London’s New Dining Hotspots For Summer 2023

09.08.2023 - 16:49 / forbes.com / Star

Here are eleven of London's hottest new restaurants, where culinary innovation reigns. From cutting-edge gastronomy to old school excellence and hidden gems, these are the capital’s latest dining delights.

Manzi’s, Soho

A charmingly traditional fish haven tucked just off Leicester Square, Manzi’s sadly closed its doors more than ten years ago. Happily, it’s made a grand comeback in Soho, with beautifully prepared retro classics such as moules mariniere, shrimp cocktail, shrimp burgers and a fabulous monkfish wellington. The nautical setting, with blue interiors, leather banquets and bronze mermaids, is retro chic at its best.

Bossa, Mayfair

New modern Brazilian restaurant from Chef Alberto Landgraf (of two-michelin starred Oteque, Rio De Janeiro) is a gorgeous, sophisticated affair. The chic decor is in calm, neutral colors while a Jackson Pollock-like artwork on one wall provides a pop of color. And the menu won’t disappoint either. The succulent roasted scallops might just be the best I’ve ever tasted. Tender octopus with fresh peas, langoustines, served with pink fir potatoes, and traditional, hearty moqueca seafood stew are all highlights. It’s also great to see so many women in Chef Landgraf’s kitchen: his team is gender-balanced, not only in numbers but also in the top positions.

London Shellco, Hampstead Heath

This is the third seafood restaurant from siblings Leah and Harry Lobek and Chef Stuart Kilpatrick, following the success of two floating restaurants on board The Prince Regent and The Grand Duchess on Regent’s canal. Shell Co. Swain's Lane, near Hampstead Heath, is also a fishmongers by day and a wine shop with a fabulous range. It really is the perfect neighborhood restaurant, with a chilled vibe, super friendly staff, great music and superb food. Only open a few weeks, it’s already very busy, even on weekdays. The menu, written on a chalkboard, changes daily. A recent menu included moreish soda bread with crab butter, cold half lobster, monkfish with aubergine and a delicious smoked salmon gazpacho.

Kima, Marylebone

Kima, the stylish new fin-to-gill restaurant from Chef Nikos Roussos (of two-michelin starred Funky Gourmet, Athens) and Andreas Labridis, is across the road from their much-loved OPSO in Marylebone. The restaurant’s main focus is the impressive fish counter, displaying the catch of the day from whole turbots and groupers to freshly caught langoustines and hand dived scallops. From this counter, diners can choose seafood that will become the focus of their personally tailored menu with Chef Nikos and his team taking diners through the different ways each fish or crustacean can be prepared; raw, cured or cooked. The dessert offering is also a real treat: a twist on tiramisu