A Taste of London: The Top 10 New Restaurants You Must Try in 2023

A Taste of London: The Top 10 New Restaurants You Must Try in 2023 - Eclectic Eats: International Inspiration Hits London

London has long been a melting pot of cultures, but its dining scene continues to evolve in exciting new ways. 2023 promises to bring an influx of international flavors and fusions unlike anything the city has seen before. Foodies can look forward to creative mashups that draw inspiration from around the globe.

One spot leading this eclectic charge is Berber & Q Grill House in Hackney. After finding success with their North African-inspired restaurant, owners Josh and Emma are branching out with a new menu that infuses flavors from the Middle East, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Diners can enjoy dishes like Moroccan-spiced lamb ribs with chimichurri or Indonesian satay with peanut mole sauce. Berber & Q promises to be an exotic culinary adventure right in the heart of London.

Newcomer Suzy Wong's is also blurring geographical boundaries with an expansive Pan-Asian menu. Chef Suzy was born in Hong Kong but has traveled extensively throughout China, Japan, Thailand, and Korea. She expertly combines favorite flavors from her journeys to create inventive plates like crispy duck san choy bau or miso black cod banh mi. With decor inspired by 1930s Shanghai, Suzy Wong's offers a transportive experience.

Venturing outside the city center, Everyday People Café brings a taste of Jamaica to Brixton Market. Chef Ziggy sources ingredients from local Caribbean grocers and his mother’s traditional recipes to craft dishes like oxtail stew, jerk chicken, and currry goat. For an authentic island vibe, enjoy their weekend reggae brunch on the sunny patio.

Over in Peckham, Mazi Mas showcases the diversity of African cuisine with an ever-changing selection of pop-up concepts. Already this year they’ve hosted an Eritrean vegetarian night, Nigerian chop bar, and South African braai featuring Boerewors sausages and sosaties. The welcoming atmosphere offers the chance to try lesser-known regional fare.

Finally, for those craving the flavors of Latin America, Casa Pastor in Shoreditch fires up the grill for tacos, ceviche, and Argentinian-style parrilladas. With Mexican owners and a head chef who honed his craft in Peru, Casa Pastor offers pan-Latin flair. Their extensive mezcal and pisco list provides the perfect accompaniments.

A Taste of London: The Top 10 New Restaurants You Must Try in 2023 - Going Green: Sustainably Sourced and Eco-Friendly Menus

As climate change continues to threaten our planet, more and more London restaurants are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact. From farm-to-table fare to zero waste operations, chefs across the city are making sustainability a priority.

Ethical eating is at the core of new vegan cafe Rooted in Hackney. All ingredients are locally and organically sourced, reducing the carbon footprint of transport. Even better, the cafe operates as a “zero waste” restaurant - composting food scraps, recycling everything possible, and eliminating single-use plastics. Customers bring their own containers for smoothies, juices, and takeaway meals. The zero waste methodology extends to events as well. Recently, Rooted catered a corporate lunch with all compostable cutlery and plates made from sugar cane and bamboo fibres. The cafe owner says, “We want to be part of the solution, not the problem.”

Over in Camden, public house The Green Cow took over a 300 year old building and gave it an eco-friendly makeover. The owners installed solar panels, non-toxic paints, energy-efficient lighting, and reclaimed wood furnishings. Menus focus on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to reduce emissions from transport and farming. Meat and fish come from ethical sources like The Ethical Butcher and organically farmed salmon from Loch Duart fisheries. The Green Cow even has beehives producing hyperlocal honey. “We wanted to help protect the environment by reducing our footprint at every opportunity,” says the head chef.

Even Michelin star restaurant Silo is getting on board, partnering with food waste app Too Good To Go. Each evening, Silo makes extra dishes available at a discounted price through the app. Local residents can reserve a “magic bag” of restaurant-quality food that would otherwise be tossed. Silo also composts inedible food scraps and uses them to fertilize their rooftop garden. The herbs and vegetables grown there appear in dishes at the restaurant, completing the sustainability cycle. “It’s all about responsible sourcing and eliminating waste from field to fork,” explains the founder.

Over in Shoreditch, Blanc Cuisine takes the idea of zero waste even further. Diners pre-book a multi-course meal, ensuring no food goes to waste. Then after the meal, all soap and cleaning products used in the kitchen are sent home with guests in reusable containers, as part of a share program to prevent single-use plastic waste. Chef Marielle Bélanger says, “We believe ethical eating should be the norm, not the exception.”

