A Taste of London: The Capital's 10 Hottest New Restaurants for 2023

A Taste of London: The Capital's 10 Hottest New Restaurants for 2023 - The Ivy Asia Brings Pan-Asian Fare to the West End

The Ivy Asia opened its doors in London's glitzy West End in late 2022, bringing celebrity chef Sriram Aylur's bold blend of pan-Asian flavors to the heart of the city. Housed in a former art deco cinema just steps from many of the West End's iconic theaters, The Ivy Asia aims to showcase the diversity and vibrancy of Asian cuisine in one sleek and stylish space.

The restaurant's interior pays homage to the building's cinematic past with art deco flourishes, while also incorporating modern Japanese and Chinese design elements. Diners can settle into leather banquettes or a coveted spot at the open kitchen counter to watch Aylur's team of chefs prepare everything from wok-fried lobster to complex curries.

The menu is designed for sharing and spans the Asian continent, with dishes drawing inspiration from India, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Korea, Japan and more. Standouts include the charcoal grilled robata section, where skewers of wagyu beef, black cod and prawns are seared to smoky perfection in a traditional Japanese robata grill. Signature curries, noodle dishes, dim sum and satays all make an appearance, offering diners a chance to sample a wide range of flavors and cooking techniques.

Perhaps most impressive is the restaurant's cocktail menu, developed by renowned mixologist and The Ivy Asia's bar director Jun Tanaka. Tanaka's drinks incorporate ingredients like yuzu, shiso leaf, pandan and lemongrass to create cocktails that complement the complex spices used throughout the food menu. For a touch of romance, the Sakura flute fills the restaurant with the delicate scent of cherry blossom from a traditional kyara-style aroma diffuser.

Since its opening, The Ivy Asia has quickly become one of the toughest reservations in town. Critics and diners alike have raved about the vibrant flavors and theatrical dining experience. The restaurant fills a niche in London's dining scene, providing an upscale and contemporary take on pan-Asian cuisine in a city where Chinese and Thai restaurants have long dominated.

A Taste of London: The Capital's 10 Hottest New Restaurants for 2023 - Jean-Georges Vongerichten Debuts New Seafood Hot Spot

The London dining scene welcomed an exciting new addition in early 2023 with the opening of seafood restaurant ISA from acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Located along the River Thames with postcard-perfect views of the London Eye, this stylish new eatery brings Vongerichten’s distinctive blend of French technique and Asian accents to the fresh catches of the day.

As one of the world’s most decorated chefs with restaurants on three continents, Vongerichten is no stranger to London, having opened the Michelin-starred Café Rouge in 1997. But ISA represents his first independent restaurant in the UK capital in over two decades. Named after the Japanese word for “beach,” the restaurant celebrates pristine seafood and seasonal British produce.

At ISA, simplicity and precision are key. The cuisine expertly showcases the natural flavors of the ingredients without overcomplicating things. Diners rave about the lightly battered monkfish with yuzu kosho, the barely seared scallops with grapefruit and white balsamic, and the whole roasted lobster with garlic butter and lime.

Subtle Asian touches like lemongrass, ginger and coriander add fragrance and vibrancy without overpowering the star ingredients. The sushi and sashimi selections showcase fish at its freshest. You’ll also find plenty of vegetables, including some grown right on the restaurant’s rooftop garden.

The riverside location informed both the design and feel of ISA. The dining room features light wood, marble accents and navy blue leather banquettes reminiscent of a yacht’s interior. Panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows frame spectacular views of the London Eye observation wheel.

ISA has quickly become one of London’s hottest tables since its opening. Part of the appeal lies in the care and attention Vongerichten puts into each dish. As a legendary perfectionist, he insists on sourcing only the best seafood from day boats around the British Isles. This enables him to serve fish and shellfish at peak freshness.

A Taste of London: The Capital's 10 Hottest New Restaurants for 2023 - Celebrity Chef Tom Kerridge Opens Casual British Gastropub

The perpetually bustling London dining scene saw a new addition in late 2022 courtesy of celebrity chef Tom Kerridge. Kerridge, known for his double Michelin-starred The Hand & Flowers in Marlow, opted for a more casual concept with his new gastropub Anchor & Hope in the upscale neighborhood of Marylebone.

