December’s Hot New Restaurant Openings - London

Calong, Stoke Newington

Stoke Newington is about to welcome an exciting new addition to its vibrant food scene. Taking over the former Rubedo site, Calong, a Korean-inspired restaurant by celebrated chef Joo Won, is set to open its doors this month.

Joo’s journey to opening Calong has been nothing short of inspiring. For seven years, he held the reins as head chef of Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows, ensuring its Michelin star status. However, the dream of running his own restaurant always lingered. A pivotal moment came when Joo traveled to Korea with Fred Sirieix (then GM of Galvin, now a TV star) and the Galvin brothers. “We went for a week just to get inspiration,” Joo shared with Great British Chefs, “but it completely opened my eyes and my palate. I was suddenly looking at Korean cooking in a completely different way from when I was younger.”

That transformative trip sparked the creation of Calong, which began as a pop-up combining French and European cooking with subtle Korean flavors, exemplified by Joo’s signature kimchi risotto. Now, with a permanent home on Stoke Newington Church Street, Joo is ready to bring his bold vision to life.

As Joo explained to Hot Dinners, “It will definitely be Korean-based flavors, something different from what other Korean restaurants do. Simple, casual, and delicious... and wines, of course.” The menu promises a harmonious blend of Korean inspiration with European techniques, making it a unique addition to London’s dining scene.

Opening this month, Calong is poised to become a must-visit for those seeking innovative, flavour-driven dining in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Make sure you’re among the first to experience this exciting new chapter in Stoke Newington.

Pick Your Own, The City

For those perpetually pondering their next lunch in the City, Pick Your Own (PYO) is here to shake up your routine. This brand-new salad spot takes the art of customisation to the next level, letting you design a perfectly tailored lunch that’s as healthy (or indulgent) as you like.

As the name suggests, PYO is all about building your own salad from four key components. Start with a base of seasonal shredded veg, chopped lettuce, or hearty fava beans. Add some crunch or zing in the form of “texture” options like chicken crackling or pickled chillies and shallots. Next comes the dressing—think creative choices like dill buttermilk or coronation Caesar. Finally, top it all off with something satisfying, such as chilli-crusted wild sockeye salmon or glazed ham hock.

For the indecisive or time-pressed, PYO has you covered with a selection of ready-made salads, including inventive options like a salad take on lamb shawarma. Pair your pick with something refreshing from their juice menu, which promises a vibrant selection of freshly pressed options.

Sustainability is at the heart of PYO’s mission. They’ve partnered with farmers who specialise in regenerative agriculture, ensuring that every ingredient is as planet-friendly as it is delicious. By championing producers committed to eco-conscious practices, PYO makes it easier to eat well while supporting a healthier food system.

Whether you're after a lighter lunch or a bold, flavour-packed bowl, Pick Your Own is set to become a go-to spot for City workers craving something new. Keep this one on your radar—you might just find your next favorite lunch.

Pinna, Mayfair

If London’s restaurateur of the year prize were up for grabs, 2024 would see fierce competition between Jason Atherton and the powerhouse duo George Bukhov-Weinstein and Ilya Demichev. Hot off the opening of Fantomas on the King’s Road, the duo is now preparing to launch two new restaurants in one week, with Pinna taking the spotlight in Mayfair’s Shepherd Market.

Partnering with Elmira Amdiy, Pinna will spotlight the culinary talents of Sardinian chef Achille Pinna, whose roots in Sant’Antioco on Sardinia’s southwestern coast inspire the menu. Pinna, previously the executive chef at the pair’s Wild Tavern, promises to bring “Sardinia on a plate” to Londoners.

The menu will feature an extensive raw bar, house-made pasta like paccheri with zucchini and sea urchin, and premium cuts of beef sourced from Spain and Scotland. Complementing the dishes is a wine list that leans heavily on Italian labels, with standout selections from Sardinia’s renowned Argiolas winery.

Situated at the entrance to Shepherd Market, Pinna’s vibrant Sardinian flavours and authentic influences are set to make it one of Mayfair’s most enticing new openings.

Babbo, St John’s Wood High Street

Mayfair’s much-missed Italian gem, Babbo, is finally back—and this time, it’s swapping the high-rolling streets of W1 for the leafy charm of St John’s Wood. After quietly closing a few years ago with promises of a comeback, the beloved restaurant is making good on its word with a brand-new location on the former site of Harry Morgan’s.

Joining the recent wave of high-profile openings in the area (hello, Motcombs), Babbo 2.0 will be an all-day Italian dining destination, starting with breakfast and flowing seamlessly through to dinner and drinks. Early peeks at the menu reveal indulgent dishes like crispy Neapolitan sfogliatelle filled with vanilla chantilly cream, Babbo Parmigiana as a signature reinvention of the classic, spatchcock baby chicken marinated in spices with charred lemon, and spaghettoni with clams, datterini tomatoes, and a rich fish broth.

Opening on 9th December, the new space also includes a bar and lounge area, perfect for casual drinks and lighter bites. One to look out for: the Sage Cherry Negroni, already a standout on the cocktail menu. And if you’re after a little al fresco action, Babbo will boast a large heated terrace—ideal for cozying up through the winter months.

With its elevated Italian menu, stylish interiors, and prime location, Babbo’s revival is set to put St John’s Wood firmly on the foodie map. Save yourself a seat.

Osteria del Mare, Strand

Bocconcino has been a glitzy go-to for Mayfair’s well-heeled diners for a decade now, known for its glamorous vibe and Italian classics that attract everyone from footballers to those who think more about indulgence than the final bill. After branching out with a more wallet-friendly Soho outpost, the team is diving into fresh waters with a brand-new concept: Osteria Del Mare, set to open on the Strand on 9th December just as Bocconcino celebrates its 10th anniversary.

This isn’t just a simple extension of the Bocconcino brand. Osteria Del Mare takes its inspiration from the chic Italian seaside town of Forte dei Marmi, focusing firmly on seafood. Picture a stunning fresh fish display where you can choose from lobster, crab, turbot, and more, all ready to be cooked to perfection.

The menu is helmed by Chef Matteo Massafra, whose impressive résumé includes stints at Barrafina, Prada Milano, and Café Dior. Expect refined dishes like moscardini (octopus) in a rich red wine sauce and perfectly al dente paccheri with red mullet. Drinks will include a newly curated cocktail list and a wine selection dominated by European labels.

Housed in a former bank beneath the Strand Palace Hotel—just steps from theatre-land and Joe Allen—the restaurant embraces its history with a private dining room set dramatically within the old bank vault, complete with the original steel door for a touch of intrigue.

With this blend of coastal Italian flavours, fresh seafood decadence, and a prime central London location, Osteria Del Mare promises to bring a splash of Mediterranean flair to the Strand. Keep this one on your radar.