Darby’s, Circolo Popolare, Gold, Now On The Hit List

Because it’s one of the year’s hottest openings for a reason. A sleek all-day bar and restaurant with serious pedigree (its founders have run some of the world’s best bars), there’s a relaxed all-day bar and cafe at the front with stunning cocktails and snacks, and an experimental drinks ‘workshop’ and chef’s table at the back. With Sino-Portuguese small plates courtesy of the critically lauded TÁ TÁ Eatery (you haven’t lived until you’ve experienced their Dexter beef rice), this one easily lives up to the hype. 

Because it’s arguably the most fun you can have with your kit on. Fresh off the success of Gloria in Shoreditch, Parisian restaurateurs Big Mamma have opened their latest in central London, just a few minutes off Oxford Street ⁠— not that you’d know it. Inside, it’s another world, a slice of Italian riviera in zone 1, with the same party vibe and extravagant Italian dishes that made Gloria such a hit. Portions are huge, cocktails are strong, and in a city where novelty often exists for its own sake, Circolo’s emphasis on old-fashioned fun is a breath of fresh air. 

Because only Robin and Sarah Gill could tempt us to go south of the river. Having conquered Clapham with restaurants like The Dairy and the excellent Counter Culture, they’ve opened a brand new all-day brasserie near the swish Nine Elms development near Vauxhall. There’s live jazz at the weekends, oysters and Guinness at golden hour, a bakery and a stunning all-day menu of breathtaking dishes like ricotta agnolotti with olives, or a whole dayboat turbot perfectly grilled with seaweed butter. Throw in best-in-class service, and it’s somewhere we’d be tempted to spend the entire day. 

Because it’s serving the best burger in London right now. The appeal here is simple; two hotshot chefs behind the stove at a lovingly restored boozer, tucked away on a pretty Islington back street. There are no airs and graces ⁠— just brilliantly elevated British cooking from a couple of guys who have cooked at London and Paris’s best (Bao, Le Chateaubriand). Expect a down-to-earth crowd of regulars and a small courtyard and tables outside for fine weather. Sunday roasts? You bet. But also pig’s head tacos, and a no-nonsense burger — all perfectly charred patties, melty cheese and squishy white bun — guaranteed to make your week. 

Because seafood and champagne is always a good look. Helmed by Leandro Carreira, one of the city’s most creative chefs, this unassuming fish counter and deli transforms into a svelte, marble-clad chef’s counter and champagne bar at night. The front row seats guarantee a little dinner theatre, and the setting is always intimate; meanwhile, the food is never less than superlative. Dishes like aged turbot crudo with white asparagus, or Scottish squid embellished with sake, beach herbs and pine nuts let the quality of the produce speak for itself. 

Because if something’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing. The original Bob Bob Ricard in Soho is a bona fide feel good restaurant, a brasserie for well-heeled night owls and glamourpusses; its new City sibling is just as eccentric, shiny and luxurious. Here, the financial crash never happened, an ice-cold vodka shot is the polite thing to do, and guests can still press for champagne via the infamous buttons at each table. The wacky (but sublimely executed) menu of luxe comfort food is delicious, with chef Eric Chavot giving the food serious credentials. Cheap it ain’t, but as far as splurges go, it’s worth every penny. 

Because ⁠— whisper it ⁠— Notting Hill might just be cool again. Dragging the luxe bohemia of Notting Hill into 2019 along with restaurants like Orasay, Gold is a shabby-chic oasis on Portobello Road, four floors of drinking, dining, and late-night lounging from a team that counts the River Cafe and Soho House on their CVs. As well as a garden room with retractable roof for summer negronis, the kitchen specialises in perfect pastas and wood-fired cooking, so expect dishes like creamy burrata with charred pears and prosciutto, or wood roasted whole sea bream.

Because you can now get Popham’s incredible pastries with a side of pasta. After breaking London food Instagram with their perfectly-golden rosemary twists and photogenic nectarine and ginger danishes, they’ve opened a new site just off Mare Street with plenty of space for lingering. Even better, they’re rolling out pasta for dinner, with a concise, often-changing menu with seasonal ingredients. The best kind of doubling up. 

Because three Michelin-star paella sounds pretty damn good to us. Arroz QD comes from chef Quique Dacosta, whose eponymous three Michelin-starred restaurant in Alicante is consistently rated one of Europe’s finest. This buzzing Fitzrovia hotspot packs a crowd that gather around tables for the headline dish (the classic rabbit and seafood versions are a dream), cooked and presented in huge pans alongside wood-fired fish, vegetables, and a grass-fed tomahawk steak to rule them all. 

Because it’s a guaranteed good time. The formula at Coqfighter is simple ⁠— brash tunes, strong liquor, and shatteringly crisp fried chicken. What’s not to love? It’s food that thrills and satisfies in equal measure; perfect chicken sandwiches with chilli cheese or Korean-style dressing ⁠— why, yes. Crunchy vodka and sesame wings and fried chicken bao? Step right up. Best enjoyed with a group of friends, this Soho spot is perfect for pre-gaming or an uncomplicated post-work hang; the best kind of night out, in our book.