Up and Coming Eateries in London

London has never been shy about reinventing its food scene. Blink and a new pop-up becomes the next cult restaurant, or a neighbourhood you once bypassed suddenly buzzes with hungry locals and adventurous tourists. Beyond the Michelin stars and long-established favourites, the city is brimming with fresh names worth adding to your culinary map. Here’s a taste of some of the most exciting up-and-coming eateries in London right now.

Sri Lankan Spice with a Twist – Cinnamon & Coconut, Shoreditch

This bright little dining room tucked behind Brick Lane has become a word-of-mouth favourite. Cinnamon & Coconut riffs on traditional Sri Lankan staples with a modern edge. Think hoppers filled with slow-cooked jackfruit curry, prawn kottu roti with fiery sambol, and coconut pancakes laced with palm treacle. The menu changes monthly to showcase seasonal produce, but bold spicing remains the star of the show.

Plant-Forward Plates – The Green Fork, Hackney

London’s vegan wave shows no sign of slowing, and The Green Fork is leading the charge. Don’t expect meat substitutes in disguise; instead, the kitchen celebrates vegetables at their peak. A beetroot tartare with smoked almond cream has already earned cult status, and mains like roasted cauliflower steak with chimichurri prove that plant-based dining can feel indulgent. Their weekend brunch — spelt waffles with maple-roasted pears — fills up fast, so book ahead.

Mexican Street Spirit – La Esquina, Brixton

For atmosphere as vibrant as the food, La Esquina delivers. The taquería’s hand-pressed tortillas become the canvas for inventive fillings: slow-braised short rib with pickled onions, crispy Baja fish with lime crema, and even a mushroom and huitlacoche option for the curious. Tequila cocktails and mezcal flights complete the party vibe, and late evenings often spill into impromptu live music.

Nordic Cool – Fjord, King’s Cross

Minimalist interiors and candlelight set the tone at Fjord, where the focus is on fresh, precise flavours. Expect cured salmon with dill and mustard seed, venison tartare with lingonberries, and rye sourdough served warm with whipped butter. It’s a quiet counterpoint to London’s louder dining rooms, but the subtlety and craft win diners over. Their five-course tasting menu has become a favourite with curious foodies willing to explore Nordic traditions.

Sweet Innovation – Choux & Chill, Southbank

Dessert bars are having a moment, and Choux & Chill is at the front of the queue. The menu revolves around one idea — choux pastry — but spun a dozen ways: filled with yuzu custard, layered with pistachio praline, even savoury versions stuffed with smoked cheese and herbs. It’s playful, Instagram-friendly, and surprisingly affordable given its prime riverside location.

Why These Spots Matter

What unites these newcomers isn’t just good food; it’s confidence. Each spot has a clear identity and menu that tells a story. For travellers, stumbling across a rising star adds a spark of discovery to the trip. For Londoners, these are the names you’ll be bragging about when they inevitably grow into the next big thing.

So, next time you’re booking a stay through LondonHotel.com, pencil in one of these eateries. You’ll leave with more than just a full stomach — you’ll have a taste of the city’s future.