Even the onset of Christmas won’t get in the way of London’s ever-expanding restaurant scene, with a host of new openings offering some respite from the turkey takeover. Think December feasting is just mince pies and sprouts? Think again.
M Restaurants
Victoria
Following the success of M Restaurants in the City, the winning formula arrives in Victoria on 5th December. Led by former Gaucho managing director Martin Williams, M Victoria Street will house a raw bar, a grill and a bar. With Jason Atherton set to launch a new venture nearby in 2016, Victoria looks set to be the next food hotspot.
Barbecoa
Piccadilly
Bigger than the original St Paul’s branch, Barbecoa Piccadilly is spread out over 2 floors with a bar area and open kitchen. Founded by Jamie Oliver, expect the same blend of quality meats, smoked, grilled and barbecued to perfection.
Homeslice
Old Street

Homeslice
Image source: LondOnTheInside
Bloggers’ favourite Homeslice has earned a reputation for making some of the best pizzas in London since starting out as a street food outfit in 2011. Joining restaurants in Covent Garden and Fitzrovia, the Old Street branch will keep to the tried-and-tested formula of using fresh ingredients to create GIANT sharing pizzas.
Flat Iron
Covent Garden
Flat Iron’s 2 Soho restaurants are well known for their legendary steaks and queues out of the door. Set across 2 floors, this Covent Garden may alleviate some of the queuing wows, but thankfully the steaks will stay the same.
The Ivy Kensington Brasserie
Kensington
The Ivy Group are on a roll. After opening The Ivy Cafe in Marylebone last month and The Ivy Chelsea Garden in April, they’re cropping up in Kensington in December, offering all-day dining, afternoon teas and bespoke cocktails.
Polpo
Lewisham
Home to acclaimed street food venture Model Market this summer, Lewisham is clearly a foodie destination to keep an eye on. The arrival of Russell Norman, owner of 10 restaurants and a top dog on the Soho food scene confirms this, bringing his selection of Italian small plates to SE13.
Jidori
Dalston

Jidori
Image source: Jidori
Dalston, Japanese street food and craft beers. It doesn’t get much trendier than that. Throw in an open kitchen and a centrepiece grill and Jidori looks set to tick all the boxes.
Bellanger
Islington
From the people behind The Wolseley and The Delaunay amongst many others, comes Bellanger, a classic French brasserie in Islington. If their previous openings are anything to go by, it’s a guaranteed smash hit.
Shackfuyu
Soho

Shackfuyu – French toast
Image source: Hot DInners
A regular feature in the Instagram feeds of London’s food bloggers, Shackfuyu has gone from raved-about Soho pop-up to permanent fixture. And to the Instagrammers’ delight, that French toast is staying on the menu.
La Cabina
Haggerston
This one deserves a mention as it will serve a full tapas menu until 5am! In a Kingsland Road basement, it’s sure to be popular with the trendiest of tapas eaters, so expect rich Spanish food, cocktails and uber-cool company.
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