These Are The Best Restaurants Opening In August
August is always a tricky time to open a restaurant. Everyone’s either on holiday, avoiding the tourist-packed tube or pitched up at their favourite rooftop instead. But there are still a few entrepreneurs and chefs taking the leap and opening their doors for the first time, and this year’s line-up has us excited.
From plant-powered En Root’s permanent pub residency to Bancone’s new venture, these are the restaurant openings to know.
August Restaurant Openings, From Fazenda To En Root
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64 Goodge Street
The latest opening from Woodhead Restaurant Group – the team behind The Quality Chop House and Portland – is set to open yet another venture this month. Centred around French classics, chef Stuart Andrew brings his expertise and passion for French cuisine to the table.
The menu is packed with sharing dishes such as the Bayonne ham and celeriac remoulade; Kintyre smoked salmon, blinis, crème fraîche and condiments; and mains of John Dory with spinach and sauce mouclade; saddle of lamb with green beans and sauce paloise; and a half basque chicken ballotine with mushrooms, foie gras and tarragon for two. Meanwhile, the wine menu will feature bottles from the Burgundy region.
GrassFed
Landing in Camden, GrassFed is the brainchild of culinary whizz Paul Foster. Following the success of Michelin-starred Salt in Stratford-upon-Avon, he has opened his latest restaurant in the capital, focusing on high-quality Irish grass-fed beef.
The menu is set to be made up of small plates such as salt pig charcuterie with pickles; beef tartare and flamed mushrooms; and beef cooked over coal such as the Irish bavette of beef; Irish beef rib on the bone to share; and 6 oz aged rump cap steak.
Opening Date: 02.08.2023
Where: Arch S12 Water Lane, Hawley Wharf, NW1 8JY
Website: www.grassfedrestaurant.co.uk
Paro
Covent Garden’s theatre dining scene is set to get a revamp as Lyceum Theatre welcomes Paro, a brand new restaurant specialising in Indian classics with a modern twist.
Focusing on dishes regionally known in West Bengal, this is the first venture from chef Niaz Caan. At just 23 years of age, this is an impressive project with the menu featuring dishes such as mango chickpea chaat; toddy shop tiger prawns; and slow-roasted lamb shanks with saffron, charred garlic and coriander.
Opening Date: 25.08.2023
Where: Paro at the Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington Street, WC2E 7DN
Website: www.paroindian.com
Bancone Borough Yards
Anyone who knows anything about London’s pasta scene, knows just how popular Bancone is. The restaurant already boasts flagship restaurants in Covent Garden and Soho, but is taking its hand-made pasta to Borough Yards too.
You can expect all of their classic dishes to be on the menu, including their Insta-famous silk handkerchiefs with walnut butter and confit egg yolk. As well as dishes such as mackerel in a seaweed butter with paccheri; duck ragù with fazzoletti and crackling; and bucatini cacio e pepe.
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Opening Date: 01.08.2023
Where: Arch 213, Stoney Street, Borough Yards, SE1 9AD
Website: www.bancone.co.uk
En Root at The Railway Tavern
En Root specialises in healthy, home-cooked Indian meals that are either traditionally vegan or have been adapted to allow vegans to enjoy the flavours of traditional Indian cuisine.
Following the success of a three-month pop-up at Tulse Hill’s Railway Tavern, En Root will be pitched up permanently, with the neighbourhood pub becoming South London’s first plant-powered pub.
En Root will be offering veganised takes on traditional pub favourites. Dishes include the tandoori wings, made with chunky oyster mushrooms battered in tandoori chickpea batter served with Rajanaisse and lemon; poppa nachos, where India meets Mexico with a poppadom base snack topped with dhal, pickled cabbage, avocado, raita and spice krispies; and a crispy oyster mushroom burger with loaded fries. On Sundays, they’ll even be offering a plant-based Wellington.
Sweet treats will also feature, including a plant-based mango lassi cheesecake that’s totally moreish.
Opening Date: 01.08.2023
Where: 7 Station Rise, Norwood, SE27 9BW
Website: www.therailwaytulsehill.co.uk
Fazenda
On the hunt for a new South American dining destination? Introducing Fazenda, the first London opening from the premium South American restaurant group.
Opening up in Bishopsgate, the restaurant spans two floors and boasts 170 covers featuring three private dining rooms, a mezzanine lounge and an expansive standalone bar and lounge with al fresco tables.
The menu centres around the traditional South American grill and the Rodizio concept that the brand is renowned for. Expect starters of giant king prawn with spicy chimichurri; Cornish Baeri caviar, churros and creme fraiche; and A4 grade wagyu beef tartare with charcuterie.
Standout mains include the beetroot tortellini with orange and feta cheese; moqueca de mar – cod, carabinero prawn, mussels, tomato and coconut; and Scottish trout with piquillo peppers, onion and creme fraiche.
