Kin + Deum, Ombra, Leroy, Now on The Resy Hit List

Because dinner at this stylish, laid-back Parisian bistro in Shoreditch is still one of the most complete restaurant experiences in London. An exemplar of fine dining technique on a casual canvas, Sam Kamienko’s kitchen recently won a first Michelin star. There’s a superb wine list, effortless service, and a huge stack of vinyl courtesy of audiophile owner Ed Thaw.

Because it’s genuinely one of the best Thai restaurants in London right now—and it’s only been getting better since opening in July. The lush, pastel-inflected dining room is quite fetching, but the clay pot noodles and dumplings are an even better proposition.

Because it’s game season and you want wine and partridge, immediately. Ostensibly the bar and bottle shop for the beloved Quality Chop House next door, an evening here feels like hanging out at a friend’s house—except with far better food and drink. There’s a Coravin for trying exceptional single bottles, and chef Nick Bramham’s recent trip to Italy has influenced a menu that changes daily.

Because it’s the place that’s on everyone’s lips right now. Chef Andrew Wong (of the critically acclaimed A. Wong) has opened Kym’s in the Bloomberg Arcade, offering a knockout combo of plush interiors, slick service, and sophisticated, swoon-worthy dishes like roast Iberico char siu and delicate steamed Dover sole. Don’t let the City crowd have all the fun.

Because one of London’s best just got better. Wild food and foraging specialists Native have moved into a bigger and brighter space near London Bridge, with the same relaxed, unpretentious approach to fine dining that’s won them plenty of accolades. Feast on Dorset mackerel or South Downs fallow deer, accompanied by a thoughtfully curated wine list. Prepare to be converted.

Because it exists. In a quiet corner off Piccadilly, Ikoyi serves confident, world-class food inspired by West African ingredients and traditions. It’s a one-off and, with the menu turning over for autumn, it’s easily one of the most interesting dining experiences in London today. The crab jollof is reason enough to visit, and the lunch menu is a steal for food of this calibre.

Because it’s the epitome of a neighbourhood Italian worth travelling for. Along with fantastic pasta and desserts, chef Mitshel Ibrahim shakes the creative pan by inviting collaborators into the kitchen. For autumn: Parmesan parties with Neals Yard Dairy, an evening with renowned Sicilian winemaker Filippo Rizzo, and a guest chef series sure to keep things interesting.

Because nothing beats the cold weather blues like a bubbling Sichuan hotpot. Newly opened and already one of the better Sichuan restaurants in London, this Kings Cross spot is perfect for gathering friends around stellar renditions of spicy classics like twice-cooked pork, shui zhu yu (seabass in hot oil) and crisp lotus root. Come hungry.

Because what’s better than an open fire with a five kilo turbot suspended over it? Tomos Parry’s Shoreditch dining room is the best example of wood fire cooking right now, inspired by Basque technique and utilising superior Welsh and Cornish ingredients. The whole turbot gets the acclaim, but everything from the beef chop to the small plates is excellent. Oh, and the Noble Rot wine list isn’t too shabby either.

Because London’s newest two Michelin star is still one of the most breathtaking fine-dining experiences in London. A hidden 20-seat counter surrounds an open kitchen behind the curtain at Bubbledogs, where chef James Knappett’s culinary acumen produces a stunning tasting menu that provides a perfect foil to Sandia Chang’s faultless service.