A Taste of London: The Top 10 New Restaurants You Must Try in 2023 - Bringing the Heat: Spicy and Fiery Flavors Ignite London Palates

Londoners have long had a taste for spice, but recent years have seen chefs truly setting diners’ mouths on fire. Fiery flavors from around the world are igniting local palates in new and exciting ways.

One major hot spot heating up London is Peruvian sensation Lima Floral. Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura cut his teeth at renowned Nikkei restaurant Maido in Lima before bringing his bold cuisine to the UK. Diners flock for signature dishes like the arroz con pato: ariqueño-style duck and rice smothered in a spicy rocoto pepper sauce. "Rocoto has an intense fruity flavor that perfectly complements the rich fatty duck,” says Tsumura. The chef also plates up live scallops cured in lime and blistering ají limo peppers from Peru’s Andean highlands. “The acidity of the lime balances the intense chili heat,” explains Tsumura. Adventure-seekers can opt for the “Machu Picchu Experience” tasting menu to fully embrace the fiery heights of novoandina cuisine.

Trendy street food market Kerb Camden has also turned up the heat, with new trader Holy Molé serving authentic Mexican and Mission Chinese Food dishing Sichuan fare. Holy Molé’s cochinita pibil tacos feature slow-roasted achiote pork shoulder with a habanero salsa ingress that delivers lingering heat. Their tasting flight lets customers sample five molés, including intense chilhuacle negro made with charred chili, plantains and bitter chocolate. Meanwhile, Mission Chinese injects numbing spice into Mapo tofu and explosively hot Chongqing chicken. “Our chefs trained in China to master the complex, layered heat of Sichuan cuisine,” says owner Danny Bowien.

Even London mainstay Dishoom has expanded its Indian offerings with a new fiery specials menu. Expect lamb raan marinated in ghost chili, chicken tikka laden with scotch bonnets and black pepper, and Cornish hake in a resonant Goan curry with nearly 200 green chilies. "Our research trips to India opened our eyes to the diversity of mind-altering chili heat,” notes Dishoom’s Executive Chef, Naved Nasir. “We wanted to push the boundaries of what our customers thought possible."

A Taste of London: The Top 10 New Restaurants You Must Try in 2023 - Sweet Treats: Satisfying Your Sugar Cravings

It’s no secret London has a sweet tooth. From American-style cheesecakes to French macarons, the city offers confections to satisfy every sugar craving. Recently, pastry chefs have moved beyond classic offerings to dazzle dessert lovers with innovative creations.

At Bon Bon Bakery in Shoreditch, self-taught chocolatier Claire Conlon churns out chocolate treats with unique flavor combinations. Her chocolate-dipped figs enqueue in dark chocolate are stuffed with mascarpone and dusted with sumac for a sweet-tart pop. Conlon also makes chocolate bars flavored with ingredients like miso caramel, pumpkin spice, and whiskey & bacon. “I love experimenting with unexpected flavors. A dash of sea salt or chilli powder can really accentuate chocolate,” she explains. Reviews rave these artisanal sweets are “to die for.”

Over in South Kensington, Dominique Ansel Bakery (of cronut fame) draws long queues for their frozen s’mores. Sandwiched between buttery crisp wafers are torched marshmallows and oozing Dulce de Leche. The dessert is frozen rock solid and whimsically skewered together, evoking an edible Swiss Army knife. “We wanted to capture the nostalgic essence of s’mores in a new format,” says Executive Chef Daniel Reardon. Customers say each chilly bite melts in the mouth, conjuring cozy campfire memories.

At Arabica Bar & Kitchen, Chef Reem Assil puts a creative spin on traditional Middle Eastern sweets. Their kunefe cheesecake cleverly combines the iconic Middle Eastern cheese pastry with New York style cheesecake. Oven-fresh knafe dough cradles a duo of luscious cheesecakes swirled with orange blossom syrup and pistachios. Assil also elevates the classic baklava with an opera cake twist. Layers of pistachio sponge and coffee buttercream lend new dimensions to the buttery filo and nut filling. “I added touches from my Palestinian heritage and French training to reimagine these desserts,” she explains.

Finally, there’s Cookie Dough Confections in Camden Market stuffing raw cookie dough into scoopable takeaway cups. Flavors include chocolate chip, double chocolate, and confetti cake, with rotating specials like churro and carrot cake. Owner baker Lucy says, “Eating unbaked cookie dough makes people nostalgic for childhood, but we give it a gourmet twist.” Indeed, reviews confirm you’ll feel “transported back to your childhood kitchen” with the first spoonful.

