Lockdown has taken its toll on the hospitality industry, as London restaurants remained empty of the joy, bustle and plates that have made it one of the finest cities in the world for food... until now. With plans of a 17th May opening date available to those with social distancing measures in place, we want to share the London restaurants soon to be open and taking bookings.
*please note, opening scenarios will be dictated by both government and venue, so please stay safe, stay in contact with the restaurant you've been requested a table for and be conscious of the impact you have on people around you when leaving home for these bookings.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 30th July 2024
Sharing Roast for 2 & Unlimited Red Wine and 14 other offers
Overlooking the Grand Union canal, Smith's Bar & Grill is a buzzing restaurant now taking bookings in West London. Hunker down beside the water in the sprawling outdoor space and check out their signature European dishes in a quirky, flower-filled setting.
Searching for outdoor restaurants to book around Waterloo? Situated just behind the National Theatre, The Green Room is your go-to for pizza and small plates in a stunning setting. There's also a great cocktail menu if you fancy an afternoon aperitif in the sustainable garden.
Dim sum cravings at an all time high? Ping Pong's Soho and Southbank sites are back to fill that doughy hole. Opening their restaurants again in April, they're offering happy hour cocktails from as little as £4 alongside their droolworthy selection of dumplings and classic dishes.
Renowned Spanish restaurant Sagardi is open for business and taking bookings at its stylish Shoreditch spot. Perfect for long-overdue date nights, this beauty will see you tucking into authentic tapas plates and signature dishes cooked on its Basque barbeque.
If beautiful brunches in pretty digs sound like your kind of post-lockdown fun, look no further than Wimbledon favourite 601 Queen's Road. Now taking brunch bookings, get set for a socially distanced meal with mates... finally.
Book into Gunpowder, The Coal Shed, Rosa's Thai Café or one of the many other restaurants at One Tower Bridge. As well as housing a mix of eating and drinking spots for all dietary preferences, the destination also boasts jaw-dropping views across the iconic landmark.
Boasting some of the best views in London, Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant is bound to be in high demand when things open up again. Book a table on this rooftop restaurant and prepare for a memorable evening of botanical cocktails and delicious food.
From wild brunches to a sun-soaked summer terrace, the flatmates at Little Blue Door are back in business from 17th May, bringing you safe spaces alongside must-try cocktails, delicious bites and one hell of an atmosphere.
Opening its doors for all-day socially distanced dining, The Folly is a gorgeous spot for fresh seasonal cuisine and mouthwatering cocktails. Grab a table in the garden lounge and find yourself surrounded by low-hanging plants and sweetly scented flowers.
Vinoteca is gearing up to open a whole host of London sites, from its Farringdon locale, to venues in Chiswick, Marylebone and The City. Scout out your nearest and make your reservation for the chance to get stuck into their extensive selection of gorgeous wines alongside paired plates.
This Marylebone restaurant is back in business, serving up a host of contemporary Indian plates within a gorgeous setting. Book an evening at this spot and feast on everything from spiced pulled duck and aubergine steak to 16-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder in cumin tandoori masala.
This gorgeous wine bar can be found in the heart of South London, serving an innovative range of bottles that are just waiting to be sampled. Open from 17th May onwards, Diogenes The Dog will be pairing its unique finds with an assortment of small plates for the ultimate experience.
A traditional pub in Highgate, The Gatehouse is welcoming you back with open arms from the 12th of April. Book a spot in the beer garden and enjoy a sun-soaked afternoon of freshly-poured pints and delicious Spanish-inspired food.
Your first date night back? Make it special with an evening at Vagabond. An enchanting wine bar, and one of the most romantic places to eat and drink outside in London, this stunner is serving up 100 different bottles and a number of delicious small plates.
Remember what it felt like to chow down on egg-topped cachapas, delicious arepas and tres leches with mojitos and Venezuelan-style sours to wash it all down? Arepa & Co is turning that memory into a reality as the Haggerston hangout returns this month.
