Ikoyi, Mangal 2, ASAP Pizza, Quality Wines, and More: New on the Resy Hit List

Familiarity and value take precedence at the moment, and it’s a point that this world-beating restaurant has noted. Luckily, ‘familiarity’ in the hands of chef Jeremy Chan is still a spectacle, and a completely new à la carte menu uses Ikoyi’s signature hyperseasonal produce and West African flavours as a departure point. Fried chicken with hot sauce, luscious broccoli with smoked butter, and an upscale take on suya with dry-aged beef rib are a few dishes that stand out. 

Dining status: accepting dine in reservations and walk-ins for dinner, Tuesday to Saturday.

Let it be known that you can now reserve a spot at this Soho institution. The A-list experience is alive and well, and few things energise like chilled cava and a few plates of tapas from an ever-changing menu. Dishes from the daily specials board (one so famous it has its own Instagram account, no less) are essential too — the kitchen has a way with seafood, so keep an eye out for seasonal highlights like sole or carabineros.  

Dining status: accepting dine in reservations and walk-ins for lunch and dinner, Tuesday (dinner only) to Sunday. 

Londoners are famously loyal to their neighbourhoods, but few would deny the pull of Hong Kong-style cafes like Hung’s in Chinatown. Like Soho, Chinatown has reopened for dine in and al fresco, with the pedestrianised streets a ready-made terrace for open-air dining. Here, Cantonese-style roast meats and comforting bowls of prawn wonton soup reign supreme; afterwards, wander over to Good Friend for a dessert of Taiwanese-style popcorn chicken.

Dining status: open everyday for dine in and takeaway.

Genuine envy-inducing events have understandably been few and far between, and the return of Tomos Parry’s acclaimed Basque-inspired restaurant deserves to be on that list. They’re popping up at Climpson’s Arch in Hackney with many of Brat’s classic dishes — anchovy bread, mutton chop, whole grilled turbot — on the menu, plus a standout roast chicken rice. 

Dining status: outdoor tables open for reservations. 

Promising the kind of hospitality many have missed during lockdown, Jay Patel’s intimate Italian restaurant and natural wine bar returns with a stellar lineup of fresh seafood, pastas, and cannoli that shouldn’t be missed. Not ready to dine in yet? You can still get much of their menu to finish at home via takeaway or delivery.

Dining status: takeaway and delivery are available via Big Night, dine in tables open for reservations.

Neighbourhood restaurants have quietly served their regulars during lockdown, and Dalston’s Turkish community is no exception. Several have opened for dine in, including this perennial favourite, which has shifted gears to adapt to the area’s changing clientele. The smoke of the charcoal grill and the perfectly charred meats, vegetables, dips and breads are still there, but now there’s natural vino from Dynamic Vines and craft beers on offer. 

Dining status: takeaway and delivery are available via Slerp, reservations are available for dine in. 

Elizabeth Haigh’s cooking has always straddled her Singaporean roots and fine dining — luckily, the chef’s new open air dining concept incorporates elements of both. Setting up at counter during the evenings, she’ll takes diners through an eight-course tasting menu of dishes like fried chicken with white miso and caviar, or heritage tomatoes in a delicate Hainanese chicken broth vinaigrette. Spots are pre-paid, and filling fast — grab one while you can. 

Dining status: outdoor seats for the tasting menu are open for reservations. 

During lockdown, indie darling Flor pivoted to sourdough pizza, with spectacular results — thanks, in no small part, to Pam Yung, formerly of NYC’s Semilla and Roberta’s. While takeout is still available, the restaurant’s beautiful dining room has also reopened as a pizzeria par excellence, with natural wines to drink and soft serve for dessert. Walk-ins only. 

Dining status: takeaway and delivery is being offered. Walk-ins only for dine in. 

A few tables on a quiet Farringdon street, candlelight, and wine — it doesn’t get much better than this. The personal touch at this intimate wine bar makes dinner feel like gathering in a friend’s kitchen, and Nick Bramham’s understated, rustic dishes are some of the finest around. Bookend a visit with a gilda to start and cannolo to finish, and perhaps some fine handmade pasta in between.

Dining status: open for dine in and takeaway. Outdoor tables are reserved for walk-ins only.

While the headline news that the French House is serving full pints (!) is worthy of any front page, it’s also worth mentioning that this Soho landmark’s upstairs dining room has quietly reopened for lunch, Tuesday through Saturday. Oysters, foie gras terrine, warm madeleines, and all the wine you can drink — in other words, the antidote to any lockdown supper. Bookings advised. 

Dining status: open for dine in at lunch through the week, outdoor seating at weekends. Call 02039857603 to reserve.