Blink and it’s *almost* another year gone by. Almost.
Here’s looking back at the most memorable new openings of 2016 (definitely worth a visit if you haven’t already been!), before we ready ourselves for another round of exciting new eats and treats…
The Barbary
Undoubtedly my favourite restaurant at the moment, the offshoot of the iconic Palomar dishes up a thrilling assembly of flavour originating from along the Barbary Coast. Expect a highly-charged setting too, with the passion and energy of an open-kitchen fizzing along the surrounding dining counter…
With seating for just 24 and the immutable buzz around it, a bit of a wait is inevitable here but effortlessly eased by the promise of small plates and a sesame-strafed Jerusalem bagel while you do!
Full review, here.
Honey & Smoke
It might not be as atmospheric as the Barbary, but the Middle-Eastern inspired grills and mezze are just as provocative at this new eatery from the folks behind Honey & Co.
Their imaginative use of versatile ingredients renders even the simplest of dishes into a chaotic canvas of colours and textures…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMFC1mGhr3X/
While their afters just go to prove why one must always save room for dessert!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMCjcxcBw_l/
Full review, here.
Veneta
For adventurous Venetian cuisine with an edge of urban glamour, head to Veneta in the new St James Market development…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMJObLAhK5I/
All the dishes we tried were intricately-flavoured, reflecting generous marinades, superior stocks and an artistic eye in presentation which transformed many typical ‘brown’ dishes with bright and colourful accents!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMHVOsoBvrk/
Full review, here.
Casita Andina
Continuing on the world-tour (from the comfort of Soho), I’d recommend Casita Andina for Peruvian pleasures and a homely experience inspired by traditional Andean “picanterias” – restaurants run within the houses of strong matriarchal-type figures in the Andes…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BISbWzXgMHV/
Full review, here.
Sosharu
And then adding to my list of Japanese favourites in London, is Jason Atherton’s inimitable modern British take on this cuisine.
Throw in the stylish surrounds (styled as a cross between an izakaya and traditional minka houses) and a late night drink in the basement bar – Seven Tales – and you have all the makings of a fabulously fun night out on the town!
Full review, here.
Black Roe
Although I wasn’t entirely overwhelmed by my dinner here, this trendy establishment from Kurt Zdesar (same chap as behind Chotto Matte) deserves special mention for helping Londoners discover a passion for poke (poh-kay) – the classic Hawaiian dish (best thought of as a deconstructed sushi bowl) which took London by storm this year!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFhbH1hoRJd/
And ZOMG that chocolate melting cake though.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFixmBJIRJd/
Full review, here
Ormer Mayfair at Flemings Hotel
Closer to home, the Mayfair-outpost of Ormer comes recommended for the best of local British and Jersey fare executed with much flair and finesse by Michelin-starred chef Shaun Rankin.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMV3buNBGnE/
(It’s definitely worth arriving ahead of time for a pre-dinner tipple at the adjoining Manetta’s bar too – the sumptuous drinking den in the recently revamped Fleming’s hotel!).
Full review here.
Fine Cheese Co
On the subject of sublime pleasures, this charming deli and cafe in Belgravia is worth a visit for their soufflés alone (each is easily the size of my head), alongside their unparalleled selection of cheeses and sweet treats – the decadently dewy Tunisian orange cake is particularly not to be missed here!
Full review, here
… Surely you didn’t think that this sugar junkie was going to end this post without rounding up the top new dessert-haunts too?
Dominique Ansel Bakery
Cronuts, cookie shots, frozen s’mores, DKAs and plenty more delectably wacky treats from pastry chef-extraordinaire Dominique Ansel, finally made their way across the pond this year…
Full review, here
Milk Train
And Londoners were also gripped by a certain matcha-madness, especially with the arrival of Milk Train, carrying on board green tea ice cream cones wrapped in a cloud of candy floss…
… And Tsujiri – the 155 year-old premium tea brand from Kyoto!
Magnum Pleasure Store
Speaking of my fiendish obsession with ice cream, a visit to the Magnum pop-up was a major highlight this summer – what’s not to love about bespoke triple-chocolate-dipped Magnums festooned with all my favourite toppings from rose petals to edible gold leaf?!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BH_r4hMjoQO/
… But if you missed it, fear not cherubs. It’s really quite simple to create your #DreamMagnum at home too. Find out more, here.
Which were your favourite new restaurants in 2016?
In case you’re still hungry for more -find the full list of my London reviews and features (categorised by cuisine), here.
Such a good list, Ayushi! Although I’ve yet to try the Barbary!
This is brilliant, Ayushi – I’m going to share it on Twitter. Will definitely check out some of your recommendations
What a fantastic list!! I definitely have Barbary on the list along with Dominique Ansel and Casita Andina. Love this 💕
So many to add to my list! I love Andina and so glad you love Ormer too!
I really did! So many lovely new restaurants to check out in the new year too, my list continues to grow… x