London's five best new Michelin star restaurants: From Sakagura to La Dame du Pic

Dining in the capital is about to get an eclectic mix of worldly Michelin-starred options

Some of the world's most acclaimed Michelin-starred chefs are descending on London, opening up new outposts of their esteemed world-class restaurants. Here are the top five due to open in the next few months.

Chef Eneko Atxa's Basque themed restaurant opens in September

Eneko At One Aldwych

Michelin-Starred Eneko Atxa of Azurmendi is to open a Basque Restaurant at One Aldwych Hotel. Eneko’s Azurmendi is currently ranked number 16 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and his Bistró Prêt À Porter has a Michelin Bib Gourmand. It will feature his inventive interpretation of traditional Basque country cuisine, inspired by his three Michelin-starred Azurmendi (in Bilbao) but delivered in a relaxed and friendly fashion – offering an “unpretentious modern take on rustic Basque cuisine”.

Discover a relaxed, warm and inviting space inspired on the Basque region, design by celebrated firm Casson Mann – with many materials sourced from craftsmen in the Basque region. It will officially launch on 1 September with a soft opening throughout August when you can enjoy 50 per cent off food.

From autumn, Mayfair will be home to the southern Japanese restaurant Sakagura

Sakagura

Due to open in autumn 2016 in Mayfair, Sakagura is the first joint venture between the Japan Centre Group, Gekkeikan (holders of a Japanese Royal Warrant for sake), Japanese plum wine brand Choya plus Michelin-starred restaurant The Araki.

The menu, created by Shoryu Ramen executive chef Kanji Furukawa, is based on southern Japanese recipes, or “washoku”, meaning “the food of Japan”. Dishes include hakata yakitori (grilled skewers), handmade udon and soba noodles and freshly made sushi. Dinners can enjoy a range of handpicked sake by the on-site sommelier, as well as sake cocktails devised by expert Japanese mixologists.

With a modern Japanese feel, which includes a dedicated sake bar, the restaurant comprises a theatrical robata grill and open-plan kitchen. You will also be able to watch as the chefs cook, and then have you food served at the traditional wooden kappo counter.

Street XO

Madrid chef David Muñoz (of Hakkasaan and Nobu) is set to open StreetXo, his first venture outside his homeland, behind the success of his three Michelin starred restaurant, DiverXo (in his native Madrid). Serving street-food inspired by his travels in South East Asia, this Mayfair eatery (planned to open in October) features a central kitchen with no waiters or sommeliers – allowing diners to interact directly with the chefs.

The site (with graffiti-covered walls) will have a large U-shaped bar with two kitchen islands and a trolley that is wheeled through the restaurant showcasing one-off culinary creations. The (continually-changing) menu features 12-14 dishes but Muñoz insists “it’s not Asian food, it’s not fusion food, it’s just food but in an informal way”. The design is open and airy, and the bar has an extensive and innovative cocktail list. Muñoz will also open a restaurant in New York later this year.

Opening on 1 Carlton Street is the Nordic themed Aquavit

Aquavit

This winter, the renowned New York Nordic restaurant, Aquavit, will open in the stunning new St. James’s Market redevelopment on 1 Carlton Street. The restaurant will offer all-day dining, showcasing the very best of contemporary Nordic cuisine and design. The menu will be overseen by Emma Bengtsson, Executive Chef of the two Michelin-starred Aquavit New York, and will be executed by Head Chef Henrik Ritzen (formerly of The Dover Street Arts Club, La Petite Maison and Lutyens). Taking its inspiration from New York, but with a more relaxed and informal setting, Aquavit London will deliver an authentic, contemporary take on Nordic dining – serving Scandi-inspired dishes using locally-sourced ingredients and a menu which will constantly evolve in tune with the changing seasons.

The expansive dining space is designed to showcase celebrated Nordic designers in an informal environment – overseen by the design studio of Swedish-born Martin Brudnizki, whose portfolio includes The Ivy, Scott’s and Sexy Fish – Aquavit London will have a laid-back feel. An original, wall-mounted textile designed by Olafur Eliasson will be a centrepiece, alongside silverware from Georg Jensen, uniforms by Swedish clothing company, Filippa K, and furnishings designed by Svensk Tenn.


 Chef Anne-Sophie Pic will open her first restaurant in the UK with La Dame du Pic

La Dame du Pic

Located at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, La Dame de Pic is set to be a vibrant new destination for gourmands in the capital, and showcase Chef Pic’s creative French cuisine in a classic English environment. Famed for being the only current French female chef to be awarded three Michelin stars, Chef Anne-Sophie Pic began her culinary career in her family’s restaurant, Maison Pic in Valence, south-eastern France. Since then she has gone on to open restaurants in Lausanne, Switzerland and Paris, garnering awards and accolades along the way. La Dame de Pic at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square will be her first restaurant in the UK.

At the heart of this spectacular location (opening in December), La Dame de Pic will give a nod to the historical Parisian brassieres but in a dining room that is classically English – designed by Bruno Moinard of Paris-based architects 4BI. The restaurant is set to be an impressive yet relaxing space featuring natural wood flooring, carved woodwork, curved leather banquettes, and columns covered with bevelled mirrors. A private wine cellar and private dining room sit alongside the main dining room.

Known for continually revisiting ingredients and exploring unusual cooking methods, Chef Pic will be showcasing her “distinct culinary identity rich in powerful and unexpected flavour combinations” – using only seasonal and local ingredients.

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