A Taste of London: The Top 10 New Restaurants You Must Try in 2023 - Raising the Bar: Inventive Cocktails and Craft Beers

London's bar scene continues to push boundaries when it comes to creative concoctions. Talented mixologists are taking flavor combinations to new heights with unique ingredients, while the city's craft breweries offer beer lovers bold new options beyond the typical lager.

At Swift in Soho, bar director Marian Beke crafts cocktails inspired by her Hungarian upbringing. Her Tokaji Beauty combines Hungary's signature sweet wine with apricot brandy, lemon, and thyme for a refreshing twist on sangria. Another standout is the Wild Paprika with pálinka spirit infused with smoky paprika, passionfruit, and chili syrup. "I love showcasing spirits and flavors from Eastern Europe that most people haven't tried before," says Beke.

For whisky drinkers, Little Nan's Bar in Hackney has over 500 varieties from around the world. They offer tasting flights and whisky cocktails like Penicillin with blended Scotch, lemon juice, honey-ginger syrup and smokey Islay float. Manager Jack Cameron says, "We wanted to open people's eyes to the incredible range of complex flavors you can find in whisky."

On the craft beer front, London brewers are expanding their repertoires with interesting additions like fruits, spices, and barrel-aging. At Fourpure Brewing Co in Bermondsey, their Smoothie IPA series combines juicy New England IPAs with fruit purees - think coconut lime, mango raspberry, and passionfruit. "The fruited IPA category has exploded. We love experimenting with different flavor combos," says head brewer Evin O'Riordain.

Elsewhere, brewers are barrel-aging beers in whiskey or wine casks to impart depth and richness. Over in Hackney Wick, Howling Hops ages their 10% ABV Imperial Stout in Glenmorangie whisky barrels for months. According to founder Ed Mason, the oak and spirit notes balance the roasty malt character beautifully.

Finally, Beavertown Brewery in Tottenham adds ingredients like Earl Grey tea, bay leaves, and blackberries to their Smog Rocket smoked porter. "We're always looking for ways to surprise people's palates," explains brewmaster Jenn Merrick.

A Taste of London: The Top 10 New Restaurants You Must Try in 2023 - Hidden Gems: Hole-in-the-Wall Hot Spots off the Beaten Path

While London's hottest new restaurants garner buzz in Michelin-starred dining rooms and trendy neighborhoods like Shoreditch or Mayfair, some of the city's tastiest bites are off the beaten path in hole-in-the-wall spots far from the limelight. These hidden gems allow you to experience authentic local cuisine alongside neighborhood regulars.

In Southall, locals queue up for Punjabi street food at Jassi Sweet Centre, oblivious tourists passing by on the way to Heathrow. This no-frills canteen has perfected homestyle curries, roti wraps, and chana masala since 1988. As you jostle elbow to elbow at the Formica tables, you'll be transported to New Delhi. Follow the aroma of spices down the fragrant aisles of Southall Market for samosas, sweet lassi, and mounds of chaat.

In Tottenham, Marksman Public House is an unassuming red-bricked pub, but inside chef Tom Harris plates modern British fare worthy of fine dining accolades. Somehow this local secret earns consistent top ratings despite little signage and zero website. Come for flawless venison Wellington, whole grilled sea bream, and Harris's legendary Sunday roast. Just be prepared to wait since they don't take reservations. Regulars insist it's worth it.

For Filipino flavors, take the Overground train south of the river to New Cross and seek out Mama & Papa. It's just a tiny counter inside the covered market, but snag a stool and you're in for a treat. Owner Joseph Cuadra serves his mother's traditional recipes like chicken adobo, pansit noodle stir fry, and ube ice cream. With just a few tables, Mama & Papa feels like eating in someone's home.

In chic Notting Hill, Rellah Hub offers a slice of West Africa just steps from posh boutiques. This cozy spot specializes in egusi stew, jollof rice, and other Nigerian soul food. Owner Rellah learned to cook at her grandmother's side in Lagos and now shares cherished family recipes in London. With plastic chairs and loud Afrobeat pumping, Rellah Hub transports you to her childhood kitchen.

A Taste of London: The Top 10 New Restaurants You Must Try in 2023 - A Taste of Home: Comfort Food from Around the Globe

For many Londoners, food is more than sustenance - it's a taste of home. In this global city, immigrants and expats crave flavors from their homeland as a comforting reminder of family traditions and cherished memories. Thankfully, London boasts eateries transporting diners across the globe without ever leaving the city limits.

