New on Resy: Rita’s, Lighthaus Cafe, Kudu Grill, Ramo Soho, and More

Few have their fingers on the pulse of London’s restaurant scene quite like Rita’s co-founder Gabriel Pryce and Missy Flynn. Their new Soho restaurant blends their love of Americana with natural wine, with inimitably laid-back service courtesy of Flynn. Pull up a seat in their hidden terrace for a few glasses of skin contact wine, interspersed with dishes like jalapeno popper gildas, cheddar beignets with Old Bay, elegant salads, and affogatos drizzled with Oaxacan rum. Excellent for a drinks and a few snacks, or for a cosy gathering with a few mates. Outdoors only for now.

Jaded Londoners who have seen and eaten it all should decamp to this miraculous café on, of all places, a Leyton industrial estate. The breezy interior is all high ceilings, cosy corners, and chic Nordic furniture that invites lingering. While it’s a beloved staple for locals, visitors are directed to chef Alex Vines’ relaxed weekend menus that build upon his impressive CV (40 Maltby St, Rochelle Canteen); crisp fritters of seasonal veg and a tomato rice demonstrate a dab hand with veg, while perfectly cooked meat and fish precede sublime puddings, like gooseberry mess or a custard tart topped with seasonal fruit.

One of London’s most decorated chefs, Rohit Ghai earned a Michelin star at the legendary Indian restaurant Trishna before striking out on his own at Kutir in Chelsea. Now, he brings his flawless execution and creative flair to Mayfair, at this plush big-ticket restaurant inspired by the flavours of Madhya Pradesh, his childhood home. A contemporary spin on dishes like goat shami kebab, pyaz khachori and street food classic ram ladoo (moong dal fritters) arrive via sharing plates or as a finely tuned tasting menu, while co-founder Abhi Sangwan handles front of house duties.

Omar Shah has an uncanny way of knowing exactly what people want before they know it. Owner of Mamason’s in Chinatown, his newest opening builds on the success of the original Ramo Ramen in Kentish Town, with perfectly-judged bowls of ramen with just-al dente noodles and deeply flavoursome broths informed by Shah’s Filipino background; expect bases like a tangy sinigang soup and oxtail kare-kare broths, and a showstopping lobster ramen the chef has been testing for the restaurant’s opening, along with plenty of creative appetisers and cocktails.

Co-founder of the original Kudu in Peckham, Amy Corbin has never done things by halves. Her new South African-inspired braii restaurant boasts inventive starters and desserts (as well as sharing platters like a whole bream or aged T-bone cooked over fire) and a warm style of service that reflect her brand of laid-back hospitality and co-founder Patrick Williams’ Durban upbringing. Casual enough for drinks and snacks, but the swoonworthy dining room is definitely worthy of an occasion.

Handsome, wood-panelled interiors and a cosy terrace have made this neighbourhood restaurant an indispensable part of the Kensington landscape. A few minutes from Kensington Gardens, this casual bistro has a formidable list of suppliers that translate to refined small plates (peep the ex-dairy cow croquettes, or burrata with smoked rapeseed oil and sake) that rival west London’s best. A go-to for relaxed date nights or intimate get-togethers, it’s also excellent for a quick drink or three – its founders count some of London’s best bars (Scarfes’ Bar, Tayēr + Elementary) on their CVs.

A simple, seasonal approach and a breezy lineup of brunch and lunch plates have earned this charming South Kensington bistro a loyal following. As well as delicious spins on brunch classics – brioche French toast, eggs royale – and cocktails, there’s a frequently-changing of lunch offerings like tabbouleh salad, spiced roast chicken, or crispy aubergine sandwich with miso mayo. A natural light-filled dining room minutes from South Ken station enlivened with Nordic furniture and floral arrangements makes it an even more attractive proposition.

Having started as a series of supperclubs in 2018, Sicilian chef Massimo di Paola has taken up residence at Acton’s Rocket pub, serving up an array of small plates, luscious burgers crafted from aged beef, and Sunday roasts. A smart dining room decorated with antique furniture, parquet flooring and velvet curtains is a suitably plush setting to enjoy di Paola’s cooking, while seafood specials on a Friday and a weekly steak night offering hulking T-bones and bone-in ribeyes keeps things lively.