An Exclusive Guide Curated by Hanako
Listen up, London foodies! Because October is shaping up to be an absolute scorcher for your taste buds. The culinary scene in the city is about to get even more thrilling as these sizzling hot restaurants prepare to make their grand entrance.
From a Michelin-starred Japanese maestro to some hotspots from other foodie cities, I’ve got the inside scoop on where you need to be seen dining this October.
SUSHI BY MASA
Location: Harrods, Knightsbridge
The legendary Masayoshi Takayama is landing in London. This Michelin-starred maestro is bringing his A-game to Harrods Dining Hall, promising an extravagant fusion of traditional Japanese flavours with a modern twist. We’re talking about an unforgettable culinary journey.
Menu : Signature sushi, Masa Toro caviar rolls, Ohmi beef tataki, salmon tartare temaki etc.
Booking: https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/sushibymasa
Open on 7th October 2023
Akara London
Location: Borough Yards
Borough Yards is about to heat up with a spicy new addition: Akara, brought to you by the team behind Akoko. This West African gem is poised to tantalize your taste buds with bold and flavorful dishes that pay homage to the rich culinary traditions of West Africa. Get ready for a taste explosion!
Menu: A popular street food dish throughout West Africa, such as black-eye bean fritter.
Open on 5th October 2023.
Check info on their Instagram
Saltine
Location: Highbury Park
This modern neighbourhood restaurant offering seasonal, contemporary cooking in a smart, stylish space. The founders Mat and Jess have teamed up with Head Chef Phil Wood, who recently had an experience at St John Marylebone. Saltine will be open throughout the day, with a lighter offering for lunch, and a full menu in the evening alongside low intervention wines and kitchen led cocktails.
Menu: Fried stracciatella & anchovy sandwiches, Cured bream with fennel seed saltine, Mackerel etc.
Open in October 2023. Sign up their newsletter for the update
Daroco
Location: Soho
Soho is rolling out the welcome mat for Daroco, straight from Paris. This spot is your new go-to for modern Italian cuisine with a touch of French flair. But does it live up to the hype? You’ll have to experience it to see if it truly offers ‘Italian food heaven.’ And that’s not all – downstairs, the talented French bartender Nico de Soto is in charge of the new bar, promising a delightful drinking experience!
Menu in Paris: From mouthwatering pizzas to perfectly crafted Truffle pasta
Website: https://www.daroco.com/en/restaurant/daroco-soho-2
Open on 16th October 2023
Ixchel
Location: Chelsea
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with Ixchel, a modern Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar opening on King’s Road. Chef Ximena Gayosso Gonzalez brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico to life. Expect a menu that pays homage to the diverse culinary traditions of the region. It’s a fiesta on a plate!
Expected Menu: Tuna sashimi, Cheese and herbs stuffed pasilla, Pork ribs wrapped in banana leaf etc.
Open in October 2023. Check their website for the update: https://ixchellondon.com/
Nammos London
Location: Knightsbridge
Nammos London, the chic sibling of the iconic Mykonos beach club, has arrived in Knightsbridge. Expect Greek and Mediterranean cuisine that’s as lavish as the surroundings. This is where the who’s who of London will be dining.
Menu: From Spicy Crab Tartare Salad to the Mains Wagyu Ribeye Steak, Fresh Fish (Market Price)
Open in October 2023. Registered here to make a booking.
Il Gattopardo
Location: Mayfair
Mayfair is in for a taste of Southern Italy with ‘Il Gattopardo’ (‘The Leopard’), brought to you by the group behind Zuma and Roka. This restaurant is dedicated to bringing the bold and beautiful flavors of the South to your table, albeit at a premium price. You won’t want to miss it, especially since Executive Chef Massimo Pasquarelli has an impressive background, including past work with Alain Ducasse.
Menu: From Crudo, Arancini to Pasta, and Mains T-bone filles, seabass filles.
Booking : https://gattopardo.restaurant/
Open on 6th October 2023
Bambi
Location: London Fields
East London is set to welcome a new wine bar at Netil House, brought to you by the team behind Frank’s Café in Peckham. With its extensive record collection, this spot promises to become your new neighborhood hub for wine, drinks, food, and music. Additionally, you can also enjoy coffee during the daytime.
Menu: Cauliflower cheese arancini, Chicken parm ciabatta. Roast Chicken etc.
Open on 6th October 2023
Join their mailing list to be informed: https://bambi-bar.com/
Dalla
Location: Hackney
This is your new neighborhood Italian restaurant. Owner Gennaro Leone wanted to create a space where friends could gather around a table and share the things he loves most, which happen to be predominantly Italian. They believe that Italian food belongs in a family-style setting: simple, intimate, but always an unforgettable experience. Their friend, a Sicilian artist, has designed the perfect environment to enhance this simple pleasure.
Booking: https://www.dallaterra.co.uk/reservations
Open in October 2023
*Special Event: Spice in the City
Location: Cinnamon Kitchen City in Devonshire Square
Cinnamon Kitchen is gearing up to celebrate its 15th Anniversary with an unforgettable event featuring five of London’s most spice-obsessed chefs! Each chef will present a unique dish for what promises to be the hottest night of the year, all for just £95. The chef lineup is spectacular, with Will Bowlby of Kricket, Adriana Cavita of Cavita, Gavin Malleappah of Rambutan, and Vivek Singh and Raju Ramachandran from Cinnamon Kitchen taking the lead in the kitchen.
But that’s not all! After indulging in the vibrant flavors, you’ll also have the opportunity to engage in a lively Q&A session with all the chefs.
Menu: An exclusive canape reception followed by a four-course dinner
On 6th October 2023
Go grab your tickets : https://www.designmynight.com/london/bars/liverpool-street/cinnamon-kitchen/spice-in-the-city?t=tickets
Get Ready to Swoon?
There you have it, fellow food aficionados – London’s culinary stage is set to sizzle this October with these ten dazzling newcomers. Whether you’re in the mood for a gastronomic adventure, a Mediterranean soiree, or a spice feast, these restaurants have you covered.
Reserve your table, because the London dining scene is about to get seriously infatuated this October!