Get back to business is the most stylish manner and book yourself a spot at Regent Street's oh so swish Aqua Kyoto. The rooftop sushi restaurant is now taking bookings for both their outdoor terrace in April and their gorgeous indoor dining room for May.
Rotunda is a stylish Kings Cross restaurant with an outdoor dining space that's literally on the canal. Soak up the first few rays of summer as you delve into a meat-filled menu of succulent steaks, Sunday roasts and plenty more, all washed down with signature cocktails.
Offering an expansive outdoor seating area for alfresco dining, The Refinery can be found just a stone's throw from the Thames. Against a backdrop of industrial chic interiors, the restaurant bar serves classic cocktails, global wines and a seasonal menu of international dishes.
One of Covent Garden's most iconic restaurants, Tuttons is back open for business this summer. Head down to their market-adjacent plot for the chance to tuck into a delicious menu of classic European fare while taking in the sights of Central London.
🥂 Cosy Cocktail Bar - Happy Hour Cocktails 2-4-£12 5pm - 7pm 🥂 and 1 other offer
A fun quirky pub now taking bookings in London, The Somers Town Coffee House is a stylish gastropub housing a secret garden, speakeasy cocktail bar, cosy boozer and a dining room across a number of floors. Head here and enjoy a fun evening of eating and drinking.
Snap this one up while you still can. A DesignMyNight favourite, Paradise By Way of Kensal Green is a stunning gastropub and bar in West London. Whether you fancy a bottomless weekend brunch, a few midweek drinks or a leisurely dinner, this romantic restaurant can help you out.
The Piano Works Farringdon will be back in business this spring with yet more incredible live music, gourmet cuisine and free-flowing drinks. Call in for a boozy brunch or head here in the evening, with the soundtrack being dedicated by guests throughout.
Get ready for views like no other as party restaurant Madison returns to business this spring, overlooking the historic St Pauls. Not only opening with a two-day party in tow, you can now enjoy brunch and more at the luxe London spot.
Make your first meal out after lockdown a return to all things British with The Ship. Sat alongside the water with their own traditional pub restaurant, enjoy classic dishes as the venue re-opens to diners this coming spring and summer.
One of Belgravia's most admired public houses, The Orange is one of the best London pubs now open for business. Book in to their luxe dining space for a feast of delicious gastro grub, alongside breakfasts, wood-fried pizzas and a selection of excellent beers.
Happy Hour 🍹🍸 Enjoy 50% on all cocktails, house spirits, wines and beers! and 4 other offers
Near & Far is a cool and quirky Camden bar that's now taking bookings for May. Whether you're swinging by for bottomless brunch or dinner and drinks, this place has bold tropical interiors, summer cocktails and delicious Mexican street food that'll keep you sticking around for hours.
One of the hottest restaurant bookings of the season, 14 Hills has launched a new alfresco terrace to keep you in fancy cocktails and delicious food until their indoor dining room reopens in May. Head over for the chance to tuck into delicious food and quality cocktails.
Situated by Finsbury Park, The Naturalist will be serving everything from brunch and snacks to pub classics and sharing boards on its outdoor terrace. It's also got a great wine list and has views of the West Reservoir.
This sky-high favourite is looking ahead to a summer return as Jin Bo Law (complete with stunning views over the city and Shard alike) will be inviting guests for rooftop cocktails and delicious plates alongside the belting London sunshine.
A pizza and brunch spot in Brixton renowned for its cocktails, industrial interiors and late night vibes, Canova Hall is set for an exciting return to business as they're ready to take brunch and dinner bookings from April.
Looking for restaurants to book in King's Cross? Drake and Morgan is a stylish choice, offering a quiet terrace, away from all the hustle and bustle, as well as a great menu of signature cocktail and European dishes.
Located in Shepherd's Bush Market, The Hawk's Nest is a gorgeous outdoor bar and restaurant now taking booking from April onwards. Not only is it serving up swoon-worthy decor, but it's also keeping you watered and fed on cocktails, craft beer and gourmet pizzas.
