If there’s one thing Londoners will never tire of, it’s eating out. From tiny noodle bars tucked behind Tube stations to slick new openings in swanky hotel lobbies, the capital’s food scene is always cooking up something new—and 2025 is already shaping up to be a vintage year for dining. Whether you’re into small plates, big flavours, or that all-important aesthetic for your next Instagram story, here’s a round-up of some of the freshest, most exciting food spots that deserve a place on your radar.
And if you’re ever stuck on where to go next, platforms like Meent are making it even easier to find the coolest and quirkiest spots across London. But for now, let’s dig into the hot list.
1. One Club Row, Shoreditch
Once a rowdy East End pub, now a suave New York-inspired eatery, One Club Row is a proper transformation. The space still hints at its old soul—original tiles, moody lighting—but the food is modern and punchy. Think juicy chipotle rib-eye, briny oysters, and truffle-laced potatoes. It’s the kind of place you book for a low-key Friday night that turns into an all-night affair.
2. Permit Room, Notting Hill
From the legends behind Dishoom comes this new all-day bar-café hybrid that oozes laid-back Bombay vibes. Permit Room serves up spicy chilli-cheese crumpets, masala scrambled eggs, and cinnamon-spiced brioche French toast. It’s playful, cosy, and perfect for those long brunches that sneak into late afternoon. Don’t skip the cocktails—each one feels like a mini holiday in a glass.
3. EEL Sushi Bar, Notting Hill
West London’s sushi game just levelled up. EEL is sleek, intimate, and heavy on precision. Every roll and slice of sashimi feels like edible art. It’s a tiny place with only a few seats, so booking ahead is essential, but once you’re in, the omakase-style experience will have you questioning all your previous sushi decisions.
4. Lita, Marylebone
Lita is one of those places that whispers elegance. A Mediterranean-influenced restaurant helmed by a Michelin-starred chef, it’s all soft lighting, warm wood tones, and dishes you want to photograph before devouring. Highlights include flame-grilled lamb ribs, sea bass in a citrus-herb sauce, and wine pairings that actually enhance your meal rather than confuse you.
5. Fat Phill’s, Clapham Junction
Burgers are back (did they ever leave?), and Fat Phill’s brings Dutch-American charm to South London. It’s fast, indulgent, and totally unapologetic—smash burgers oozing with sauce, waffle fries you’ll fight over, and Stroopwafel milkshakes that could double as dessert. If you’re after something no-nonsense but totally satisfying, this is your move.
6. Seventy Five at Liberty, Carnaby
Tucked into the iconic Liberty department store, Seventy Five feels like a well-kept secret. The menu leans modern British with flourishes of Asian influence—expect dishes like torched mackerel with pickled carrot or beef cheek croquettes with horseradish cream. It’s a solid shout for post-shopping sophistication or a low-key luxe lunch spot.
7. Chishuru, Fitzrovia
It’s not just new, it’s history-making. Chishuru became the first African restaurant in the UK to earn a Michelin star, and it deserves every bit of the spotlight. The menu draws on West African flavours with flair—jollof rice elevated to fine-dining status, plantain reinvented with flair, and smoky goat skewers that linger in your memory long after the last bite.
8. Lilli by Akira Back, Mayfair
This is where British produce meets global imagination. Helmed by Korean celebrity chef Akira Back, Lilli is a sophisticated blend of east and west. Dishes are beautiful, layered with umami, and surprisingly light. The sous-vide halibut with burnt orange sauce is one for the books.
9. Carbone, Mayfair (coming very soon)
If you’ve spent any time dreaming about the old-school glamour of red-sauce Italian joints in New York, Carbone’s London opening will be your new obsession. Velvet booths, waiters in tuxedos, and rigatoni vodka with enough attitude to make you grin. It’s still under wraps but expected to cause serious waves when it lands.
10. Twenty8 NoMad, Covent Garden
Stylish, moody, and just the right side of decadent, Twenty8 is the latest addition to the NoMad Hotel. The food is bold and global—think charred aubergine with labneh, steak tartare with miso, and a drinks list that dances between experimental and classic. It’s an ideal date night spot, or somewhere to impress out-of-towners who think London is all fish and chips.
A Capital Always Evolving
What’s so exciting about London’s food scene is that it never sits still. Every borough has its own flavour, and each month brings a new wave of chefs, pop-ups, and neighbourhood gems ready to steal the spotlight. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just someone who likes a good plate of something interesting, there’s never been a better time to explore the city’s restaurant scene.
And if the choices ever feel overwhelming (because let’s be honest, they are), Meent is a brilliant way to filter through the noise. It’s like having that in-the-know friend who always knows the best rooftop bar, hidden ramen shop, or new foodie pop-up before it goes viral.
So go on—get booking, get tasting, and most importantly, don’t forget to take a cheeky photo before you dig in.
