January may be quieter on the restaurant opening front but that isn’t stopping a few legendary names from swinging opening their doors. From Tom Sellers’ reopening of Restaurant Story to Emilia’s Crafted Pasta’s newest joint, read on to find out the best restaurant openings landing this month. 

Josephine

Claude Bosi, the legendary chef behind the establishment nestled within Michelin House and the newly opened Socca and Brooklands, is on the move again, launching yet another restaurant scheduled to land in early 2024. 

Josephine takes its name after Bosi’s late grandmother and will nod to the chef’s hometown of Lyon. It’s said to draw inspiration from classical bouchons, serving up Lyonnaise cuisine and bistro delicacies. 

Working alongside his wife Lucy Bosi, expect a traditional take on French cuisine and specialities found in Lyon, including a set menu and daily plat du jour.

OPENING DATE: 30.01.2024

WHERE: 315 FULHAM ROAD, SW10 9QH

WEBSITE: WWW.JOSEPHINEBOUCHON.COM

Emilia’s Crafted Pasta Baker Street

Renowned for its silky smooth sauces and authentic pasta dishes, Emilia’s Crafted Pasta has unveiled its fourth restaurant. 

Home to joints in St. Katharine Docks, Aldgate and Canary Wharf, this new venture has opened up on Baker Street and will bring Emilia’s homely presence to the historic area. 

Inspired by traditional Italian trattorias, the space is made up of 85 covers, including 30 al fresco options perfect for when the weather warms up. Expect a host of earthy tones, marble and terrazzo to surround you, alongside a Murano glass chandelier and sculpted neon light features. 

Pasta dishes are made fresh every morning, featuring 100% natural ingredients. Highlights include Emilia’s signature casarecce truffled cacio e pepe; and slow-cooked pappardelle béchamel bolognese.

Opening Date: 08.01.2024

Where: 215 Baker Street, NW1 6XE 

Website: www.emiliaspasta.com

Big Night 

A brand new restaurant is landing in Hackney and it comes in the form of Big Night, an original dining and drinking destination from up-and-coming restaurant duo Jack O’Connor and Joshua Ralphs. 

Open from 11th January, the restaurant specialises in yakitori, the popular Japanese skewered style meats. Drawing influencers rather than pretending to be authentic, you can expect an electrifying mix of flavours and creativity to be brought to the table – think seasonal kimchis, pickled mussels, smoked beetroots and lamb hearts.

Opening Date: 11.01.2024

Where: 177 Morning Lane, E9 6LH 

Website: www.bignight.info

Restaurant Story 

Two Michelin star establishment, Restaurant Story, is set to reopen this January unveiling an exciting £2.5million refurbishment. 

Having firmly closed its doors in early 2023 for the time being, Tom Sellers is relaunching his prized possession, and you only need to glimpse at the first release of photos to know this is one to be excited about. On the menu, you can expect dishes such as langoustine with BBQ tail, preserved tomato and claw; turbot with fermented cabbage, roasted fish bone sauce and dill; and roasted duck crown with barrel-aged Minus 8 vinegar. 

The whole space has been fully renovated, complete with a new floor dedicated to an intimate chef’s table experience. It’s fitted with a giant wooden 16-seater table, hanging lights and dark wood finishes.

Marking the restaurant’s 10th anniversary, Sellers’ renowned fine dining flair will be on display once again.

OPENING DATE: 12.01.2024

WHERE: 199 TOOLEY STREET, SE1 2JX

WEBSITE: WWW.RESTAURANTSTORY.CO.UK

Juno

Those looking for an intimate space for special occasions, look to Juno, the new omakase experience located inside Los Mochis Notting Hill. It’s the only gluten and nut free omakase in the world and is one of the smallest experiences in London. 

Guided by executive chef Leonard Tanyag (previously OKKU and Zuma) and head sushi chef Han (formerly Nobu and Roka), this concept will see you journey through 15 innovative courses. 

Expect to dine on the freshest sustainably line caught dish, from madai (red bream) imported from the south of Japan to saboten hirame (olive flounder) sourced from Jeju Island, South Korea.

Opening Date: 11.01.2024

Where: 2-4 Farmer Street, W8 7SN

Website: www.losmochis.co.uk

Freak Scene Sushi And Robata 

South west London dwellers unite, Balham is set to see a new innovative concept launch this month, and it’s one you should be getting excited about. 

From the team behind The Freak Scene, this new venture will specialise in sushi and robata dishes. Following the success of last year’s Parsons Green opening, this new joint will boast 80 covers featuring a heated al fresco space and sushi bar. You can expect a few signature favourites to appear on the menu, as well as new exciting robata concepts.

Opening Date: 18.01.2024

Where: 1 Ramsden Road, SW12 8QZ 

Website: www.freakscenerestaurants.com

YOPO Bar 

For a striking hot pink hideout, look to the YOPO Bar, the newest concept to open within The Mandrake. 

Serving up a fiery mix of South American flavours, you can expect to delight in an eccentric mix of tacos and tostadas. Choose between the pork belly or grilled octopus tacos, or opt for a crab-filled tostada, all best served alongside a shot of mezcal. 

On the interiors front, this pink bar has been carefully crafted, complete with exotic artworks and comfy furniture. It’s an Instagram paradise.

Opening date: Open now 

Where: The Mandrake, 20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG

Website: www.themandrake.com


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