While we don’t want to be too cynical, one of the good things about dining out in London this weekend is that there probably won’t be the usual queues for a table where you might expect to find them. So maybe now’s your chance for a fast-track taste of pasta at Padella or Gloria? Otherwise, hit up these new spots for a weekend chow-down to remember.
Bloomsbury Street Kitchen
Photograph: Bloomsbury Street Kitchen
What is it?
A Japanese and Mediterranean small-plates restaurant in Bloomsbury.
Why go?
For lamb gyros. All the tastiness of a late-night kebab.
Perfect for
A group outing when you can’t all agree on just one cuisine.
Where is it?
9-13 Bloomsbury St, WC1B 3QD.
Closest transport
Tottenham Court Road tube.
We say
‘The beef tataki was perfection. Each thin, lightly seared, slightly pink-middled slice came adorned with spring onions and garlic crisps.’
Ella Braidwood
Read the full Bloomsbury Street Kitchen review.
Kolamba
Photograph: Milo Brown
What is it?
A modern Sri Lankan restaurant in Soho.
Why go?
For cucumber curry. The humble cuke has never had it so good.
Perfect for
A hot date. This is a small, sophisticated spot for the spicy stuff.
Where is it?
21 Kingly St, W1B 5QA.
Closest transport
Oxford Circus tube.
We say
‘Sri Lankan signatures were the strongest, like fish cutlets – aka spiced mini fishcakes with deep-fried coats – that were good enough to rival my dad’s (which are legendary).’
Tania Ballantine
Read the full Kolamba review.
Moncks
Photograph: Moncks
What is it?
A European brasserie from the team behind Park Chinois.
Why go?
For a classic burger in a handsome space.
Perfect for
Classic flavours and smart surrounds that would suit any family special occasion.
Where is it?
33 Dover St, W1S 4NF.
Closest transport
Green Park tube.
We say
‘The butcher’s burger with sweet-sour caramelised onion relish ticked all the boxes, while steak tartare was brilliantly textured, if a little under-seasoned.’
Megan Carnegie
Read the full Moncks review.
Tincture
Photograph: Jamie Lau
What is it?
Zero-waste drinking beneath Neil Rankin’s vegan burger joint.
Why go?
To see for yourself that parsnips genuinely do belong with booze.
Perfect for
Booth seating and plenty of space mean Tincture is great for a night out with the gang.
Where is it?
Basement, 202 Brick Lane, E1 6SA.
Closest transport
Shoreditch High St Overground.
We say
‘Favourites included: Pears, a kombucha-filled number with shavings of parmesan on the side; and Nips, a curiously earthy combination of apples, bitters and rum infused with roasted parsnips.’
Laura Richards