Ah, we’re finally seeing the sun in the UK after two grim months of near-constant rain, cold, and darkness. And while there have been some interesting new launches earlier this year (see January launches and February launches here), we’re looking forward to a month of a bit more sunshine – and some seriously tempting spring openings.
March will see the much-anticipated return of Simpson’s in the Strand, plus a world tour of flavours without leaving London: Fenix brings Mediterranean, Kung Fu Mama delivers Taiwanese night-market noodles, and plenty more. Pick your favourite, book a table, and give your Uber Eats driver a well-deserved break – or treat the queen of the family for Mother’s Day.
Here are all the launches we are looking forward to in March (note that this list is updated frequently, so please check back for specific launch dates and more info as some of the restaurants haven’t announced them yet):
Simpson’s in the Strand – 2nd of March
Perhaps one of the most anticipated launches of the year, Simpson’s in the Strand will officially reopen on the 2nd of March, marking the return of one of London’s oldest and most recognisable dining rooms. Founded in 1828, the restaurant has long been associated with traditional British cooking – particularly its carved-to-order roasts – and has been closed since 2020. Its reopening follows an extensive restoration of the historic Strand site.
The revival comes under the direction of restaurateur Jeremy King, who has taken on the landmark space with a commitment to restoring its original identity rather than reinventing it. The grand dining rooms have been refurbished with careful attention to heritage details, and the menu will focus on classic British dishes that defined Simpson’s reputation, including roast meats carved from silver trolleys, pies, puddings and established favourites from its nearly two-century history.
TAQ – 2nd of March
TAQ London is the newly relaunched version of the long-running Taqueria on Westbourne Grove, reopening on 3 March 2026 after a short closure. The Notting Hill restaurant, which has been part of the neighbourhood for over 20 years, has been reworked with input from restaurateur Jackson Boxer, bringing a refreshed identity and updated menu while remaining at its original 141–145 Westbourne Grove address.
The kitchen is now led by culinary director Eduardo Yishima, whose previous experience includes CDMX Tacos and Side Hustle. The menu centres on tacos, tostadas and quesadillas, with fillings such as tempura fish with macha mayo, grilled chuck steak, and a dry-aged beef smash burger taco. Alongside the food, the drinks list focuses on margaritas, palomas, mezcal-based cocktails and Mexican beers.
Burro – 11th of March
Burro, the first solo restaurant from Trullo chef co-owner Conor Gadd, will officially open in Covent Garden on Wednesday, the 11th of March, following a three-day soft launch from 6–8 March offering 50% off food. Located at 2 Floral Court, the restaurant marks Gadd’s first standalone project after more than 16 years at Islington’s Trullo, bringing his produce-led Italian cooking to the West End.
Translating to “butter” in Italian, Burro reflects Gadd’s long-standing focus on generosity, seasonality and ingredient-led simplicity. Pasta remains central to the menu, including a five-hour Aylesbury duck ragù with tagliatelle, classic tortellini in brodo shaped by time spent in Bologna, and a restrained take on fettuccine Alfredo finished with 36-month Parmigiano Reggiano. The drinks programme is led by head sommelier William Amherst, with an all-Italian wine list spanning 200–300 bottles and strong representation from regions including Piedmont and Tuscany.
Jamie’s Italian – 11th of March
Jamie’s Italian, the casual Italian restaurant chain first launched by Jamie Oliver in Oxford in 2008, is officially returning to the UK high street- six years after the business entered administration in 2019 and all of its British sites closed.
The revival comes through a partnership between Jamie Oliver Restaurants and Brava Hospitality Group (the owner of Prezzo), under which the brand will open a new flagship in Leicester Square on the 11th of March. Oliver has said he’s personally involved in shaping the menu, sourcing and overall creative direction, with a focus on delivering Italian classics alongside refreshed dishes. At this stage, wider details about the full menu and service style haven’t been officially published.
FlipDog – 14th of March
FlipDog is a new cocktail bar set to open in Old Street, Shoreditch, on the 14th of March. It’s the project of Ukrainian hospitality figures Artem Skapenko and Alex Kostenyuk with ex-Tayēr and Elementary bartender Igor Brovko leading the drinks programme.
The concept sits across two floors at 104–122 City Road. The ground level will be an intimate space for evolving, collaboration-led drinks, while the larger basement room focuses on technique-driven service. A standout element of FlipDog’s offering is its use of the Loggerhead method – plunging a 1200 °C iron poker into cocktails to caramelise sugars and intensify flavour – giving the drinks a distinctive theatrical edge.
Alongside the cocktails, FlipDog will serve a menu of seasonal shareable dishes drawing on Asian and Eastern European influences. The interior is designed by Kyiv-based studio YOD Group and reflects the founders’ roots and creative vision.
