There is no shortage of restaurants in West End London, nor any other part of London for that matter. Whether it is Indian Afternoon Tea or a wine bar and tapas you are after, the West End always delivers. There are some old faithful restaurants that have been serving Londoners world-class delicacies for years – these, of course, are always worth a visit. However, one of the most exciting parts about London is how continuously it grows and expands. A new restaurant pops up quicker than you can say “West End”. So if you are feeling adventurous, head to any of the following new restaurants and prepare to be dazzled.
Yeni
Soho sits at the very heart of London’s West End and is now home to Yeni, the new outpost of famed Istanbul restaurant Yeni Lokanta. Imaginative dishes with mind-blowing flavours, the eclectic vibrancy of the area shines through in the decor, flavours and service offered at Yeni. At Yeni, they are all about a good twist – turning simple, local and seasonal produce into something truly special, that you would not be able to find anywhere else. Given its proximity to the theatre district, there are options for pre-theatre packages, as well as set lunch and group booking options. Simplicity is key and yet you won’t find what you get here anywhere else.
Address: 55 Beak St, Soho, London W1F 9SH
Yopo at The Mandrake
Fitzrovia’s Yopo at The Mandrake features all-day modern European and South American fusion dining – does it get any better than that? The menu is a prime example of what happens when you combine traditional cooking techniques with experimental ingredients, freshly sourced and plucked in their prime to be served on beautifully presented platters before your eyes. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner meaning you can sample its new food at whatever time suits you, while still having time to enjoy some downtime in your room at The Piccadilly London West End.
Address: 20 – 21 Newman St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1PG
Master Wei
This new Chinese restaurant in the West End’s treasured Bloomsbury, a short walk from Russell Square, is brought to you by the masterminds behind Xi’an Impression by Holloway Road. Much like the food at Xi’an Impression, Master Wei is the kind of place you visit every time you find yourself in London. The phenomenon occurs as soon as you have had the privilege of trying their crispy wontons or sampled the ginger sauce that accompanies their boneless chicken dish. After that, you become a regular.
Address: 13 Cosmo Pl, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 3AP
Emilia
This brand new Italian restaurant in Mayfair is already making waves, and it has only just parked itself at the Haunch of Venison Yard just off Brook Street. This wine bar and restaurant is a little piece of Italy right here in London, aiming to showcase modern British produce with traditional Italian flair, paying homage to the region of Emilia-Romagna, where the restaurateur drew inspiration from for Emilia. The wine list is as impressive as the knowledge from the attentive, passionate waiters is and the food will turn this spot from a pleasant visitor into a repeat customer. Between the homemade pasta, the antipasti selection and the range of second courses, you are completely spoilt for choice.
Address: 7 Haunch of Venison Yard, Mayfair, London W1K 5ES
Bao and Bing
Bao and Bing in the West End’s area of Marleybone is the newest addition to London’s Taiwanese food scene. It is a modern, high-end take on Taiwanese street food, inspired by the Night Street Markets of Taipei and Jiufen. The decor is reminiscent of the 50s and 60s teahouses in the Xinyi District, renowned for entertainment, community, socialising and togetherness. The food is an expressive taste explosion brought to you by chef Paul Sarlas, who spent many years travelling in Taiwan as well as more of Asia. It aims to offer a little Taiwanese sanctuary in London.
Reservation: Walk-in only (with the option of group bookings)
Address: 22 Paddington St, Marylebone, London W1U 5QY
Berenjak
If it is Mediterranean food you are after, and a new restaurant in West End London is what you feel like trying, then there is really no better place to visit than Berenjak, run by an authentic Persian family living in London and hoping to bring their favourite homely flavours to everybody. This restaurant takes the seeming simplicity of rotating shawarma’s to a whole new level, with juicy, marinated, high-quality meat and constantly vigilant chefs ensuring it stays tender. The Iranian Kebab game has never been so strong, and Soho is fortunate enough to be its new home.
Address: 27 Romilly St, Soho, London W1D 5AL
Bancone
Covent Garden is a truly special part of London’s West End, and its new Bacone restaurant will satiate any cravings you have been having for Italian cuisine – pasta especially. Though they crush almost all of their dishes, they are especially well-known for their fresh, homemade pasta. Most loved is their slow-cooked oxtail ragu, as well as their duck ravioli. Just the smells as you walk in will have you ready to order just about everything on their menu. It is doing really well for itself given that it is the new kid on the block, so make sure you book to ensure a night of carby-deliciousness.
Address: 39 William IV St, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4DD
There are some things – like booking a London West End stay package, or visiting Trafalgar Square – that you shouldn’t deviate from. Why fix what isn’t broken? But when it comes to food, be bold! Try it all. You will be amazed at the quality of chefs and food that London is welcoming regularly, especially in the West End. Taste your way around Piccadilly one new restaurant at a time…starting – of course – at our own Hankies where you’ll be delighted by the authentic tastes of Indian street food.
Yum!
