The bonkers caviar dinner party crashing the London scene

[Evening musings on the Elizabeth Line]

Orthopaedic shoes… Khaki pants that fall at the wrong cut… Nautical stripe tees mixed with clashing neon colours… Fits that serve a human billboard for a Decathlon. Has style for the average middle aged Londoner become desolate in preference for comfort? Or is London in a style recession?

This Stockholm import blends Nordic precision with a party’s audacity: think caviar licked straight off your hand followed by a vodka shot, edible licking paper, and dishes like chawanmushi tart, green-curry oysters, foie gras au torchon, and langoustine nigiri. They call it an “immersive, no-bullshit” twist on modern fine dining. Part performance, part dinner party.

Mayfair | Now Open

CÉ LA VI, part rooftop bar, part late-night lounge, part modern Asian restaurant, is the brand’s first London outpost (Dubai and Singapore). Spanning the 17th and 18th floors of Renzo Piano’s Paddington Square - expect dim lighting with sexy red hues, skyline views, DJs, cocktails and champagne rolling between tables, plus dishes like miso seabass in green Szechuan sauce, lobster noodles and crab dumplings. One for the showy crowd.

Paddington | Now Open

One of Malta’s most successful restaurants has landed in London. Once a grand banking hall, the cavernous Cavendish Square site has been meticulously reimagined as Aki - an izakaya-inspired restaurant and late-night cocktail bar. Expect karaage, sashimi and tofu plates alongside premium sake, dim lighting and a design-led interior that swaps finance for pleasure - built for dinners that spill into drinks.

Cavendish Square | Opens 23 September

Heard Soho is the second site from ex-Aimsir (two Michelin star) chef Jordan Bailey, following their Borough debut earlier this year. Expect aged British-beef double-smashes in roast-potato buns, an exclusive “Soho Burger”, and wine pairings from sommelier Majken Bech-Bailey. Upstairs is grab-and-go; downstairs shifts into cocktails and lounge.

Carnaby | Opens 25 September

Named for the late “Lunch Lady” Mrs Nguyễn Thị Thanh, this celebrated Hong Kong import revives her legacy in a sleek London setting, taking over Frenchie. Signature bowls like Bún Mắm, Bún Bò Huế and Bánh Mì sit alongside London-only specials, vibrant cocktails, natural wines and Vietnamese smoothies.

Covent Garden | Now Open

Perched 25 floors up in art’otel London Hoxton, Solaya is his first London venture - offering a modern French-Mediterranean menu built for sharing, seasonal plates, and a Josper grill. With floor-to-ceiling windows, 360° views, balconies, a 70-seat dining room plus a 110-capacity bar/lounge, it’s styled for elevated meals, cocktails and standout private evenings.

Shoreditch | Now Open

Founded by chefs Hari Shetty and Ori Geller, Nela turns The Whiteley into a kitchen-as-stage, using fire and seasonal ingredients to shape warm, sharing dishes. Expect bold, honest food - grilled fish, flame-kissed vegetables, and smoky breads in a hand-crafted space that feels both raw and elegant.

Bayswater | Now Open

Pronounced AH - DOE! Walk-in only, seating around 70 inside and 12 outside. Expect kothu in bold flavours - crab, chicken, mutton or jackfruit - plus crispy mutton rolls, curry-leaf waffles with fried chicken and a salted jaggery soft-serve finale. It feels like Colombo’s night-market lifted into London.

Covent Garden | Now Open

Part café, deli, and restaurant, Aram serves bold Eastern Mediterranean flavours - za’atar croissants, roasted aubergine salad, labneh with poached eggs - under one elegant roof. Expect deli counters by day, vibrant dining later, and cultural connection woven through every plate and pastry.

Strand | Open Now