BEST RESTAURANTS AND BARS OPENING IN LONDON IN FEBRUARY 2026

February promises an irresistible lineup of new places to toast, taste, and explore across the capital. Whether you’re looking to book ahead for Valentine’s, impress a visiting friend, or treat yourself to the latest and greatest in London hospitality, this guide highlights the must-visit new restaurants and bars that deserve a spot on your 2026 radar.

Sartoria – Liverpool Street

Address: 6 New St, City, London EC2M 4TR

Opening Date: 1 February 2026

The Evolv Collection (formerly D&D London) replaced the recently closed Launceston Place restaurant with their Savile Row Italian restaurant Sartoria, and they have also turned their Fiume restaurant in Battersea into a Sartoria. Now a new site is opening in Liverpool Street, on the former Fish Market space, making this their fourth branch.

The Newman Hotel – Brasserie Angelica and Gambit Bar

Address: 50 Newman Street, London W1T 3EB

Opening Date: 1 February 2026

A Fitzrovian modern art boutique hotel from Kinsfolk & Co, with 81 Art Deco–inspired rooms and a wellness spa. It will have two places to eat and drink:

  • Brasserie Angelica is the hotel’s European all-day restaurant, with a street-side terrace, standalone bar, and lunchtime sandwich trolley.
  • Gambit Bar – an underground bar serving cocktails (including low- and no-alcohol options), local craft beers and bar snacks, with DJs, and regular chess nights.

The Light Bar

Address: 233 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6PJ

Re-opening Date: 1 February 2026

The Light Bar in Shoreditch, which is inside a former Victorian power station, is entering a new chapter under new owner Rob Star (founder of Electric Star Pubs), following his recent opening of Firestarter. The relaunch includes a revamped food offering led by executive chef Jake Ayliffe (formerly head chef at Rogues), serving elevated pub classics in a 100-cover dining space. Brunch and Sunday lunch will continue, alongside a design refresh, a new mezzanine level, and a third-floor club space, The Timber Loft, hosting weekend day parties and club nights.

Bambi

Address: 1 Westgate St, London E8 3RL

Re-opening Date: 3 February 2026

Bambi is reopening as an expanded Bambi 2.0 after taking over the neighbouring space, doubling its size with more tables, a new mezzanine, and an enlarged courtyard. The kitchen is now led by Jamie Thorneycroft, formerly of Lagom, introducing a new menu cooked over charcoal. DJs will now play nightly, with weekend dancefloor sessions, while the bar and courtyard will be kept for walk-ins.

Cafe Kowloon

Address: 392-393 Mentmore Terrace, London Fields, London E8 3PH

Opening Date: 4 February 2026

Opening Offer: 50% off food on 30 & 31 January 2026

The team behind Mr Bao and Daddy Bao opens a hidden new Cantonese concept at the back of Wonton Charlie’s. Cafe Kowloon will serve a contemporary London take on Hong Kong dishes, with counter seating overlooking the open kitchen and banquettes with Lazy Susans for sharing. Founded by Frank Yeung and Abhinav Malde, the restaurant will use produce from local suppliers including Fin & Flounder, E5 Bakehouse and Clean Bean Tofu.

Hoppers – Shoreditch

Address: Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JJ

Opening Date: 4 February 2026

Nearly a decade after opening in Soho, Hoppers by JKS group is launching its fourth restaurant in Shoreditch, introducing a broader focus on South Indian cuisine alongside its signature Sri Lankan dishes. Led by creative director Karan Gokani, the menu draws on influences from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka, with new dishes including Benne Dosa, South Indian–style biryani, and Kerala-inspired curries. The 55-cover restaurant will take over the former Lyles site and feature a refreshed design inspired by Chettiyar homes and South Indian art, with drinks also reflecting South Indian flavours, including expanded low- and no-alcohol options.

Donutelier – Oxford street

Address: 1 Oxford Street (4 Soho Place, W1D 3BG – by Tottenham Court Road station)

Opening Date: 4 February 2026

Opening Offer: 100 free donuts from 11am and a “spin to win” at 1:30pm on opening day

Donutelier is opening a new, 82 sqm boutique, featuring an immersive “decoration theatre” visible from the street. 