In contrast to the pomp and circumstance of many celebrity chef establishments, Anchor & Hope offers a relaxed, neighborhood vibe. This welcoming atmosphere can be attributed in part to the pub’s history – it's housed in a 19th century former drovers' inn that still retains many original architectural details. Kerridge wisely saw the charm in the space and chose to leave much of its patina intact.

The menu celebrates quintessential British fare with Kerridge’s signature modern twists. Hearty dishes like proper fish and chips with mushy peas and steak and ale pie appear alongside more refined plates highlighting seasonal ingredients. A standout is the pressed guinea fowl with parsnip, pear and smoked bacon. Don't miss the Scotch egg with brown sauce either – it's become something of a signature.

What also makes Anchor & Hope stand out is its devotion to excellent traditional ales. Beer fans will delight in the ever-rotating selection of cask ales and bitters pulled from nearby London microbreweries. Servers are extremely knowledgeable about the provenance and flavor profiles of the beers on tap. And you can always count on a few interesting bottled options as well.

Since opening last November, Anchor & Hope has received a wave of glowing reviews, with many praising its balance of casual charm and culinary artistry. Diners call the gastropub a breath of fresh air in London's high-end dining scene dominated by stiff service and stuffy settings. Here you'll often see Kerridge himself mingling with guests and joining in the lively pub atmosphere.

A Taste of London: The Capital's 10 Hottest New Restaurants for 2023 - Michelin-Starred Chef Claire Clark Launches Vegan Eatery

Vegan cuisine has come a long way in recent years, shedding its reputation as bland and uninspired and earning credibility among food critics and fine diners. This shift comes in no small part thanks to acclaimed chefs like Claire Clark, who brought her artistry to London’s first plant-based tasting menu with the opening of Florage in late 2022.

As a Michelin-starred pastry chef who led the pastry sections at esteemed restaurants like The Fat Duck and The French Laundry, Clark boasts some serious culinary chops. Her dazzling desserts at The French Laundry earned her the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France award in 2011.

At Florage, Clark translates her technical skills and creativity to the plant-based realm. The tasting menu celebrates vegetables and plant-based proteins in ways that will make any diner rethink vegan cuisine. Dishes utilize unexpected ingredients and textures to deliver bold flavors and visual appeal.

The “Charred Leek” features the humble leek transformed into a smoky, umami-rich raviolo thanks to Activated Bamboo Charcoal. Velvety Jerusalem artichoke puree and roasted hazelnuts provide contrasting creaminess and crunch.

On the “Barbecued Fennel” dish, fennel gets the low and slow barbecue treatment to concentrate its anise notes before joining crunchy kohlrabi and a tangy rhubarb compote on the plate. Plating is decidedly artistic without venturing into pretentiousness.

It’s not just hardcore vegans flocking to Florage either. Omnivorous foodies have embraced the experience, dazzled by Clark’s knack for coaxing depth, complexity and surprise from plants. Diners call the tasting menu one of London’s most inventive regardless of dietary restrictions. Nearly every night sells out thanks to strong word of mouth.

Florage represents an exciting new chapter not just for plant-based dining but for Clark as well. After dedicating over 20 years to crafting breathtaking animal-product-rich pastries, this project allowed her to explore her creativity through a different lens.

A Taste of London: The Capital's 10 Hottest New Restaurants for 2023 - Indian Curry Gets an Upscale Makeover at Gunpowder Spitalfields

Tucked away on a charming side street in London’s bustling Spitalfields lies Gunpowder, an intimate Indian restaurant making waves with its contemporary twist on home-style curry. Helmed by husband-and-wife team Harneet and Devina Baweja, Gunpowder bucks the stereotype of heavy, greasy Indian food with its lighter, refined take on regional Indian home cooking.

The Bawejas draw inspiration from the curries and street food of India’s Punjab region, where Harneet was born. But they present these flavors with an elegant touch to appeal to discerning London diners. Vibrant spices take center stage, balanced by bright herbs and greens. Dishes shine with complex yet delicate flavors.

Sought-after starters like masala popcorn with curry leaf and fried paneer with gunpowder salsa will make you rethink Indian appetizers. For mains, signature options like venison pepper fry and slow-cooked lamb raan are flavored with hand-ground spices and accompanied by a choice of pillowy garlic naan or flaky parathas.

