pub in Mayfair. Crust the process: Crisp Pizza is moving from Hammersmith to W1, so expect a pizzeria in the basement and a traditional boozer upstairs, pulling great pints of Guinness.
Opening: early October | crisppizza.com
