A new year brings a refreshed stack of restaurants to try. Here's the ones that should be at the top of your list.
There's no shortage of dining options in a city like London. From delicious, neighbourhood eateries to well-known institutes, there are plenty of hot-ticket venues to discover night after night. Whether you're seeking a high-energy adventure or a cosy corner booth, there's something to suit every kind of mood.
Each year, The Sybarite compiles our list of the most noteworthy restaurants to book... discover the 2025 iteration below.
Bottarga
Chelsea's stylish neighbourhood reputation has been infinitely heightened with the opening of Bottarga, the latest venue dreamt up by the Pachamama team. Equal parts cosy and sophisticated, Bottarga's moody energy is fed by flickering candles and a bustling, open plan kitchen.
All good meals start with a drink and the Negroily is an absolute standout. Gin, masthia, vermouth, bitters and olive oil combine for a unique take on the negroni that cuts through the savour flavour with a buttery, oily undertone.
It goes without saying that a selection of breads and dips is the ideal way to start any Mediterranean dining experience. Hot tip: don't skip the smoky aubergine. Also on the small bites front, the saganaki tapioca bites with sesame and thyme honey are the perfect balance of sweet and salty. With a crisp, outer coating and a soft, creamy centre, it's a memorable texture medley.
Larger plates see dishes from the ocean and butcher come together, with a selection of perfectly smoked meats and fresh seafood fare. Vegetables and salads can be added on as sides, allowing you to build your perfect plate. The namesake bottarga orzo with chilli oil was wonderfully fresh and fishy, while the lamb belly with Greek Easter seasoning was succulent and tender.
At the staff's passionate recommendation, a humongous slice of the burnt chocolate cheesecake proved the perfect way to end the evening. with a generous drizzle of salted caramel chocolate poured on top. A little bitter and plenty rich, it's sinfully thick and deliciously moreish.
It's hard to leave Bottarga's cosy confines, especially on a cold winter's night, but given its immediate success, people will undoubtedly be coming back all year round.
Tucked away on a quiet street set back from the bustle of Shoreditch High Street, Kolamba East is an aesthetic oasis serving truly memorable Sri Lankan fare. Led by husband and wife duo Eroshan and Aushi Meewella, this is the second London outpost (the first being Kolamba in Soho). The pair both grew up in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, and the menu is somewhat a love letter to the area. There's a real focus on sharing, which is a central part of the country's culture.
It's hard to order incorrectly and the staff are more than happy to share recommendations, but there's a few dishes that should definitely be on your radar. First up is the hot butter soft shell crab which packs a serious punch and will go down a treat with anyone who loves a little spice and leave your lips humming. The whole rib jaggery beef is masterful in flavour, falling away at the bone and swimming in a rich sauce of coconut and spices.
The share dishes and sides shouldn't be overlooked, either. A couple of egg hoppers for the table are an absolute must, with their delicious crispy exterior making them the perfect scooping accessory to grab any excess sauce.
On the drinks side, the cocktail menu showcases a variety of classics with a Sri Lankan slant. The standout is the clarified pina colada which tastes exactly like the creamy tipple but is near-clear in colour and incredibly smooth to boot.
Kolamba East is everything you'd want in a Sri Lankan restaurant and more. Book in for a heady dose of sugar, spice and everything nice.
Stepping foot inside Ixchel feels like being immediately transported to the sunny shores of Tulum. The decor, rich with hand-woven fabrics and terracotta hues is a design-lovers dream. Music, interiors and ambience come together perfectly, hitting all the right notes for a truly immersive experience.
Of course, looks aren't everything, but if anything, Ixchel over delivers on the food and drinks front. The menu is ideal for trying smaller portions of different dishes, with a strong focus on small plates, tacos, quesadillas, sides and salads. Tuna tartare is a standout, with juicy pieces of fish reminiscent of a sun-drenched holiday. Fish tacos come succulent and fresh with a little added kick from the salsa, while the cactus toastadas are refreshing and citrusy in flavour.
