4 amazing new(ish) Michelin Guide-approved restaurants to dazzle your tastebuds this summer

an image of the homemade scotch egg at Willett's in Chelsea, complete with a ramekin of mustard — (Image credit: Willett's)

The paradox of London’s eating and dining scene is sort of like that scene in Gilmore Girls where Lorelai says: “Do you know that if the entire population of China walked past, the line would never end due to the rate of population growth?” and sure, here’s she’s referring to her ceaseless to do list, but it could just as easily apply to the numerous bars, restaurants, and corner spot cafes that pop up across the capital.

Each month, the guys over at Michelin sift through different spots to find out which are worth your time. Unlike the coveted Michelin stars, the Michelin Guide is a more informal list - although just as prestigious - sort of like a 'Ones to Watch' list of restaurants on their radar. If you’re not wanting to take out a mortgage to eat at a triple starred spot, the Guide is worth perusing to see what eateries are earmarked as a good time.

Last month, there were four new spots added to the list, covering a different cuisine each: Japanese, Greek, Indian, and British.

Aki, Marylebone

an image of two dishes and a bowl of salted seasame edamame and soy sauce on a table at Aki

First up is the glamorous and gorgeous Aki in Marylebone. The Japanese restaurant is located on Cavendish Square in a Grade II listed former bank, and only opened up back in October.

The space is split into two different halves; upstairs you’ll find the restaurant which serves up modern farm-to-table Japanese dishes like Miso Soup, Fuji Wagyu Beef Tataki, and of course plenty of fresh sashimi. Downstairs is a more lively affair, with the bank’s former vaults transformed into Kiyori, a Japanese inspired bar serving up a range of delicious and innovative cocktails from lime, yuzu, rum concoctions to a matcha-infused martini.

Make a booking here

an image of a bartender mixing a cocktail behind the bar at Kiyori, with a martini style cocktail in front of him sitting on the bar

Clio, Marylebone

An image of two chefs at the kitchen pass with five plates of food ready to serve up at the restaurant

Just down the road from Aki is another Michelin worthy spot: Clio, which made the list after just one month of opening. It’s a modern style Greek spot which you’ll find in the very swanky Chiltern Place apartments.

As a modern Greek menu, it’s all about fresh produce, and you can expect to see plenty of fresh grilled fish on the menu – think Prawn Saganaki, Charred Cuttlefish, Grilled Octopus and Whole Blue Lobster. Served up alongside it are greek salads, tomato and feta dishes, and obviously the essential oregano chips.

Make a booking here

an image of some of the seafood dished up at Clio

Koyal, Surbiton

an image of a ready laid table at Koyal with nine different small dishes across it, as well as two different cocktails

If you’re trying to recall where exactly in London Surbiton is, you’re probably not alone as the suburb sits on the very edge of the city, usually passed in a blur as you shoot from the leafy countryside straight into Waterloo. However, apparently Koyal is well worth trekking to the outskirts for, sitting on Brighton Road, and serving up fresh twists on Indian street food classics.

It’s led by chef Nand Kishor Semwal who has previously helmed fellow Michelin joints including Gymkhana and Trishna. On the menu are smaller dishes like Pani Puri, Koliwada Fish, and mains including Masala Butter Chicken, Ghost Saagwala, Malabar Fish Curry, and Paneer Makhanwala.

Make a booking here

Willett's, Chelsea

an image of the Orkney scallop on offer at Willett's which is breaded and sitting in a white sauce

The final spot to make the list is the brand new restaurant and bar at The Cadogan hotel in Chelsea. Willett’s is a seasonal British bistro which offers up modern interiors and a menu which puts a spotlight on nostalgic British flavours. Chef Michael Turner brings a menu rooted in seasonal ingredients and “simple cooking” that honour classic recipes, so you’ll see things like Beef Wellington, Chicken and Girolle pie, Orkney scallop scampi, and Isle of Wight tomato salads on the menu.

Plus, there’s a whole pudding menu which will have the 80s flashing before your eyes, with old school favourites like Rice Pudding, Bread and Butter Pudding, Lemon Posset, and Eton Mess all up for grabs. The Signature Cocktails are worth a mention too with things like a Granny Smith & Melilot, a Bloody Mary Martini, and a Pimm’s Royale.

Make a booking here

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Hermione Blandford is the Content Editor for Shortlist’s social media which means you can usually find her scrolling through Instagram and calling it work, or stopping random people in the street and accosting them with a mini mic. She has previously worked in food and drink PR for brands including Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, Gordon's, The Singleton, Lagavulin and Don Julio which means she is a self confessed expert in spicy margaritas and pints, regularly popping into the pub in the name of research.