You’d think January is a quiet, gloomy month that makes you want to stay home, and that restaurants would be holding off on rolling out the red carpet until the sun comes back. You’d be wrong. January has been buzzing with new restaurant openings – and there’s plenty more to come.
So, if you’ve already ticked off last year’s hotspots and are looking for something fresh to add to your must-try list, we’ve rounded up some of the best restaurants and bars that opened their doors this month, plus a sneak peek at what’s cooking for February.
Top January restaurant and bar launches
1. Connie’s Pizza
If you love innovative pizza with personality, Connie’s Pizza is one of the standout openings this January. The restaurant launched on the 26th of January under the railway arches at 133 Queen’s Road, SE15 (the former home of Little Kudu) and has since been firing out crispy, flavour‑packed pies that mix Italian craft with British flair.
Connie’s is the brainchild of Andrea Asciuti, the founder of the highly regarded 081 Pizzeria (which was ranked among the top 50 pizzas in Europe in 2024). Frustrated with some of the overly trend‑led versions of London‑style pizza, Asciuti set out to create what he calls “Bri‑talian” pizza – essentially combining classic Italian technique with bold British ingredients.
2. DakaDaka
DakaDaka is a Georgian restaurant and natural wine bar tucked away on Heddon Street in Mayfair. Opened earlier this month, this two‑floor venue champions the ancient, vibrant cuisine of Georgia – a culture known as much for its generous hospitality as its 8,000‑year‑old winemaking tradition. The menu draws inspiration from classic Georgian dishes cooked over open fire and reimagined with seasonal British produce.
A standout feature here is the wine list – more than 100 Georgian natural wines, curated to showcase the country’s ancient winemaking heritage and perfect for pairing with the bold, shareable food. Find out more here.
3. ONSU
One of the stand‑out January openings in London’s food scene has been ONSU, a bold, Asian‑inspired bakery and patisserie that opened its doors on the 15th of January at Dean Street in Soho.
ONSU is the passion project of Michael Kwan, an award‑winning pastry chef with an impressive CV that includes roles as executive pastry chef at The Dorchester, as well as experience at Ladurée, Hakkasan and the three‑Michelin‑starred The Fat Duck.
The bakery cleverly blends Asian flavours with classical European baking techniques, resulting in unique pastries and breads that you won’t find everywhere else. Expect inventive bakes like salted egg yolk mille‑feuille, wagyu beef curry buns, black truffle toast, oolong and milk chocolate tarts, and other creative items such as matcha red bean mochi buns and black sesame doughnuts.
4. Claridge’s Bakery
Claridge’s Bakery is the new artisanal bakery from the iconic Claridge’s hotel, now open on Brook’s Mews in Mayfair, London. After months of anticipation, the doors opened on the 21st of January 2026, marking the hotel’s first standalone bakery dedicated to celebrating the craft of British baking with an elevated yet approachable offer.
Led by Richard Hart, internationally acclaimed baker and creative director – known for his work at Hart Bageri in Copenhagen and as head baker at Tartine in San Francisco – the bakery combines nostalgic British classics with artisan technique and Claridge’s signature hospitality.
5. Le Café by Nicolas Rouzaud
Le Café by Nicolas Rouzaud is one of the standout openings of January in London’s café scene. The elegant new destination opened on the 23rd of January inside Burlington Arcade in Mayfair, bringing a refined but relaxed slice of French café culture to the heart of the city.
This all‑day café comes from Nicolas Rouzaud, a highly respected French master pâtissier whose career includes positions at elite hotels such as The Connaught in Mayfair and experiences in Paris and other international kitchens.
At Le Café, pastries and dishes are crafted with a gourmand, almost indulgent philosophy that puts flavour and texture front and centre. On the menu you’ll find standout items like brioche à tête (served both sweet and savoury), refined takes on Victoria sponge, and inventive seasonal specials that blend classic technique with creative flare.
6. The Azuki
Opened in early January near Chancery Lane, The Azuki (referring to the sweet red bean often used in Japanese desserts) is a Japanese restaurant and sake bar offering both a daytime menu of ramen and other comfort dishes, and an evening menu inspired by izakaya-style dining.
During the day, the menu features dishes such as tonkatsu ramen, Hokkaido miso butter ramen, and chicken katsu rice. In the evening, the space transitions to an izakaya-style bar, serving grilled seasonal dishes, small plates, and shareable snacks designed to complement the drinks menu, which includes a selection of sake.
The restaurant is led by Alan Tse, who trained in Japan, and focuses on traditional Japanese cooking techniques with a contemporary presentation.
7. Brother Marcus – Victoria
Brother Marcus has opened a new site in Victoria, marking the start of its 10th year in London. The East-Mediterranean restaurant group, which began in Balham in 2016, continues its steady expansion following recent openings in Canary Wharf and Soho, as well as the launch of its cocktail bar, Kamara.
The Victoria location sticks closely to what the brand is known for: all-day dining, weekend brunch, mezze designed for sharing, and Greek wines served from morning through to evening.
Brunch dishes include the now-familiar Tsoureki with tahini custard, sweet potato fritters with avocado and poached egg, and fried chicken rosti, while the evening menu leans into mezze inspired by co-founder Tasos Gaitanos’ Cretan heritage. Cocktails play a more prominent role here, building on the momentum of Kamara.
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