Fenix – 20th of March
March sees one of London’s most dazzling openings yet: Fenix, the critically acclaimed contemporary Greek-Mediterranean concept from Manchester, is now flying south and landing in Mayfair. The new restaurant will be led by Executive Chef Zisis Giannourous, serving modern Aegean flavours meant for sharing. Expect Aegean beef and bone marrow, langoustine orzo, slow-cooked Wagyu stifado, and a refined Fenix moussaka, with a few London-exclusive surprises thrown in.
Drinks-wise, the drinks programme will be led by Will Meredith, formerly of the award‑winning cocktail bar Lyaness. Expect Greek-inspired cocktails and wines that match the bold, charcoal-fired flavours of the kitchen. Thanks to WYZE, the space boasts sculptural arches, natural materials, and a lively open kitchen that make your dinner in this restaurant feel like a lavish (and very sophisticated) night out in the Cyclades.
Opening date has not been announced yet – check back for updates.
Teal by Sally Abé – 26th of March
Teal by Sally Abé is a new British bistro from chef Sally Abé (best known for her work at The Harwood Arms and The Pem) opening its doors on the 26th of March in Hackney, East London. It’s Abé’s first standalone restaurant in the capital, located at 52 Wilton Way, in the space previously home to Sesta (and before that Pidgin).
The restaurant celebrates modern British cuisine with nostalgic roots, drawing on classic dishes and seasonal produce with Abé’s own contemporary touch. The menu will feature snacks such as angels and devils on horseback, Dorset crab royale with English peas and lovage, haunch of deer with pickled walnuts and cavolo nero, and Cornish mussels with Jersey royals, cauliflower and sea kale.
Desserts include playful, heritage-inspired treats like raspberry marshmallow teacakes and marmalade ice cream sandwiches, alongside a traditional “penny lick” with proceeds donated to the Hackney Food Bank. Wine and drinks are overseen by co-owner Abe Drewry, with a focus on Champagne and classic French varieties.
Teal is named after Abé’s favourite game bird and reflects her intent to bring seasonality, bold flavour and British culinary history to life in a neighbourhood setting.
Impala – date TBC
Impala is the highly anticipated debut solo restaurant from chef Meedu Saad, best known for his time as head chef and co-owner of Soho’s Kiln, set to open in Dean Street, Soho, this month (specific date TBC). The name comes from the cherry-red 1964 Chevrolet Impala Saad drove during summers in Egypt, reflecting the personal and cultural influences behind the project. The restaurant is being launched in partnership with Super 8, the London restaurant group behind Kiln, Brat, Smoking Goat and Mountain.
At the centre of Impala is a charcoal grill and wood oven around which the menu is built, drawing on North African, eastern Mediterranean and Cypriot influences alongside Saad’s classical training. Dishes teased so far include grilled fish and meats such as dry-aged Devon duck with black lime and Aswan chillies, sardines in grape leaves, and wood-oven rice with ghee and there’s a strong emphasis on smoky, fire-kissed cooking and careful ingredient sourcing. The interior, designed by Super 8’s Ben Chapman and Dan Preston, aims to evoke the energy of Cairo markets blended with Soho bar culture.
Kung Fu Mama – date TBC
Taiwanese noodle bar Kung Fu Mama is going east, with a brand-new opening in Canary Wharf this March. Following the buzz around its Covent Garden debut in April last year, the cult favourite is bringing its sun-dried noodle bowls and old Taiwanese comfort food to Jubilee Place.
Founded by Noam Bar-Chang and Chris Hsu, the concept celebrates the energy and nostalgia of Taiwanese night markets – with hand-folded, sun-dried noodles stealing the spotlight. Beyond the signature bowls, the menu is packed with vibrant, feel-good street food. Think ginger and sesame chicken noodles, slow-braised 12-hour beef laced with Sichuan pepper, and rich portobello mushroom with Romano pepper, alongside inventive bao buns and fresh sides.
While the flavours are bold and comforting, health is front and centre here – every dish is balanced and nutrient-rich, proteins are oven-baked, and oils are carefully chosen.
Temaki – date TBC
Temaki is the cult Japanese-Californian handroll bar that’s relocating to Mayfair this March, bringing its much-loved temaki (hand-rolled sushi) and expanded menu to 11 Maddox Street. The move marks a central London return for the brand after its original Brixton Market site (which opened in 2021) closed in 2025.
Set across two floors, the Mayfair Temaki features an intimate 16-seat counter upstairs overlooking the chefs at work and a 28-seat downstairs space inspired by Japanese listening bars, offering a blend of interactive counter dining and relaxed table service. The menu expands on the signature handrolls with additional small plates such as crispy rice with premium fish, A4 wagyu sliders, sandos and toro, alongside a concise drink list of sake, wine and cocktails.