My favorite spot for a taste of South America is Lima in Fitzrovia. Stepping inside the cozy exposed brick walls instantly evokes Lima, Peru. Chef Virgilio Martinez sources exotic ingredients direct from the Amazon and Andes, like giant Amazonian snails and elusive edible clay. Standouts include the suckling pig with purple corn sauce and ají pepper, and the quinoa salad with avocado and huacatay herb. Every bite conjures Peruvian abuela's cooking.

Seeking Italy? Look no further than Padella's fresh pasta perfection in Borough Market. Watch the chef hand-roll golden tagliatelle noodles before your eyes. Their pillowy gnocchi positively melts in your mouth, especially when paired with therich short rib ragu. I'd cross oceans for Padella's silky carbonara and puttanesca bursting with sun-kissed tomatoes. Molto delizioso!

Craving German gems? Head to Zeitgeist at the JW Marriott in Mayfair. The Black Forest chateaubriand with herb spaetzle transports you straight to Bavaria. And nothing says Oktoberfest like their pork knuckle with lashings of sauerkraut and sweet mustard. Prost! For schnitzel as big as your head and Munich-brewed Paulaner beer, Zeitgeist is a Deutsche delight.

Middle Eastern flavors unite at Berber & Q in Hackney. Their lamb shawarma wrapped in warm kubaneh bread takes me back to the markets of Tel Aviv. I especially enjoy their Israeli-inspired brunch: shakshuka spicy tomato stew with poached eggs, creamy hummus, and Za'atar-dusted Wagyu beef "benny." Exotic spices like sumacand harissa add enticing depth.

Sometimes I just need American comfort food. Fortunately, Jones Family Project in Shoreditch serves up southern soul. Their crispy buttermilk fried chicken and waffles deliver sweet and salty nostalgia. For a taste of home on Thanksgiving, they whip up a Thanksgiving feast including turkey, cornbread stuffing, mac 'n cheese, collardgreens, and pecan pie. It's just like Mamaw's cooking.

Lastly, Farmer J in London Fields dishes out hipster Aussie fare, like avo smash with feta on charcoal sourdough for brekkie. I savour every last bite of their kangaroo burger with beetroot relish and pineapple. To complete an authentic Down Under experience, they import proper Aussie pies—the chicken parmie pie never disappoints. Throw some Molly's Ma's Chilli Jam on those chips and call me a fair dinkum legend!

A Taste of London: The Top 10 New Restaurants You Must Try in 2023 - Dining with a View: Restaurants with Scenic Settings

After exploring London’s eclectic eats, sustainable menus, fiery flavors, sweet treats, craft beverages, and international comfort foods, you’ll want to digest it all while soaking up spectacular scenery. Luckily, London boasts restaurants with Instagram-worthy views to satisfy your appetite and wanderlust.

Perched on the 10th floor of the Tate Modern, Skylon offers a front-row panorama of the Thames and iconic London cityscape. Come at sunset and watch the dying light set historic landmarks aglow as you sip cocktails on their open-air terrace. “I felt like I was dining in the clouds surrounded by the whole of London at my feet!” said Susan W. in her 5-star review.

For royal splendor, book a window table at The Savoy’s glamorous Simpson’s in the Strand. As you tuck into their world famous roasts, gaze out at the Thames and pretend you’re dining with the Queen at Buckingham Palace just across the way. “With a view of the London Eye, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, the location can't be beat,” declared Laura P.

In the heart of buzzing Covent Garden, fresco-adorned Clos Maggiore transports guests to romantic Provence under a starry sky...or at least an enchanting blossom canopy and twinkling fairy lights. Enjoying classic French cuisine alongside their impressive wine list, you’ll feel a world away. “Absolutely charming restaurant with dreamy, magical decor and a view into the Conservatory Courtyard,” said Marie W.

High atop the OXO Tower, celeb chef Tom Aikens plates Michelin-starred cuisine alongside panoramic vistas of the city and River Thames. Book a window seat and watch historic landmarks and modern skyscrapers unfold before you as seasonal tasting menus unfold on your plate. “Food that matches the phenomenal view,” declared Lauren C.

For unrivaled 360-degree sights, book the London Eye Champagne Experience. Sipping bubbly aboard your private 'pod' in the sky, London spreads out in all directions, with bird's eye views of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, St. Paul’s, and other icons. “Seeing all of London at once while making a toast is an experience I’ll never forget,” recalled Amanda J.

Of course, no review of London scenery is complete without mentioning dining by the River Thames itself. Restaurants like The Oyster Shed, Coppa Club, and The Tide offer al fresco seating perfect for lingering over seafood towers, charcuterie boards, and cocktails while watching evening light dance on the rippling waters. “Sipping Sauvignon Blanc at a waterside table at sunset was pure magic,” mused Gina L.