Enjoy dim sum behind secret doors from 17th May as Chinatown favourite and Central London resident Opium returns to business, welcoming diners and cocktail lovers in socially distanced style.
Located in the heart of Covent Garden, Monmouth Kitchen will be reopening its doors just in time for September. Head here to tuck into a fusion of Italian and Peruvian cuisine, with plates such as Pan-fried Salmon with Calabrian Chilli Salsa and Sea Bass Ceviche.
Opening on 17th May, Disrepute is sure to provide the ultimate cocktail fix from its home in Central London. Made up of bold sixties-inspired interiors, the exclusive underground bar is famed for its cutting-edge cocktails that hark back to Soho's heyday.
Looking for chilled out places to eat after lockdown? Head to Belgravia where The Thomas Cubitt is bringing its farm to fork ethos to life through stuffed courgette flower, beer-marinated aubergine burgers and White Park beef tartare paired with bone marrow.
Battersea's got its fair share of brunch spots, with No 29 Power Station West up there with the best of them. Overlooking the water and brimming with beaut dishes, you can now book your table from 12th April onwards.
INCA London is the restaurant that flirts with Latin American vibes, offering gorgeous interiors, scrumptious food and exciting shows. Even better? They're currently open for bookings, whether you fancy dinner and a show or are planning a private event.
Undoubtedly one of the coolest venues in London, NT's is back and taking bookings. Pull up a seat on the suntrap roof terrace for the ultimate East London alfresco experience, or head indoors from 17th May and you'll find lush foliage, comfy chairs and a banging playlist.
The drop-dead gorgeous 28-50 Wine Bars are now taking bookings for indoor seating. Not only can you dig into some of the city's most sought-after European fare, but these restaurants also happen to be home topop-up fondue experiences, perfect for unpredictable British weather.
A restaurant London knows all too well for its stunning interiors, potted cacti and gorgeous outdoor dining scenario, No.197 Chiswick Fire Station are back taking bookings from May, so don't miss out on your chance to join them on their return.
Whether you're after a leisurely weekend brunch, a delicious dinner or a couple of after-work cocktails, The Exhibit has got you covered. The neighbourhood bar and restaurant is opening its terrace to guests from April onwards.
London's best boat bar is back to bring a much-needed slice of summer to Hackney Wick. Head over to their canalside mooring for the chance to sun yourself in their garden space, or take to the deck for Sunday roasts and classic cocktails.
People's Park Tavern is ready and waiting to welcome punters back to its extensive beer garden this spring. Located on Victoria Park, the popular pub will be serving up craft beers brewed on-site, alongside burgers, falafels and fries.
Unlimited Asian tapas & sushi with free-flowing wine or beer £54.95 per person and 2 other offers
Back with more of their mouthwatering pan-Asian eats this season, Inamo is whipping up a world of good stuff again, served in style and washed down with refreshing cocktails. Head over to their Covent Garden location for all your dining out needs, from family dinners to fun date nights.
Mark your return to restaurants in London with a trip to premium wine spot, Humble Grape. Whether you're booking in for bottles in Battersea or hoping to dine in Islington, these guys are more than excited to welcome you back in 2021.
Lost Souls Pizza have been keeping people in charcoal pizza for nearly the majority of lockdown thanks to their delivery service, but this spring it's back to business for the beloved vampire-themed pizzeria as they start to welcome diners.
You can get your fix of tortillas, burritos and frozen margaritas sooner than you thought as DF Tacos is now taking bookings. The Shoreditch restaurant is chomping at the bit to welcome you back to its stylish Mexican haunt for a truly delicious night that's worth the wait.
Stevie Parle's famous pasta restaurant returns to Soho this summer as eager diners can now book in to the colourful Central London spot, as well as booking in to the Westfield location if it happens to be a little closer to home.
