London’s Culinary Spotlight Shines Bright: Five Must-Book Restaurants This September
September is a pivotal month for London’s vibrant dining scene, marking a return to competitive form after the summer lull. Locals and visitors alike will find the city’s most exciting new establishments demanding reservations, and for good reason. This season, a curated selection of five restaurants stand out, offering unique culinary journeys, innovative techniques, and unforgettable dining experiences. From fusion small plates in Shoreditch to the mastery of wood-fired cooking in Stratford, and exclusive intimate dinners to globally inspired flavours, these establishments are set to capture the city’s attention and appetite.
Mad Cats: A Vinyl-Fueled Feast in Shoreditch
Tucked away on Redchurch Street in Shoreditch, Mad Cats offers a distinctive experience that marries a vinyl-focused cocktail bar with an eclectic small plates menu. The establishment, founded by Ed and Daniella, champions a high-fidelity sound system, creating an immersive atmosphere where music is as central as the food and drink. The menu artfully blends Singaporean and Lebanese influences, presenting dishes like lamb dumplings in yoghurt, crab brioche with gochujang aioli, and a 48-hour beef short rib with mole sauce. Complementing the food are creatively crafted cocktails, such as the ‘ZaZa’ martini infused with za’atar, and rare olive-fermented sake. As the evening progresses, the space transforms into a vinyl-fueled cocktail bar, powered by custom speakers, embodying Shoreditch’s cool, layered, and detail-oriented spirit.
Kokin: The Art of Wood-Fired Japanese Cuisine in Stratford
Chef Daisuke Shimoyama brings his expertise to Stratford with Kokin, a spacious 140-seat restaurant where wood-fired cooking takes centre stage. Utilizing apple wood and Binchotan charcoal, Kokin crafts a menu that highlights the transformative power of fire. Signature dishes include tuna collar lacquered with smoke, Iberico pork brushed with miso, and wagyu beef paired with wild mushrooms and an onsen egg. The innovative use of smoked rice for sushi marks a first in London, and the tasting sampler offers an indulgent introduction to the restaurant’s elevated offerings. Kokin’s commitment to showcasing whole bluefin tuna through theatrical yet skillfully executed deconstructions sets it apart in the city’s competitive Japanese dining landscape.
Claridge’s Kitchen Supper Series: Intimate Culinary Theatre
For an exclusive and intimate dining experience, Claridge’s unveils its Kitchen Supper Series, a collaboration with the esteemed Good Food Guide. Held in the hotel’s L’Epicerie, overlooking the bustling kitchen pass, this series offers a unique chef’s table perspective for just 14 guests per evening. The series features top chefs from across the UK, each presenting a five-course tasting menu with wine pairings. This September, guests can anticipate offerings from chefs like Merlin Labron-Johnson on September 29th, who will bring his hyper-seasonal Somerset cooking to Mayfair. This initiative celebrates British culinary talent, providing an immersive gastronomic event that showcases exceptional skill and seasonal produce in the iconic Mayfair setting.
Makris Athens at Carousel: A Taste of Michelin-Starred Greece
Fitzrovia’s Carousel becomes the London home for Makris Athens, a celebrated restaurant that earned a Michelin star shortly after its opening. From September 2nd to 6th, guest chef Petros Dimas will present a limited-time tasting menu that celebrates Greek heritage with a focus on London’s seasonal ingredients. Dimas, whose restaurant is nestled beneath the Acropolis, emphasizes storytelling through his dishes, utilizing olive oil from his family’s farm near Ancient Corinth and locally sourced seafood. His culinary approach, refined in Europe’s top kitchens, offers a unique opportunity for Londoners to experience the authentic flavours and refined techniques of Athenian fine dining, making it a must-book event for food enthusiasts.
ScandiKitchen: Nordic Comfort Food Expands to Victoria
ScandiKitchen, a beloved establishment known for its authentic Nordic comfort food, opens its second London location in Victoria. Founded by Danish-born Brontë Aurell and her Swedish husband Jonas, the new café mirrors the successful formula of its Fitzrovia predecessor. Located conveniently near Victoria Station, the space offers a serene Scandinavian-inspired interior. The menu features classics such as open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød) piled high with herring or smoked salmon, hearty meatballs with beetroot salad, and warm cinnamon buns. This expansion brings ScandiKitchen’s popular offering of breakfast, lunch, and takeaway treats to a new neighbourhood, providing a consistent taste of hygge and delicious Nordic fare for both commuters and locals.
As September unfolds, London’s food news highlights these exceptional venues, each offering a distinct narrative and culinary craft. Whether seeking experimental flavours, traditional comforts, or exclusive dining, these five restraunts promise to be trending destinations for discerning diners across the city.
