London Begins at 40’s food critic James Clark gives his round up of London restaurant Autumn openings including the finest Italian cuisine and freshest seafood.
I don’t know about you, but when the temperature starts to drop, although this summer it didn’t exactly rise – I start to think about evenings with friends over food rather than nights fuelled by alcohol. And I’m happy to announce some great new openings to see us through the next month.
London Restaurant Autumn Openings: The Seafood Bar
77 Dean Street, London W1D 3SH
I’m excited about the arrival of The Seafood Bar in Soho, which comes from a family-owned Amsterdam restaurant group.
The Seafood Bar in Amsterdam was the first restaurant from Fons de Visscher, a seasoned fishmonger with the vision to change to being a restaurateur in 2012. It was greatly received, and the Soho establishment is the fifth restaurant in the family group.
You can expect fresh and seasonal produce and delightful seafood dishes: fruits de mer platters, piled high with lobster, North Sea crab, razor clams, mussels, langoustine, prawns and so much more.
Sustainability is the focus, and they’ve jumped on board with Nordic Blu to source the world’s most sustainably farmed salmon. Sustainably-bred oysters from France are also on the menu.
My money’s on this place being a massive success.
There’s a bar downstairs too.
Zia Lucia
65 Balham High Road, London SW12 9AP
Zia Lucia (main photo) is about to open a new pizzeria in Balham. The restaurant group is famous for its dough, in particular their 48-hour slow-fermented doughs made with a choice of flours.
My personal favourite is the Parmigiana with tomatoes, mozzarella, and roasted aubergines – on a charcoal vegetable base.
Opening soon.
Pizza Pilgrims
11 Kingly Street, Carnaby, London W18 5PW
Londoners never seem to tire of pizza, and Pizza Pilgrims – Carnaby also gets a recommendation. Who doesn’t get excited about authentic Neapolitan cuisine?
I’m excited about the Portobello mushroom and truffle pizza which I can not wait to try.
Expect a selection of Neapolitan delicacies from aranacini stuffed with slow-cooked ragu and unctuous, oozy mozzarella to pizza fritta, fried calzones filled with sun-ripened tomato, Napoli salami, mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta and lots of basil.
Leave some room for Pizza Pilgrims’ signature dessert, the Nutella Pizza Ring, and an ice cold shot of Pizza Pilgrims’ own Pococello and Pococello cocktails.
Buon Appetito!
Aspen & Meursault
96 Westbridge Road, London SW11 3PH
Aspen & Meursault is the place to head to in Battersea to enjoy natural wines, as well as the house-roasted coffee, fresh bread, pastries, cheese boards, charcuterie and baked camembert.
The world-wide wine selection includes Greek wine, Welsh wine, Czech wine, and wine from Puglia which I love. I used to live there. And the wine isn’t overpriced – it’s very affordable.
Until next month happy eating.
