Explore London: The capital of flavour

Sarah Highfield explores London’s latest restaurant openings and the chefs continuing to evolve the city’s culinary landscape

In a city where tradition blends with innovation, London continues to assert itself as one of the world’s most exciting culinary destinations. From specialist cuisine in Soho, to sky-high dining in the city, and modern twists on classics in Belgravia, the English capital is once again raising the bar with a wave of exciting new restaurants.

Driven by a new generation of visionary chefs, London’s latest culinary chapter is one of bold flavours, refined aesthetics, and immersive experiences. Whether it’s tasting menus or a vibrant reinterpretation of old school favourites, London’s newest tables are serving more than just meals – they are telling stories and redefining luxury dining for a new era. Here are five recently opened standout restaurants for your culinary radar, each offering a unique take on fine dining in London.

Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay

Opened in February of this year, Lucky Cat at 22 Bishopsgate is London’s highest restaurant, and offers an exceptional pan-Asian dining experience. Located on the 60th floor, the 120-seat restaurant boasts panoramic floor-to-ceiling views of the London skyline, along with a private dining room for up to 18 guests.

Inspired by the vibrant dining culture of Asia, Lucky Cat draws on influences from across the continent. Dishes by Executive Head Chef Michael Howells are designed to be shared, and a tantalising mix of small plates, robata grilled dishes, sushi, and sashimi are crafted in an open kitchen and raw bar. Menu highlights include Iberico pork chop with Saikyo miso, kimchi pickled gem, and mustard seeds; bonito fried duck leg bao with Szechuan, spicy hoisin, and cucumber; and tuna tataki with chives and yuzu soy.

Make sure you arrive early (or stay late!) for a cocktail at the striking Lucky Cat Bar, which embraces the spirit of Tokyo’s 1930s Kissa Clubs and Shanghai’s drinking dens. Cocktails feature clean and elegant flavours, sake is served in abundance, and rare Japanese whiskies line the shelves.

Alongside the delicious food, creative mixology, and jaw-dropping views, patrons can also enjoy lively DJ sets, and late nights from Thursday to Saturday, closing at 3am.

Seventy Five at Liberty

Seventy Five at Liberty is the first stand-alone restaurant from luxury caterer Goose + Berry and is located on the second floor of the iconic Regent Street store, Liberty. While its name is a nod to Liberty’s founding year, 1875, its food is inherently modern. Serving contemporary British cuisine using fresh and seasonal ingredients, Head Chef Joe Holness (formerly of Fera at Claridge’s and Da Terra) has crafted an innovative all-day dining concept, which invites diners to gather over brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner.

Surrounded by bold Liberty prints and layered fabrics in a warm colour palette of burgundy, pink and green, guests can enjoy signature small plates such as British rapeseed focaccia with whipped marmite butter and torched mackerel with pickled carrot and chervil sauce, alongside larger sumptuous plates of brown butter Chicken Supreme, and wild garlic pearl barley, as well as British Hampshire pork chop and fresh herb salsa verde. Indulgent and filling desserts include a creamy chocolate mousse with preserved cherries.

Art has always been integral to Liberty. And Seventy Five continues this legacy with an ongoing Artist in Residence series, with the walls of the dining room playing host to the works of well-known artists, all available for purchase.

Vatavaran

In the middle of Knightsbridge and a stone’s throw away from Harrods, Vatavaran delivers a bold new expression of pan-Indian fine dining from celebrated Michelin- starred chef Rohit Ghai, formerly of Gymkhana and Jamavar, and acclaimed restaurateur Abhishake Sangwan. Inspired by the majestic beauty of the Himalayas, the restaurant takes its name from the Hindi word for ‘atmosphere,’ and its interiors are draped in earthy tones and adorned with abstract designs, paying homage to the region.

At the core of Vatavaran is a celebration of Sigri cooking, using open-flame techniques that elevate seasonal ingredients and spotlight India’s diverse regional flavours. Every dish channels earth, fire, and spice, from lamb chops with Kashmiri chilli and black cumin, to the decadent Lobster Moilee. There are also vibrant vegetarian plates, including beetroot chops with cloves and vanilla; and morels and broccoli in korma truffle. The presentation and flavours are exquisite, creating an immersive and unique food journey.

Set across four floors, Vatavaran also houses its own private members club and cocktail lounge, Shikhar, where every drink is crafted and served table-side from a bespoke retro cocktail trolley, together with canapés and light bites.

HERA

HERA brings an authentic and contemporary Greek dining experience to the heart of Stratford. The family- owned restaurant led by Hellenic Head Chef, Marios Selimis (previously of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal) takes diners on an imaginative journey of flavour. Vegetables, meat, and seafood all contribute towards an enticing selection of Greek classics, within a luxurious and vibrant setting where a palette of warm aubergine, marble, copper, and gold creates an elegant backdrop. Guests can choose to sit inside or outside on the sunny plant-filled terrace.

Come hungry, as the food does not disappoint and the portions are generous. Not-to-be-missed favourites include the mouth wateringly good Feta Saganaki, which is feta cheese, wrapped in angel hair, and drizzled with lemon honey. Another fantastic dish is the Ekmek Kataifi dessert made with layers of kataifi dough covered in lemon syrup, topped with a velvety custard cream, and garnished with cinnamon and pistachios. While not the most centrally located restaurant, it is absolutely worth the journey. Conveniently, HERA is adjacent to the recently opened Everyman Cinema Stratford, minutes from the brand-new Sadler’s Wells East, and directly opposite the much-anticipated V&A Museum which will open in Spring 2026.

Kanpai Classic

Kanpai Classic is an indulgent Japanese steakhouse in the middle of Soho, offering a refined menu centred around Japanese A5 Grade Wagyu. Already beloved across Asia, the 86-seat restaurant brings precision, innovation, and world-class Japanese Yakiniku (grilled meat) to London’s bustling dining scene. Executive Chef, Masatada Ogata, and Head Chef, Nicolo Bolognesi (formerly of Nobu) dish up their take on Wagyu cuisine using Wagyu beef, which has been aged for a minimum of 40 days for optimal tenderness and flavour, from the world-renowned Jack’s Creek in Australia and Tajimaya farms in Japan.

With 15 different cuts of succulent Wagyu beef on offer, the menu highlight is a delightful Signature Wagyu Cuisine Omakase: a 13 course tasting menu which includes caviar, tartare, ceviche, and sushi plates, followed by a selection of juicy Wagyu Yakiniku Feast steak cuts, Kamameshi rice, and a sweet dessert, all served alongside an array of various seasonings and accompaniments.

Kanpai Classic’s food is complemented by an extensive drinks menu complete with ten exclusive sakes from Japan’s multi-award winning Masuizumi Brewery. The restaurant also features a seven-seater private chefs’ table that is perfect for special occasions and intimate gatherings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born in Hong Kong and based in London, Sarah Highfield is a travel and lifestyle writer. Follow her on Instagram: @SarahHighfield