HUMO
Protégé of Michelin star chef Endo Kazutoshi, Miller Prada has debuted his first solo project Humo in Mayfair. The word humo translates to smoke in Spanish, a reference to their focus on wood-fired cooking with a four metre robata grill. However, while the name is Spanish, the food has a Japanese twist with Ike-Jime trout from Hampshire, marinated and smoked in juniper, seared with white Ubame Oak, topped with six month aged Baerii Caviar and grilled, wrapped in kombu kelp.
Where: King’s Cross St Pancras, Pancras Road, N1C 4TB
Bookings: humolondon.com
CAVO
Nestled near Tottanham Court Road station, Cavo is a new Mediterranean restaurant and rooftop bar above the Now Building that’s bringing classic food into the centre of trendy, modern London. As befits the Mediterranean vibe of the menu, it features an extensive range of seafood and fish, transporting sun-drenched flavour to the capital. A highlight is the alfresco rooftop bar area, which provides hand-crafted cocktails and a picturesque view of the London skyline.
Where: The Now Building, Denmark St, Soho, WC2H 0LA
Bookings: cavorestaurant.com
JOIA
The new Battersea Power Station shopping centre is one of the most exciting developments in recent months, not least because there are plenty of watch shops housed inside. However, in addition, there are a number of dining venues including the new restaurant Joia from two Michelin-starred chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, which opens this month. The menu is inspired by a fusion of British and Iberian cuisine, with dishes such as scallops with black garlic sabayon and braised Iberian pork cheek.
Where: Battersea Power Station Shopping Centre, SW11 8AL
Bookings: joiabattersea.co.uk
NESSA
Nessa is a new bistro opening in Soho in March. It will feature an extensive menu of classic British dishes given a distinctive bistro twist. Steak tartare, brioche with black pudding, and ox cheek hot pot are just some examples of the food on offer. Plus, there’s a wine and cocktail list perfect for evening and post-work drinks with lounge seating. If you prefer a more informal approach to fine dining, Nessa could well be the spot for you, especially in lively Soho.
Where: 86 Brewer Street, Soho, W1F 9UB
Bookings: nessasoho.com
Cantinetta Antinori
The name Cantinetta Antinori might be familiar to some, it’s one of the premier Tuscan restaurants operated by famous Italian wine family, the Antinoris. In March, the family Antinori is opening their first London restaurant in Knightbridge, bringing with them their classic Italian menu and extensive wine list. You can’t get a pairing more perfect than a wine that was made in the same region as the food on the menu.
Where: 4 Harriet Street, Knightsbridge, SW1X 9JR
Bookings: Follow news of the opening on Instagram @cantinettaantinori_london
Penelope’s
Penelope’s is a new Spanish-Israeli fusion restaurant in Covent Garden. It’s housed within the boutique four-star hotel Amano, making it the site of their monthly Isramani parties, which are described as a dancing-on-tables celebrations with plenty of food and music. Just make sure that if you do get up on the table, don’t step in the tapas or Penelope’s signature baklava. If you’re looking for a dinner party venue, you know where to go.
Where: Drury House, 34-43 Russell Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 5HA
Bookings: amanogroup.de
Mayha
Mayha proves again, if more proof were needed, that Japanese food is so popular at the higher end of dining that chefs from all over the world are beginning to specialise in it. Mayha, nestled among the tailors’ shops of Chiltern Street, is ostensibly Lebanese, however its central concept is the Japanese tradition of Omakase. Omakase is a style of dining where the chef is in complete control of the menu with an emphasis on seasonal tasting menus.
Where: 43 Chiltern Street, Marylebone, W1U 6LS
Bookings: mayhalondon.com
