The Best London Restaurant Openings This February
By Something CuratedHighlighting this month’s most promising restaurant launches and culinary events, Something Curated takes a closer look at the founders and proprietors behind the anticipated projects.
Jidori, Covent Garden || Shunta Matsubara (Opening TBC)
Having established popularity at their Dalston restaurant, Jidori are bringing their Japanese-inspired menu to a three-storey premises in Covent Garden. Head chef Shunta Matsubara will be cooking up more of their much-loved skewered yakitori dishes, amongst a range of new recipes. The new site will also feature a karaoke-booth-for-hire, located in the basement of the restaurant.
Calçotada Festival at Brindisa Kitchens || Monika Linton (Running Feb – Mar)
Each year in Valls, a city in the east of Catalonia, a raucous festival is held to celebrate the harvest of Calçots, the region’s famous sweet-tasting green onion. The vegetables are grilled on hot fires, wrapped in newspaper and eaten dipped in romesco sauce and downed with red wine and bread. Throughout February and March, Brindisa recreates the atmosphere of Calçotada – expect the traditional main of roasted lamb, sausage and white beans to follow, with plenty of cava, of course.
Farm Girl, Chelsea || Rose Mann, Anthony Hood & Benoit Marmoiton (Opening 2 Feb)
Inspired by Australian cafe culture, Farm Girl offers fresh and nutritious recipes in a welcoming setting. Having teamed up with Sweaty Betty last year, to launch a healthy cafe concept in their Carnaby Street store, Farm Girl now bring their vision to Chelsea, where they will launch their first all-day restaurant and bar concept. In addition to visitor-favourite brunch options, a new evening menu will offer heartier alternatives.
Evelyn’s Table, Soho || Nacho Pinilla (Opening 8 Feb)
Located in the lower-ground floor of new Soho pub, The Blue Posts, Evelyn’s Table presents an intimate, counter dining experience. Led by the team behind The Palomar and The Barbary, Evelyn’s Table will offer a menu of around ten dishes, brought to the plate by head chef, Nacho Pinilla (The Barbay, The Bull & Last, Copita). Alongside main courses of Rock Salt Fillet of Beef and Cuttlefish Ragu, Evelyn’s Table offers a separate wine list, featuring en vogue names and lesser-known makers.
Sabor || Nieves Barragán Mohacho & José Etura (Opening 1 Feb)
The name Sabor, meaning ‘flavour’ in Spanish, reflects the restaurant’s focus on the tastes of Spain, through the use of traditional ingredients and cooking methods, and a relaxed approach to dining. The restaurant is being backed by JKS Restaurants, the London restaurant group behind Gymkhana, Lyle’s and Bao. Spread across two floors, the ground floor will feature a dining counter surrounding an open kitchen and fresh seafood display.
Santa Maria, Fitzrovia || Pasquale Chionchio, Angelo Ambrosio & More (Opening 1 Feb)
Neapolitan natives Chionchio and Ambrosio first brought a taste of Italy to London back in 2010, when they launched their flagship pizzeria in Ealing. After eight years of booming business, which saw the opening of a second restaurant in Chelsea, the duo are preparing to bring the Santa Maria vision to Fitzrovia. Chefs Lucio Miano Petta and Emanuele Tagliarina use traditional cooking techniques and ingredients, to ensure that guests receive the authentic Naples dining experience.
Le Bab Great British Bab Off || Manu Canales & More (11 Feb)
Le Bab will be hosting a charity event at their Kingly Court premises this month, in which chefs will compete to create London’s most delicious take on the humble kebab. Resident Head Chef, Manu Canales, will join the chefs of Yosma, Pitt Cue Co., El Pastor and Ikoyi, to offer guess a five-course tasting menu, before a vote is cast to determine the winner. At £45 a head, tickets also include dessert and all proceeds from the evening go to Action Against Hunger.
AFD Series, Old Spitalfields Market || Tom Brown & More (15 Feb)
Preceding the launch of his new Hackney Wick restaurant, Cornerstone, Tom Brown and his team will be hosting an evening at FLANK, Old Spitalfields Market. Brown’s menu for the evening will be fish-focused and boast four courses, snacks and a wine flight.
Popina || Isidora Popović (Opening TBC)
Having run stalls at over 20 of London’s markets over the last two decades, Isidora Popović is finally preparing to open a static cafe-deli on Duke Street. Savoury breakfast, brunch and lunch options will be balanced with sweet treats, including Rhubarb & Ginger Cheesecake and Truffle Squares. Visitors will also be able to purchase take-home snacks, including hazelnut macaroons and fig biscuits.
Words by Niamh Leonard-Bedwell | Feature image via Brindisa Kitchens