Like many, we were thrilled to hear the news that London restaurants could start reopening their doors on July 4. Takeaways, home deliveries and cooking for oneself may be all well and good, but nothing compares to the sublime enjoyment of sampling dishes, sipping wine and soaking up the atmosphere at one of London's top fine-dining destinations. Pre-lockdown, our editors had visited a number of outstanding restaurants that recently graced the city's culinary scene and are pleased to report that are all now back in business, despite the devastating effect of Covid-19 over the last few months. Of course, by making a booking, you'll be supporting the capital's hospitality industry.
Six top new London restaurants to visit this summer
Words by
Jemima Sissons and Charlotte McManus
28th July 2020
As Londoners start to venture back to the dining scene, our editors have rounded up some of the newest gastronomic openings in the capital for your consideration
Waste not: Silo
Next to sleeping barges, zero-waste pioneer Silo lures with its gentle lighting and knowledgeable chefs preparing food behind the counter. Squashes are smoked over the hearth for two hours and potatoes are elevated with homemade sourdough miso. silolondon.co.uk
Deal breaker: Comptoir Robuchon
This is a beast of a bar in Mayfair, with the timbre of dealmaking resounding well into the afternoon. While its slimline portions are not for those returning from an Iron Man, they are very easy on the eye and palate — the smoked sea trout with cucumber and horseradish is delicate and zesty. Luckily for the empire builders, there is an exceptional wine list to help oil the wheels. We loved the Marie Kattalin Juracon to accompany apple and ginger tatin. robuchonlondon.co.uk
Culture club: Townsend
A smart addition to the Whitechapel Gallery, Townsend combines café, dining room and wine bar with modern British flair. Head chef Joe Fox’s (ex-Petersham Nurseries) thoughtful menu includes bacon scones, roast pheasant and wild mushroom with egg yolk. whitechapelgallery.org/townsend
Jungle fever: Amazonico
With its luscious foliage, this Mayfair Latin-American restaurant is a rainforest-themed temple of kitsch, serving up delicious ceviche and chilli-infused cocktails. restaurantamazonico.com
Spaghetti western: Sam's Riverside
This light-filled newcomer is a welcome addition to the Hammersmith Thames-side dining scene. Kick off with grillled octopus with pimenton potatoes and saffron aoili, or the richly velvety clams, braised trotter and white beans, before tucking into brick chicken with black cabbage. samsriverside.co.uk
Well chimed: Church Road
A buzzing neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Barnes, this offers up elegantly robust fare, such as signature hand-cut strozzapreti with chanterelles, crispy chicken skin and parmesan, and a pillow-light double-baked cave-aged cheddar soufflé with leeks and mushrooms. churchroadsw13.co.uk