The Good Front Room

Address: 1 Thomas Tower, Dalston Square, Greater London, E8 3GU

Opening Date: 5 February 2026

Chef Dom Taylor is reviving The Good Front Room, following its acclaimed residency at The Langham after his win on Five Star Chef. The restaurant will reopen permanently in Dalston, taking over the former Mildreds site, after a successful supperclub there. As previously, it will focus on modern interpretations of Caribbean cuisine inspired by Taylor’s heritage (and his great-aunt Myrtle’s front room).

Sanhao

Address: 3 Gerrard Street, Chinatown, Soho, London W1D 5PD

Opening Date: 6 February 2026

A new “refined noodle and fried dumpling” restaurant by founder Keng Leong (of YiQi, The Eight and Dozo). Spread across three floors, they will serve classic dishes with a moderne touch, using sustainable British ingredients, by executive chef Daren Liew (ex Hakkasan Group, Duddell’s and Nanyang Blossom).

Afrikana – Uxbridge

Address: 16 High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1LB

Opening Date: Scheduled for 6 February 2026 but has been postponed

Opening Offer: 15 free platters on opening date to early customers and 20% off

A new “refined noodle and fried dumpling” restaurant by founder Keng Leong (of YiQi, The Eight and Dozo). Spread across three floors, they will serve classic dishes with a moderne touch, using sustainable British ingredients, by executive chef Daren Liew (ex Hakkasan Group, Duddell’s and Nanyang Blossom).

Domino’s CHICK ‘N’ DIP Pop-Up

Address: Protein Studios, 31 New Inn Yard, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3EY

Opening Date: 6 February 2026

Domino’s launches new chicken-focused range featuring tenders, wings, and boneless bites with a free immersive experience in Shoreditch to showcase the new menu, where visitors can swap foreign currency for free food. This new, permanent, hot and crispy chicken menu includes nine globally inspired, mix-and-match dips including Smoky BBQ, Garlic Aioli, Fiery Ghost Chilli Glaze, and Katsu Curry.

Osteria Vibrato

Address: 6 Greek St, London W1D 4DE

Opening Date: 7 February 2026

Charlie Mellor closed The Laughing Heart three years ago but now returns with Osteria Vibrato, a new Italian restaurant, taking over the former Cinquecento Pizzeria site. The menu is created by Gaia Enria (founder of recently closed Burro e Salvia), with a focus on simple, regional Italian cooking, including pre-order-only Brodo di Vasto from Abruzzo. A £3 cover charge will apply, and the 250 wines list will spotlight classically styled wines.

Kichiya

Address: 394 Mentmore Terrace, London Fields, London E8 3PH

Opening Date: 7 February 2025

A new Japaneseinspired cake shop and café by Le Cordon Bleu-trained baker Ayako Takei, known for her work at The Wolseley, Honey & Co and London markets. The cafe will serve European pastries with Japanese flavours alongside matcha, hojicha, speciality coffee and soft serve, with limited indoor and outdoor seating.

Sale e Pepe Mare

Address: The Langham Hotel, 1c Portland Place, Regent Street, London W1B 1JA

Opening Date: 9 February 2025

The Langham saw its Roux at the Landau closing in 2023, followed by Mimosa from French group Moma, which lasted just five months. Now Markus Thesleff’s The Thesleff Group (behind Los Mochis and Sale e Pepe), are opening a seafood version of the original Sale e Pepe in Knightsbridge restaurant.

Honey Moon – Croydon

Address: 33 S End, Croydon CR0 1BE

Opening Date: 9 February 2025

An authentic Sri Lankan dining venue with locations in Hounslow and Aylesbury. It serves traditional, fiery Sri Lankan cuisine, including curries, hoppers, and, in some locations, Indo-Chinese and grilled dishes. 

Alley Cats Pizza – Portobello

Address: 233 Portobello Road, London N1 2PA

Opening Date: Early February 2026

Alley Cats is opening a second restaurant on Portobello Road, just a short walk from its new Westbourne Grove site. The new two-floor pizzeria will feature an off-road terrace and a slice hatch serving 18-inch slices to take away. The expanded menu will include Fat Cat Squares (their take on Sicilian pizza), new subs such as a Philly cheesesteak, deep-fried carbonara bites and aubergine parmigiana, alongside the signature 14-inch pizzas.

