New Restaurant Openings in London

While Vapiano, the restaurant without waiters, failed to wow fussy Londoners, this slick Soho newcomer will undoubtedly go down a treat. Orders are taken using the touch pads on the computer screen tables which also let you request the bill and play battleship. Yes, it is a bit of a gimmick but the menu is serious business with dishes like Wagyu beef onglet, black cod with spicy miso, and Chilean sea bass with creamy truffle soy on offer.

Named after two of Manhattan's most vibrant and eclectic streets, Broome & Delancey aims to bring a bit of much needed New York glamour to Battersea Rise. Located near Clapham Common, it boasts an open plan kitchen, two dining spaces, an al fresco terrace and a bar. The laidback vibe, all day opening hours and full children's menu will undoubtedly make this neighbourhood brasserie a big hit with South London locals.

The long-awaited St Pancras Grand has opened opposite the infamous Champagne Bar and Eurostar platforms, with Executive Chef Billy Reid (The Belvedere, L'Escargot) at the helm. The all-day Modern British menu, put together with the help of Richard Corrigan, will change to reflect the seasons and there are also separate breakfast, brunch and afternoon tea menus on offer.

The latest City newcomer, opening on September 15th, promises to combine two of life's greatest pleasures: food and opera. There are already two successful outlets in Paris and their new London branch will offer the same lyrical setting, with cooking inspired by the South West of France.

In chic Green Park, Angela Hartnett launches Murano - an elegant restaurant with a charcoal and pearl interior and a modern Italian menu. Head Chef Diego Cardoso will be serving up dishes like braised beef cheek agnolotti; roasted pigeon with pickled beetroot & semolina gnocchi; and langoustine and shrimp risotto.

Anna Hansen, previously of The Providores in Marylebone, has opened The Modern Pantry in trendy Clerkenwell. Located on St Johns Square, it is split into a bar, deli shop and restaurant with a Modern European fusion menu.

Having conquered Paris, Dubai and a host of other enviable locations, Buddha Bar looks set to make its mark on London. The opulent venue located on Victoria Embankment will combine high end Pan-Asian cuisine, an extensive drinks menu, and a dangerously cool playlist put together by David Visan (son of the owner, Raymond) who has been the DJ at the original Paris bar for nine years. Grab your gold card and head to WC2 to sample the exotic offerings for yourself.

Last seen in Sydney at Bistro 163, Paul Merrony has been working with Peter Hall who owns Flat White and Milk Bar in Soho. Now, they have opened The Giaconda Dining Room in Denmark Street. The food is French, the atmosphere laid back, and the diners? Very satisifed.

The lovingly refurbished dining room at the Connaught is now home to Helene Darroze, who already runs a two Michelin starred restaurant in Paris. Top critics have already lavished praise on the elegant French menu and flawless service, so this is certainly one to add to the To Do list.

In the new Covent Garden branch of the Kingly Club, Kyashii laughs in the face of the credit crunch. From the interior (white leather, aquarium walls, blue lighting) to the menu (foie gras and wagyu dumplings, elegant sashimi, lobster in yuzu butter); this place screams decadence. If someone else is paying, go!

The Swissotel has wisely transformed their French/Asian fusion restaurant into a Modern British masterpiece. Expect well-executed dishes like saddle of venison; squab pigeon; and monkfish tail with English asparagus. Puddings are equally patrotic with ingredients like rhubarb, Earl Grey tea, and pears taking centre stage.

Smart New York brasserie style dining in Devonshire Square.

With a location as enviable as that of their Chelsea original, the new Manicomio in the City is set in an impressive glass-fronted building on Gutter Lane. The ground floor is a bustling cafe and takeaway; the first is a more formal restaurant; and the third is a chic lounge bar. All three feature classic Italian food and wine.

With a two Michelin starred restaurant on an island near Lyon, Jean Christophe Ansanay Alex looks set for success in South Ken with this chic newcomer. Expect innovative French cuisine, a wine list boasting 500 bins, and a seven course tasting menu.

Waiters are a thing of the past at this Italian cafe. Diners place their order with chefs working at individual stations and then collect the food themselves, so there really is no middle man. Ideal for a pizza or pasta when you only have an hour to spare for lunch.

One of the most famous restaurants in Soho has been reopened by Sam and Eddie Hart, the brothers behind Fino and Barrafina. The menu here is British with dishes like Old Spot pork terrine, crab tagliatelle and roast saddle of lamb on offer. Do not miss the profiteroles!

This sophisticated retro bar and dining room is a welcome addition to Parsons Green. The menu offers simple but well executed dishes like garden pea and broad bean risotto with Devon crab, aged Galloway beef rump, and Herdwick mutton shoulder. Excellent cocktails and a reasonably priced wine list make the bar a destination in its own right.

Serving up French favourites all day in true brasserie style, Brasserie St. Jacques boasts some great gallic dishes like Toulouse-style cassoulet and rhum baba, and the wine list will satisfy even the fussiest Francophile.

On the ground floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane, Whisky Mist is the latest celebrity hot spot from the guys behind Mahiki. There is a range of predominantly Scottish whiskies on offer, as well as wine, Champagne, and organic cocktails. Noel Fielding, Dave Grohl and Kate Middleton have already been, so what are you waiting for?

This slick new restaurant in the City is owned by Francesco Mazzei, the chef who launched St Alban. The dining room is a sophisticated space in neutral colours and the food is seriously elegant Italian. Not cheap, but very charming.