Do not miss the paya, a hearty goat trotter curry brimming with bone marrow richness. Scoop that luscious marrow onto crispy fried bread for a decadent bite. And save room for the dahi gulab jamun with rose petal sorbet - a blissful reimagining of the classic Indian sweet.

The minimalist-chic dining room provides an intimate, light-filled setting for this revelatory cuisine. Exposed brick, blond wood and muted tones keep the focus on the vibrancy on the plate. Service is gracious, attentive and knowledgeable about the provenance of each regional curry.

Since opening in 2021, Gunpowder has earned rave reviews from both critics and diners. British GQ heralded it as an “absolute must” and praised the refined flavors as “so special.” Patrons say Gunpowder is reshaping perceptions of Indian cuisine in London with its nuanced approach.

The restaurant also holds particular significance as one of few Indian fine dining establishments in London helmed by Indian chefs and owners. At a time when many restaurants face criticism for cultural appropriation, Gunpowder offers an authentic perspective.

A Taste of London: The Capital's 10 Hottest New Restaurants for 2023 - Diners Flock to Middle Eastern Mezze at Baity Kitchen

The ethnic food scene in London continues to grow more diverse, with an exciting new wave of Middle Eastern restaurants opening their doors across the city. One of the most buzzed-about newcomers is Baity Kitchen in the upscale South Kensington neighborhood. Led by chef Joe Barza, this chic restaurant spotlights the bright flavors and convivial spirit of Levantine mezze culture.

Since opening in late 2022, Baity Kitchen has drawn consistent crowds hungry for Barza’s fresh take on mezze small plates. Diners particularly rave about the variations on familiar dishes like hummus, stuffed grape leaves and baba ghanoush. Each arrives beautifully plated with contemporary flourishes that elevate these Middle Eastern staples.

Take the hummus for example. Barza’s version swaps in roasted carrot in place of the typical chickpeas to yield a rich, earthy twist on this mezze classic. The velvety carrot puree gets topped with spiced lamb kofte meatballs and an addictive zhoug pistachio gremolata.

The baba ghanoush also receives an elegant upgrade through the addition of smoky eggplant ashes. These ashes lend appealing charred notes that contrast the dip’s lush, creamy body. Za’atar spiced pita chips provide a satisfyingly crunchy vehicle for scooping.

Beyond the small plates, Baity Kitchen also tempts with contemporary mains that fuse Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. The standout is a slow braised lamb neck over freekeh wheatberry pilaf enriched with caramelized onions. To finish, don’t miss the pistachio and orange blossom cake soaked with an aromatic rose water syrup.

Nods to Levantine culture extend past the food into Baity’s warm, convivial ambiance. The dining room pays homage to Beirut’s lively mezze culture with its bustling open kitchen and communal tables designed for sharing plates family-style. Servers exude hospitality as they guide diners through the menu’s diverse regional influences. Many staff hail from the Middle East themselves, lending personal insights into each dish.

Since London boasts a sizeable Middle Eastern population, Baity Kitchen has been enthusiastically embraced as an authentic community gathering spot. But the restaurant also attracts curious foodies across cultures eager to explore mezze’s vibrant flavors.

As one diner described their meal, “You can close your eyes, take a bite, and feel instantly transported to the streets of Beirut or Tel Aviv. Yet there’s also a refined elegance to each small plate that feels perfectly at home in posh South Ken.”

A Taste of London: The Capital's 10 Hottest New Restaurants for 2023 - Copper Rivet Distillery Opens Riverfront Gin Bar & Kitchen

Tucked away along the banks of the River Lea lies a new destination for lovers of craft spirits and seasonal British fare - the Copper Rivet Distillery’s Gin Bar & Kitchen. This intimate, industrial-chic space from Kent’s Copper Rivet Distillery brings a world-class gin experience right to London’s East End neighborhood of Hackney Wick.

Since opening in late 2022, Copper Rivet’s Gin Bar has attracted crowds intrigued by its riverside location, hyperlocal ethos and emphasis on interactively exploring the craft gin-making process. Visitors rave about the opportunity to engage all the senses while learning about this quintessentially British spirit. The experience here centers on appreciating gin’s nuanced flavors in a relaxed yet informative setting.

