From fusion restaurants to Japanese exceptional omakase-style dining, here are the best new restaurants, pubs and bars in London to try out this December. 


1 Taku, Mayfair 

Chef Takuya Watanabe, formerly of Jin, the first sushi omakase in Paris to receive a Michelin star, heads up this new, sublime sushi omakase in Mayfair that hits both traditional and modern notes. Using British Isles ingredients, the venue has a lunch, signature and prestige menu that changes daily and made with daily catches, seasonal produce and Taku’s skill. With just 16 covers, the venue is small so expect an intimate experience, and with menus starting from £180, expect a superb meal.  

Address: 36 Albemarle Street, W1S 4JE 

Website: takumayfair.com 

2 The Wealthy Beggar, Kensal Rise 

A five-star dive bar, The Wealthy Beggar’s style comes with a bit of an edge. There’s Asian fusion bar bites like wagyu tartare with truffle miso and a cheeseburger dumpling with kimchi ketchup to go with your rounds of cocktails. Open Tuesday to Saturday, the two-floor venue comes with a statement bar, DJ booths for late night partying, an event space, live music on Wednesday and regular quiz nights.  

Address: 109 Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise NW10 3NS 

Website: instagram.com/wealthybeggar.london 

 

3 Officina 00, Fitzrovia 

First opened in Old Street, this is the second restaurant for Officina 00. It serves regionally inspired plates and fresh pasta dishes inspired by traditional Nepalese cooking. Sweetcorn ravioli with girolles and pea shoots; oversized ravioli with egg yolk, crab and turmeric butter; as well as anolini with smoked shiitake broth, soy and confit garlic are all on the menu, to go with dishes such as spicy octopus with crispy saffron rice, and confit tomato tartare, burrata, caperberries and rocket. Make sure you leave room for a serve of tiramisu and a classic Italian cocktail or two. 

Address: 67 Whitfield Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 4DE 

Website:  officina00.co.uk 

4 Tozi Grande Café, Battersea Power Station 

Already in Victoria, Tozi Grande Café opens up in Battersea Power Station, bring with it the classic elegance of Europe's Grande Cafes to Battersea Power Station. It comes with floor to ceiling windows and a beautiful alfresco terrace and an all-day dining menu with Italian takes on brunch such as baked eggs, and spianata piccante as well as Tozi favourites including veal Milanese, lobster linguine and sharing cicchetti. Opens December 12. 

Address: Battersea Power Station 

Website: tozigrandcafe.co.uk 

5 bar kroketa, Carnaby 

From the team behind Tapas Brindisa, this Spanish bar comes with Basque sensibilities. The snug little venue’s signature dish, surprise surprise, are croqueta, with the blackboard menu changing regularly. There’s also a selection of small plates, like crab and aioli toasties and cheese taquitos with chestnut honey and coffee, as well as Spanish wines, sherry and Basque-style cider. Walk-in only.  

Address: 21 Beak Street, Carnaby 

Website: instagram.com/bar.kroketa

6 Lulu's, Herne Hill 

The team behind neighbourhood restaurant Llewelyn’s will open a wine bar and shop next door this December. It’s a deli/grocery store by day selling sandwiches, salads and produce to take away, while in the evening, the wine - both new and old - flows alongside a as European menu that comes with a Nordic and Middle Eastern nod. Opens December 14.

Address: 291 Railton Road, London, SE24 0JP 

Website: instagram.com/luluslondon/ 

7 STK Stratford 

Party brunch champions and American-style steak house, STK Steakhouse opens up its third London restaurant in The Gantry London. There's rooftop views of London, DJs, happy hour and brunch, lunch and dinner menus boasting the likes of premium dry-aged steaks, truffle fries and sushi. Happy Hour has £3, £6, £9 cocktails, so you can quaff the likes of the STK Martini, Tropical Kiss and Strawberry Cobbler on the cheap.  

Address: 40 Celebration Avenue, E20 1DB 

Website: stksteakhouse.com 

8 Viajante87, Notting Hill 

This Mexican Japanese bar comes from the team behind Los Mochis, A high-energy, but intimate hideaway, Viajante87 has its own mixology lab focusing on contemporary creative cocktails that are made with minimal waste. Billed as an agaveria-cum-Izakaya, expect tequilas, sashimi and sandos.  

Address: Basement 87 Notting Hill Gate W11 3JZ 

Website: viajantebar.com 

READ MORE: The Best Things To Do In London This December With Family & Friends