December’s Hot New Restaurant Openings - London
CLAP
Already an internationally recognised restaurant renowned by the Michelin Guide in Dubai, Riyadh and Beirut, Japanese restaurant CLAP is landing on Basil Street in Knightsbridge this month. Set across 3 floors, CLAP’s latest outpost will feature a café, dining room with an open kitchen and a large rooftop terrace with indoor and terrace seating with panoramic views across London.
The new location by Addmind Hospitality will showcase an innovative and authentic sensory dining experience with a range of sushi, sashimi and other signature Japanese plates including Hokkaido scallops, pistachio-crusted baby chicken with zuzu and wagyu beef tartare with Biwa caviar.
The Caviar Bar
Opening in recently created Medici Courtyard in Hanover Square this month, The Caviar Bar is set to be a small yet opulent affair. They aim to serve reasonably priced and authentic seafood dishes including sushi, small plates, oysters and larger seafood platters. Of course, there will be an extensive caviar selection served with blinis, potato and créme fraiche. Expect to see Royal Beluga, Oscietra, Imperial and Royal Baerli among the selection.
Set in a 700sq ft site, the in-house team have designed the space to feature onyx and mirrors to create a luxury feel throughout, with the bar being the centrepiece within the space. They also plan to incorporate a retail element so guests can purchase caviar and accessories while they visit.
Philippe Conticini
You may have come across these viral giant croissants and pain au chocolat on TikTok or Instagram already but with branches in South Kensington and Camden, Philippe Conticini, the award-winning French chef behind these gigantic pastries, is expanding his vision to Islington this month.
Alongside the enormous pastries, the bakeries also serve other normal-sized pastries and cakes such as Lemon Tarts, Paris Brest and Saint Honoré Tarts, and the usual hot and cold drinks. The Islington branch is also planning on staying open later, but once the usual hours are running smoothly.
Ottolenghi
Since opening in Chelsea in 2022, we have’t heard much about Ottolenghi’s expansion plans until now. Planning on opening its 6th venture in Hampstead on Rosslyn Hill this month, they will be taking over old venue of Kojo. The new location will be very similar to its originals with plenty of cakes, pastries, desserts and their signature salads. Apparently they are planning on some new additions but we’ll have to wait and see at the opening. The space will also feature a large terrace seating 26 which we know will be a big draw for summer visitors.
Capilungo
Family-owned pasticceria, bakery and wine bar Capilungo will be opening in Covent Garden this December. Run by brother and sister duo Gianluca Gapilungo (formally Bar Manager at Aqua) and Asia Capilungo (formally a chef at Soho House), alongside their uncle and Asia’s partner, Huzefa Ajawal (co-owner of Fast Pundit), Capilungo will bring a taste of Pulglia to the city.
By day, expect pastries, pasticciotto pies with pistachio cream and pizzettas. By night, the café will transform into an intimate wine bar with wines imported from Puglia and a menu featuring Lecce-style small plates and light snacks.
The interiors are being designed by Love Poploskie Studio and will feature a calming atmosphere with soft terracotta and olive green tones. The location features high ceilings and glass windows with cacti pendants and linen curtains surrounding counter seating. There are even more plans to open a larger downstairs space in 2024.