The on-site distillery offers the rare chance to see gin production up-close. You’ll gain insight into Copper Rivet’s processes of vapor infusion and vacuum distillation that allow them to extract delicate organic botanicals like marsh samphire and gorse flowers from the Kent countryside. Their personalized vapor infusion process results in astonishingly pure, aromatic gins that showcase the local terroir.

After your distillery tour, pull up a seat in the Gin Bar where knowledgeable staff guide you through bespoke tasting flights. With over a dozen small batch gins to sample, you’ll detect fascinating differences imparted by various botanicals, citruses and spices. Each gin gets paired with the perfect aromatic or dry tonic to highlight its individually crafted flavor profile.

Beyond the appreciation of gin itself, the tasting experience focuses heavily on education. Servers take time to explain the history and heritage of each expression. You’ll leave with a deep understanding of how subtle variations in the distillation process result in dramatically different flavors and aromas from the same base spirit.

Of course, if you’re more in a celebratory mood, the Gin Bar offers an extensive list of creative gin cocktails where you can indulge in some mixology magic. Nitro gin and tonics come decanted at the table through the theatrical fog of liquid nitrogen. Refreshing summer spritzes showcase Copper Rivet’s fruit-forward gins. And for the indulgent, there’s a creamy gin Espresso Martini that will leave your tastebuds buzzing.

After drinking and learning, wander over to the airy on-site restaurant which champions locally sourced British fare. Much of the menu comes directly from Copper Rivet’s farm in Kent, including juicy Romney Marsh lamb and just-picked produce from their gardens. Dishes burst with Kentish flavors like zingy hops, apples and cherries. With riverside alfresco dining overlooking the Olympic Park, it’s a quintessentially London experience.

A Taste of London: The Capital's 10 Hottest New Restaurants for 2023 - El Pastor Brings Authentic Mexican Tacos to Borough Market

The internationally celebrated Borough Market has long been a destination for food lovers from around the globe eager to explore London's culinary landscape. Yet authentic regional Mexican cuisine remained an elusive find among the market's stalls - until El Pastor arrived in early 2023. Helmed by Mexico City native Manuel Monroy, El Pastor brings the vibrant flavors of true Mexican tacos to London in an atmospheric setting rich with heritage.

Housed in a 19th century iron railway arch just steps from Borough Market, El Pastór's location provides a fitting backdrop for Monroy's mission to import Mexico City's bustling taqueria culture to the UK capital. The taqueria channels the communal energy of Mexico City's taco stands with counter seating wrapping around an open kitchen. You'll see staff preparing fresh tortillas by hand each day to cradle the likes of spice-rubbed pork al pastor, smoky chorizo and flavor-packed carnitas.

While taco fillings stay rooted in tradition, El Pastor displays creativity with its housemade salsas and thoughtfully paired sides. Beyond ubiquitous options like guacamole and pico de gallo, you'll discover revelatory salsas like a pumpkin seed and morita chili "pipian" and tangy pineapple habanero. Monroy honors the sanctity of the classic corn tortilla taco but diners seeking a taste of Mexico's bread culture can opt for tacos plated on puffy gordita-style tortillas baked fresh in-house.

Don't overlook the menu of antojitos (“little cravings” in Spanish) either, where you'll find Mexican street food essentials like melt-in-your-mouth meatballs in ancho chili sauce and crisp shredded chicken tostadas. Wash it all down with the stellar margaritas, sangria and an extensive list of Mexican beers. Those seeking a non-alcoholic beverage shouldn't miss the cinnamon-laced horchata or jamaica, a vibrant hibiscus agua fresca.

Since opening in late 2022, legions of taco enthusiasts have flocked to El Pastor, seduced by the aromas of perfectly caramelized al pastor pork wafting through the market. The restaurant routinely sees hour-plus waits on weekends as Londoners eagerly queue for a taste of authentic Mexico City-style tacos without need of a transatlantic flight.

Yet ask any of the customers patiently waiting in line and they'll assure you the tacos are worth it. Tacos punch way above typical London Mexican fare in terms of authenticity of flavor and ingredients. Reviewers consistently rank the al pastor and chorizo tacos as the standouts, with the New York Times proclaiming them comparable to the legendary stands of Mexico City's Escuela de Tacos.