Bara Cafe

Address: Peckham – 44-46 Choumert Road, London SE15 4SE

Opening Date: 12 February 2026

A neighbourhood cafe and sandwich shop led by Zoë Heimann alongside private chef Cecily Dalladay (quarter-finalist on MasterChef “The Professionals”), with a strong focus on Welsh produce. The menu centres on house-made focaccia and Welsh-inspired dishes, including Bara Brith, a Swansea breakfast, and fillings such as slow-cooked Welsh lamb, saffron coronation chicken, and crab rarebit with Caerphilly cheese. A Pembrokeshire lobster roll will be available on Saturdays only.

Greggs: Matcha & Move

Address: 59, Greek Street, London, W1D 3DZ

Pop-Up Date: 13 – 14 February 2026

Greggs is launching a new iced matcha range in three flavours: classic iced matcha, vanilla and strawberry. To celebrate the launch, the bakery chain is hosting a free “Matcha & Move” pop-up Pilates experience in central London for one weekend, with a complimentary iced matcha and sausage or vegan roll after each session. Tickets are £10 but will be refunded upon attendance.

Hot Saint at the Old Queen’s Head

Address: 44 Essex Rd, Islington, London N1 8LN

Opening Date: 16 February 2026

The long-running pub, run by Columbo Group (who also own The Parakeet),  is launching a new pizza concept called Hot Saint Pizza, created by ex-Dough Hands chef Tom Budakan, as part of the pub group’s 20th-anniversary food revamp. The menu features 48-hour fermented dough pizzas alongside pizza sandwiches and a banana miso soft-serve dessert.

Endo, Upstairs at Annabel’s

Address: 46 Berkeley Square, London W1J 5AT

Opening Date: 20 February 2026

After a fire forced the closure of Endo at The Rotunda in September 2025, chef Endo Kazutoshi is launching a five-month pop-up at Annabel’s. Officially titled Endo, Upstairs at Annabel’s (referred to by the chef as “Untitled”), the pop-up will be run by the same team and is open to non-members while the White City restaurant prepares to reopen.

Forza Wine – Soho

Address: Manette St, London W1D 4AL

Opening Date: 22 February 2026

Forza Wine is opening a new outpost in Soho, taking over the former Daroco site. The large venue includes a spacious terrace and additional bar space below, with the offering expected to follow the Forza Wine formula: Italian small plates, cocktails with a focus on negronis and margaritas, and a low-intervention wine list.

Tamila – Soho

Address: 19-20 Poland St, London W1F 8QF

Opening Date: 24 February 2026

Opening Offer: Soft launch on 24/02 from 5pm, and from 12pm on 25/02 with 50% off food and drinks, walk-ins only.

The team behind The Tamil Prince and The Tamil Crown is opening Tamila in Soho, its most central (and flagship), location to date. Taking over the former Obica Mozzarella bar, the two-floor restaurant will serve a modern take on South Indian curry house classics, led by executive chef Prince Durairaj, with dishes inspired by his heritage. A ground-floor bar will serve South Indian–inspired cocktails, alongside a bold, design-led interior.

Spotlight

Address: 45 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4HX

Residency Start Date: 25 February 2026

St Martin’s Lane Hotel is launching a new residency-led food and culture space replacing the former Asia de Cuba. Created in collaboration with creative studio Whipped Cream, Spotlight will host rotating concepts. It will begin with a two-week launch residency from chefs Sertaç Direk (ex-Mangal 2) and Marcello Rodrigues (recently at at Quality Wines, Leo’s, The Plimsoll and more), known for his Portuguese-inspired cooking.

Simpson’s in the Strand

Address: 100 Strand, London WC2R 0EW

Re-opening Date: Late February 2026

Jeremy King is reopening Simpson’s in the Strand, one of London’s most iconic restaurants (which closed in March 2020), as a “big-theatre brasserie”, after recently opening The Park near Hyde Park, relaunched Le Caprice as Arlington. It will have two restaurants, two bars and private rooms.

