New Restaurants Opening In London This December

Your diary is likely already filling up for party season, but if you’ve got a spare evening why not use it to check out one of London’s hottest new restaurants? In between all the festive menus, pop-ups and cosy winter terraces, there are a handful of culinary launches on the cards this month too. From James Cochran’s new pub to the first UK branch of a cult American food concept, here are the new restaurants opening in London this December.

London Restaurant Openings: December 2024

Babbo, St John’s Wood

The charming neighbourhood of St John’s Wood is getting a new Italian eatery this December. Named Babbo, which means ‘Daddy’ in Italian, it will offer a relaxed all-day dining experience, with Mediterranean-inspired interiors complete with dark timber, a mirrored ceiling and burgundy leather furnishings. On the menu you’ll find an array of vibrant dishes passed down through generations, from grilled spatchcock baby chicken to spaghetti vongole and truffle arancini. Enjoy alongside a selection of fine wines and cocktails like the Sage Cherry Negroni and the Pompello Spritz.

When? Opening 9 December 2024

Where? 29-31 St John’s Wood High St, London NW8 7NH

BOOK: babborestaurant.co.uk

The Brave, Islington

James Cochran closed his beloved Islington restaurant 12:51 in August – but he’s already back with another venture. Opening in the same area this month is The Brave, a bistro pub launched in collaboration with Seven-Eighths Group, who runs The Hemingway in Victoria Park. Lovers of Cochran’s signature fare won’t be disappointed: the menu will include riffs on favourites from 12:51, including the jerk spiced chicken scotch egg. Alongside this there will be newbies like Scottish razor clam ceviche, coal-roasted leeks with truffle hollandaise, and potato dumplings with slow braised beef shin. ‘We’re creating something really special here at The Brave,’ said Cochran. ‘My dad used to take me to the pub when I was a kid and I have happy memories of that time, so this feels full circle for me.’

When? Opening 5 December 2024

Where? 340-342 Essex Rd, Greater, London N1 3PB

BOOK: thebravelondon.co.uk

Dave’s Hot Chicken, Soho

Since launching out of a car park in West Hollywood in 2017, street food concept Dave’s Hot Chicken has become an A-list favourite, loved by everyone from Drake to Usher. And this December, the food chain is opening its first UK branch in London’s Piccadilly. Spread across two floors, it will serve the brand’s cult chicken, with six spice levels ranging from No Spice to Extra Hot. This is the start of a big British expansion, with 60 more branches planned across the UK and Ireland.

When? Opening 7 December 2024

Where? 40 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7ER

BOOK: daveshotchicken.com

Moi et Toi, Tower Bridge

Following the success of its first Notting Hill opening, French bakery Moi et Toi is opening a second venue in Tower Bridge. It will launch within Indian eatery Gunpowder Tower Bridge, serving freshly baked goods and coffee in the mornings before the restaurant begins its lunch and dinner service. The bakery will also be creating a series of desserts for Gunpowder, highlighting the ten spices that make up its signature blend, such as a cardamom blueberry bakewell, and a nutmeg rum rice baba. 

When? 1 December 2024

Where? 4 Duchess Walk, London SE1 2RZ

BOOK: moiettoi-bakery.com

Osteria Del Mare, The Strand

Another new Italian restaurant is coming to London this December: Osteria Del Mare on The Strand – a launch from the team behind Bocconcino. Taking inspiration from Forte dei Marmi, an idyllic coastal town on Italy’s west coast, it’s being led by chef Matteo Massafra, who has worked at prestigious establishments all over the world, including Six Senses Ibiza and Barrafina. Seafood will be a main focus, with guests able to choose from a decadent display of fresh lobster, crab and turbot. Housed within an old bank, it’s set to be a feast for the eyes too, with beautiful interiors helmed by Geometry Design.

When? Opening 9 December 2024

Where? 366 Strand, London WC2R 0JF

BOOK: bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk