New year, new experiences. There’s nothing we like more than visiting and trying new places to eat and drink, and so of course we have a hit list of restaurants set to open in 2024.
Below are my top 5 restaurants opening (and some reopening) this year. Of course there will be so many more planned to open this year and I’m sure my list will get longer and longer every month, but here are my top 5 so far and why they are on my list.
1. The pleasing to say one
Bebe Bob, Soho
Leonid Shutov is well accustomed to wooing diners with delicious food and an ambience unmatched by most London restaurants. Bob Bob Ricard was Shutov’s first restaurant, and what better way to celebrate its 15th birthday than with the opening of his new, slightly more laid-back sister restaurant. The premise of Bebe Bob is fancy chicken. Like really fancy chicken. Think classic rotisserie chicken but alongside caviar, champagne and fine wine.
As well as an expertly curated menu, it’s clear is that this younger sibling has had all the care and attention that the eldest had when it comes to the interiors. The environment are transformative and evoke travelling back to the Roaring Twenties, when art deco glamour reigned supreme creating a noteworthy synergy between the two restaurants.
See more here - @bebebob
2. The Hollywood one
Trejo’s Tacos
As well as starring in cult classics such as Anchorman and Heat, Hollywood royalty, Danny Trejo has also been building a taco empire across the pond with Trejo’s Tacos and now he’s bringing one to Notting Hill this month.
The restaurant will boast a speakeasy cocktail bar serving up tequila and mezcal based drinks, featuring Trejo's signature frozen OG Margarita and Lavender Paloma. With a commitment to ‘mindful Mexican cuisine’, the food menu will showcase dishes like steak asada tacos with pepita pesto, shrimp tostadas, and slow-roasted pork carnitas tacos with fresh pineapple and fermented hot sauce.
Here's hoping Trejo will also open up a Trejo’s Donuts over here too (they look unreal)
Have a look at his taco empire here - @trejostacosuk
3. The aesthetically pleasing one
Darlings
With possibly one of the most charming names for a restaurant, Darling’s will be a celebration of all things pasta located in Fish Island (Hackney Wick). After a six-month residency at Vestry in Walthamstow, founder, Egle Loit is opening an eatery to showcase her beautiful pasta creations.
There’ll also be a series of fresh pasta-making courses, ‘limitless lunches’ (yes please) and Egle hopes to create a pasta club for ‘those who seek pleasure and connection through food’.
Keep an eye on the opening here - @Darlingitspasta
4. The extravagant one
Julie’s
Nestled in the heart of Holland Park, the renowned Julie's, a West London establishment favoured by A-listers (apparently Kate Moss is a regular), is poised for a grand comeback that surpasses its previous glory. Despite undergoing an extensive renovation in 2019, the restaurant on Portland Road temporarily closed its doors earlier this year, however, it is set for a much-anticipated reopening this Spring. Boasting features such as stained glass windows, gothic wood carvings, and intimate alcoves under the careful guidance of founder and interior designer Julie Hodges, it’s not just the food and drink you’ll want to visit for.
If your ideal dining experience involves a combination of exquisite food Champagne, and opulent decor, Julie’s is the place to be.
Check out the new Julie’s here - @julies
5. The classic French one
Following the huge success of his French/Mediterranean bistro Socca which opened in early 2023, this month sees another new opening from three-Michelin starred chef and restaurateur, Claude Bosi.
Going back to his roots, Claude is opening up a new Lyonnaise restaurant, but this time with his wife, Lucy. The restaurant is named after his grandmother and promises a mix of French bistro classics and regional foods specific to Lyon. Josephine will operate a Bouchon-style metre wine so you only pay for what you drink (the best bit!).
I’ve got my eyes peeled for an opening date here - @josephinebouchon
2024 is already shaping up to be a great year. I can’t wait to visit these as well as our clients new openings this year too. Make sure you’re signed up to our newsletter to hear when our new concepts open their doors.
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