Hell’s Kitchen

Address: The Cumberland Hotel, Great Cumberland Pl, Marble Arch, London W1H 7DL

Opening Date: February 2026

Chef Gordon Ramsay is bringing Hell’s Kitchen to the UK for the first time, opening at The Cumberland Hotel in partnership with The Clermont Hotel Group. The Marble Arch restaurant will offer an “immersive dining experience” with open-kitchen, theatrical dining experience, sitting at the more casual end of Ramsay’s portfolio, with a menu expected to include signature dishes such as beef Wellington, steaks and scallops, alongside UK-exclusive additions.

HOUSE OF GODS

Address: 12 Blank Street

Opening Date: February 2026

Investment group Imbiba will open the group’s first London hotel, the 65,000 square feet site that boasts 78 bedrooms, as well as a rooftop bar, music venue and events space. The music setting will be an Amazing Grace music space with it being managed by Camm & Hooper.

Cometa

Address: Carousel, 19-23 Charlotte Street, London W1T 1RW

Opening Date: February 2026

The founders of Carousel, Ed and Ollie Templeton, are opening Cometa, a contemporary Mexican seafood restaurant taking over Carousel’s former wine bar space. Inspired by venues such as Contramar and The Four Horsemen in New York, the menu will focus on ceviches, aguachiles and larger seafood dishes, led by Ollie Templeton alongside chefs José Lizarralde Serralde (Relae, Nicos, Meroma) and Alejandra Juarez (Estela, Máximo, Makan). Drinks will include margaritas, mezcal cocktails and house-made agua frescas, with the space undergoing a full redesign.

Br3wery TaproomFurzedown

Address: 97 Moyser Road, London SW16 6SH

Opening Date: Late February 2026

South London brewery Br3wery is opening its third taproom, and its first outside Beckenham. Taking over the former Belgiardino site, the new venue will serve Br3wery beers alongside wines from Crystal Palace Wine Club, with food provided by local Naked Loaf Pizzeria.

Fenix Mayfair

Address: 80 Piccadilly, London W1J 8HX

Opening Date: February/Spring 2026

The team behind Tattu is bringing its Modern Greek-Mediterranean-inspired concept Fenix to London. Opening on Piccadilly in the former Henry’s site, the large ground-floor restaurant will feature a central open kitchen and a separate bar. The menu is expected to mirror Manchester with a high-end Greek-Mediterranean focus.

Temaki

Address: 11 Maddox Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 2QF

Opening Date: February 2026

A M Dupree is reopening Temaki in Mayfair after closing the Brixton site in August 2025, launching on Maddox Street with support from The Crown Estate. The larger new restaurant will have a a second space downstairs and is inspired by Japanese listening bars. It will focus on Japanese handrolls inspired by Californian temaki bars, alongside set menus, crispy rice, wagyu sliders, sashimi and sandos. Drinks will include sake (with flights) and a small cocktail list, with additional seating in a downstairs listening-bar–inspired space.

Dim Sum and Duck

Address: 180-186 Pentonville Rd, King’s Cross, London N1 9JP

Opening Date: February 2026

Dim Sum Duck is opening a second site the King’s Cross area, taking over the former Meat House space, just minutes from the original. The new restaurant will serve the same all-day dim sum and Cantonese roast duck menu, seven days a week, offering an affordable expansion of one of the area’s most popular dining spots.

Napoli on the Road

Address: 140 Wardour Street, London W1F 8ZT

Opening Date: February 2026

The pizzeria spreads across two-floors, with a classic pizzeria upstairs and a downstairs space dedicated to a seven-course pizza tasting menu paired with curated wine flights. Highly awarded, it has been named Best Pizza Maker in the World (2023) and Europe’s Best Pizzeria (2024 and 2025). The design is minimalist, with chrome pizza ovens as the focal point.

*This guide is updated daily so check again for new restaurants

Liked this post? Follow this blog to get more. 

Prev Post

DCYPHER Beauty curates the very Best of Beauty at Covent Garden Pop-Up