Niju

Japanese reboot 

Half Cobb Farm chicken ‘katsu’, shredded cabbage, tonkatsu

Nestled in the heart of Mayfair where the short-lived 20 Barkery used to be, Niji is a sophisticated Japanese restaurant that effortlessly blends tradition with modernity. Oversee my master sushi chef Endo San, the menu at Niji is a testament to the art of Japanese cuisine, featuring a range of traditional dishes with a contemporary European twist. While its press release mentions it has a focus on Japanese home cooking, I doubt an average Japanese household would cook lobster, wagyu, and turbot regularly. Over my 2 visits within the space of a week, I managed to try out a large selection of its menu.

Oma

A not-so-Greek Greek restaurant 

Txuleta sirloin, chimichurri and tomato salad

Nestled in the vibrant heart of London Bridge, Oma offers an inviting escape into the warm embrace of Greek cuisine with a creative take from chef-owner David Carter, who is also the mastermind behind the much-loved Smokstak and Manteca. While it markets itself as a Greek restaurant, you will find many not-so-Greek items on the menu. From Spanish steak to red prawns. The open kitchen of Oma adds a dynamic element, allowing diners to witness the culinary magic unfold. For my second visit, I opted for some new dishes that just launched for Autumn.

Lita Marylebone

High end stylish Mediterranean grill 

Baked lobster and cuttlefish rice

This is my second visit to Lita, the Mediterranean-themed grill house in Marylebone, which really impressed me with its appealing menu with a focus on Spanish and Italian cuisine. I am a fan of this stylish eatery which offers a refreshing escape from the city’s fast pace. The space feels intimate but not cramped, making it perfect for both casual get-togethers and special occasions.  While the price tag is fine dining level and just as expensive as many 1 Michelin-starred outlets in London, the cooking is high class and uses a lot of top-level ingredients, such as Galician rib steak and Cantabrian anchovies.

Lurra

 Basque cuisine in London

Galician octopus

Basque cuisine is perhaps the best European cuisine for me, but it is rare to find a good place in London that can do well. Despite Lurra being launched more than 9 years ago, I have yet to visit despite the appealing menu. Lurra's menu is a celebration of Basque cuisine, with a focus on grilled meats. The highlight of the meal is undoubtedly the Spanish rib steaks, a succulent Galician steak from old aged cows that are cooked over a wood-fired grill. For my visit with a large group, I was able to order most items on the menu.

Ibai

 Surf and turf king

1kg bone-in British wagyu ribeye

Ibai in St Paul is my no 1 London restaurant opening of the year so far. It offers a slice of the Basque Country with a contemporary twist. This elegant, dark warehouse vibe restaurant has quickly gained a reputation for its innovative approach to Basque cuisine. The open kitchen adds a lively touch, allowing diners to catch glimpses of the culinary artistry in action. Given that most of the dishes come out of its open-fire grill and that Ibai has an in-house steak aging room, the aroma of the space is just so inviting.