You'd be remiss to skip the short rib with smoky adobo and pineapple salsa which is shredded table-side by our server, who also brought a basket of warm tortillas to build our own tacos with.
Be sure to leave room for dessert, more specifically the chocolate fondant with chilli ice cream and the tres leches cake with cinnamon custard crème. The former is oozy and decadent while the latter is beautifully spongey and moist — both brilliant in their own ways.
A meal at Ixchel is certainly cheaper than return flights to Mexico promises to satisfy the wanderlust craving for an evening in Tulum.
The novelty of an open kitchen concept will never get old in restaurant dining, and it's something The Palomar does very well. In fact, the venue is so dedicated to showing guests the behind-the-scenes action, that essentially half the restaurant is bar seating, boasting a prime vantage point of the galley-style kitchen.
The menu is influenced by the rich cultures of Southern Spain, North Africa and Levantine cuisine, with dips, breads, vegetables and meats reigning supreme. The kubaneh bread is tipped out of its metal tin at the table, landing on the plate in a warm and fluffy display. Served alongside rich tahini butter and a velvet tomato dip, it's the perfect way to kick things off.
The beetroot with ajo blanco and jalapeño is a marvel. The beetroot is beautifully smooth and vibrant in colour, with gentle kick from the chillies cutting through the overall creaminess. For the large plates, the tarka octopus and chicken labanieh are both worthy of a mention for their exquisite presentation and juicy essence. The venue's style of cooking sees a lot of dishes prepared over a Josper charcoal grill which is a technique that is really evident in the flavours. The stars of the large plates really shine on their own, but its the garnishes and seasoning that really make them sing. It's evident the chefs are experts in nailing the balance of every element on the plate to ensure each mouthful is memorable.
With a prime position in Soho's Theatreland, The Palomar works perfectly for a pre-show lunchtime reservation. Just be sure to book a seat at the bar for that fully immersive experience.
French cuisine is known for its complexity, so it takes a very special restaurant to not only nail the fundamentals, but excel at the nuances, too. Enter Marceline, the floating brasserie located in the heart of London's financial district, Canary Wharf. Casting a wide clientele net, the venue appeals to high-powered suits looking for a power lunch and the evening diners seeking an upscale experience.
The menu has been developed by Robert Aikens, the chef who led the reopening of New York's Pastis, a French institution in the Meatpacking District. Unsurprisingly, he's the perfect man for the job, bringing his highly-tailored set of skills to the menu at Marceline. Speaking of, the lineup of dishes is exactly what you'd expect from a French-style brasserie with the usual suspects including steak tartare, onion soup and escargot all available. The rotisserie chicken is cooked to succulent perfection, while the cheese soufflé is devilishly creamy and decadent. Don't skip on dessert either, more specifically the profiteroles with cookie crust, banana, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce poured tableside.
The venue's Head of Wine, Jeffrey Koren, is an absolute delight and incredibly knowledgeable, you'll never drink a bad drop with him around. We savoured a delicious Burgundy red and a refreshingly dry Sauvignon Blanc from Loire. In an aesthetic which oozes grandeur with floor-to-ceiling windows, brass detailing and banquette seating, the experience is très chic overall!
Located in a charming Grade II listed stable at No38 Bruton Place, Rex Delicatessen by Chef Larry Jayasekara elevates grab-and-go dining in Mayfair. During the day the venue is popular for lunch breaks with its selection of elevated sandwiches, pies and salads. Come nighttime, diners can expect a sophisticated bistro-style selection of small and large plates. Using sustainable produce from the Rowler Estate, where Chef Larry spends his weekends, the menu features seasonal delights like venison tartare, roasted pumpkin soup, and the renowned short-rib beef pie. Rex Delicatessen is the perfect spot for a hearty, freshly sourced and indulgent post-office meal.
January is by and far the most popular month to go teetotal, and for good reason. The start of a new year signals time for change, with many choosing to abstain from alcohol as a means of starting off on the right foot (read: with zero hangover regrets).
As the festive season approaches, London’s vibrant dining scene is ready to dazzle with an array of delectable offerings designed to elevate your celebrations.
