Summer has finally made its debut in the capital, and with a new season comes a slew of new restaurant menus made with the freshest seasonal ingredients. Now that the weather is warmer and the days linger for longer, meaning you can enjoy meals well into the evening, we’ve scoured London to bring you the best new dishes throughout the city.
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Mayfair
What: The Dorchester’s luxurious French restaurant Alain Ducasse has a new summer menu riddled with new savoury items from the sea. We’re fans of the fillet of John Dory with green peas and octopus (above), or the native lobster served with wild mushrooms and Jersey Royal potatoes.
How much: Seven course seasonal menu, £180
Where: 53 Park Lane, W1K 1QA
Food-porn factor: 7/10
Balans Soho Society, Soho
What: Balans Soho Society is also jumping on the fresh seafood train, with a summer menu that features the new above squid ink risotto cake with charred squid and chilli jam. If you don’t fancy a seafood dish, opt for one of the new veg offerings instead, such as roasted cauliflower with lentils and leeks. Either way, your taste buds will thank you.
How much: Squid ink risotto cake, £8
Where: 60-62 Old Compton Street, W1D 4UG
Food-porn factor: 8/10
Bocconcino, Mayfair
What: We’re suckers for a good Italian feast and Bocconcino is bringing a taste of summer in Tuscany right to Mayfair. With a new set menu, there are plenty of savoury seasonal options to try. We’re keen to dine on the pictured antipasti of buffalo mozzarella with pesto and tomatoes, or the seabass fillet.
How much: Two courses, £25; three courses, £35
Where: 19 Berkeley Street, W1J 8ED
Food-porn factor: 7/10
The Coal Shed, Southbank
What: We love when restaurants surprise us and The Coal Shed is doing just that by debuting its first ever summer menu. The steakhouse will serve its usual offerings of top quality meat – think ribeye steak or smoked goat shoulder – alongside sweet summer dessert selections, including chocolate coals or a home-made doughnut, striking the perfect balance of savoury and sweet.
How much: Mains start at £15
Where: One Tower Bridge, 4 Crown Square, SE1 2SE
Food-porn factor: 7/10
Coraz?n, Soho
What: Summer is here and there’s no better way to enjoy it than with some ceviche or fish tacos. To get your seafood fix, look no further than Coraz?n’s summer menu which includes these oysters dressed with fresh serrano and swordfish tacos, among other treats.
How much: Mains start at £8.25
Where: 29 Poland Street, W1F 8QR
Food-porn factor: 9/10
Indian Accent, Mayfair
What: Take your summer holiday to India without leaving London. Mayfair’s Indian Accent has a new seasonal menu that will transport your taste buds out of Europe and straight to a holiday. Order a decadent dish like this chicken malai tikka with summer truffle and green chilli cream for full feigned-holiday effect.
How much: Three course dinner, £55; four course dinner, £65
Where: 16 Albemarle Street, W1S 4HW
Food-porn factor: 9/10
May Fair Kitchen, Mayfair
What: There’s nothing we love more than a sweet glass of sangria during the summer. At May Fair Kitchen, sip on a glass of the wine-based fruity drink while enjoying the restaurant’s summer Salad, Seafood and Sangria menu featuring chilli panko tiger prawns, steamed clams, papaya chilli dressing and more.
How much: Three dishes and a glass of sangria per person, £35
Where: The May Fair Hotel, Stratton Street, W1J 8LT
Food-porn factor: 8/10
OXO Tower Restaurant and Brasserie, Southbank
What: Discover two summer menus all in one building. The OXO Tower Restaurant and the OXO Tower Brasserie have new season-inspired menus with treats such as Dorset crab with apple jellies and citrus cream (above), and a heritage tomato salad with pomegranate dressing – fresh, fruity and perfect for some summer dining.
How much: Mains start at £17
Where: Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, SE1 9PH
Food-porn factor: 9/10
Sardine, Islington
What: Nothing screams summer quite like a leisurely brunch. Sardine has a new summer brunch menu for all your seasonal weekend dining needs – think oysters, asparagus with cous cous and French toast with strawberries and Chantilly (above).
How much: Mains start at £4
Where: 15 Micawber Street, N1 7TB
Food-porn factor: 7/10
Shoryu Ramen, Shoreditch
What: Believe it or not, hot ramen can be enjoyed in the summer heat. Shoryu Ramen has launched a summer menu with variations on classic dishes: think red miso or summer salmon ramen, noodle salads featuring mango, and new fluffy Shoryu buns with pumpkin, halloumi or wagyu beef (above). This savoury summer menu can be enjoyed at all Shoryu locations.
How Much: Ramen starts at £10
Where: 45 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3HP
Food-porn factor: 7/10
If you’re still keen to try something new, you’ll love our list of all the hottest openings in London.