London is a city that thrives on reinvention, and its dining scene is no exception. This month, you can expect to see a number of the city’s culinary innovators breaking new ground, crafting dishes that are both a nod to their roots and a bold step forward.
And they’re all quite the gastronomic globetrot, to boot. Leading the charge among a few recents favorites include a hidden gem tackling on Nigerian tapas, a Michelin-starred venue offering a deep dive into the rich culinary traditions of Kerala, and – with no exaggeration – the best Mexican restaurant I’ve been to in my entire life.
So, without further ado, here are five of the best restaurants to visit in London this September.
1. KOL
A culinary gem that’s recently been named number 17 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, KOL is a Mexican restaurant like no other. Here, chef Santiago Lastra brings a scientific approach to his cooking, ensuring each dish is a celebration of both the rich heritage of Mexican cuisine and the local ingredients that you would never, ever expect to find in a taco.
An unforgettable tasting menu experience at lunchtimes and dinnertimes alike, KOL’s open kitchen – central to the slick yet unfussy dining room – whips up all of its signature dishes at speed, including an unctuous lamb saddle mole (with rye koji, wood sorrel, and bueno mulato) and scallop pitaya (with wild roses, red currants, gooseberries, fraser fir flowers) you won’t stop thinking about for, perhaps, the rest of time. Don’t forget to visit the KOL Mezcaleria for afters, tucked underground next to the restaurant’s private dining room, where an impressive collection of mezcals, Mexican spirits, and small plates that perfectly complement the rich, smoky flavors of the agave-based drinks await.
9 Seymour St, London W1H 7JW
2. BRIX LDN
A selection of dishes, including the House Biscuit, at BRIX
If you’re craving a taste of New York but don’t feel much like taking on the air tax, BRIX has you covered. In an 8,500 sq ft loft-style space that feels like it’s been plucked straight from Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, you can expect a vibrant, transatlantic menu inspired by new head chef Maria Deligianni’s upbringing near the Mediterranean Sea.
While supersized steaks and grilled fish are obvious choices, it’s the smaller plates that we loved most; salt baked beetroot and carrot with smoked carrot tzatziki, a house biscuit with maple creme fraiche and sticky bacon…not least of which, the chargrilled octopus in a delectable ouzo glaze, with cashew muhammara and kalamata olive. The stuff of sharing plate dreams.
16 Great Guildford St, London SE1 0HS
3. Trishna
Dishes at Trishna
Set in the heart of Marylebone Village, Michelin-starred Trishna is small in size yet huge in flavor, making it a perfect date spot for those who love south Indian cuisine. It’s quietly luxurious, decorated with beautiful antique mirrors, original wooden paneling and street-side terrace doors, with the food to match; detail is of the utmost importance, and executive chef Sajeev Nair is an undeniable expert in translating Kerala’s rich culinary heritage to London’s fine dining lovers.
Throughout the summer, the restaurant has offered a specialty Kerala Lunch and Early Evening Menu (which, at three courses £50/$65, is incredible value for Michelin-starred food), bringing the best of the state’s spice garden of India to its plates. The curry leaf and coconut salmon, served with dill pachadi, smoked raw papaya and samphire, is a shining example of the kitchen’s finesse, but little on the a la carte and Koliwada tasting menus wouldn’t qualify, to be honest. Trishna is simply brilliant.
15-17 Blandford St, London W1U 3DG
4. Chuku’s
Chuku’s Nigerian Tapas
A local favorite beloved for its unique Nigerian tapas concept, Chuku’s nails the bold, authentic flavors of West Africa in a space (and menu) that encourages diners to share and savor everything they possibly can.
The sinasir and miyan taushe (rice pancakes served with a pumpkin-peanut stew) and honey suya king prawns (ginger, chilli, peanuts, honey) are top-tier tapas, as is the chicken ata din din (shredded chicken in a fiery scotch bonnet and sweet red pepper sauce), but there is plenty on offer for sweet and/or spice lovers alike. Chuku’s weekend brunch offering, where you can enjoy three sharing plates and three drinks for just £40/$52 per person, shouldn’t be missed, either.
274 High Rd, London N15 4AJ
5. The Forest Menu at Mauro Colagreco
The Forest Menu at Mauro Colagreco
For a limited time only, from September 24th to October 12th, renowned chef Mauro Colagreco (most notable for his three Michelin-starred restaurant, Mirazur) is launching an exclusive Forest Menu at Raffles London at The OWO, inspired by the changing seasons and the natural bounty of British forests.
At £165/$216, this six-course menu promises a culinary journey through Mauro’s signature style – all ultra-refined techniques with a deep appreciation for nature. Diners can look forward to an exquisite selection of dishes, starting with a walnut, propolis and chamomile tartlet, before moving on to ‘Blackberries’ (see: pigeon, roasted girolles, and textures of blackberry), and beyond. Safe to say, it sounds like a once in a lifetime meal.
Raffles London at The OWO, Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX