Where To Eat In London Right Now: Old Classics With New Menus

Key Takeaways:

• Classic London restaurants are introducing new menus, offering fresh reasons to visit.
• Casa Cruz unveils Argentinian-inspired dishes under new Head Chef Jacob Rowley.
• Dishoom refreshes its menu after 13 years, introducing new dishes inspired by Bombay.
• Julie’s offers retro French cuisine with a contemporary twist by Chef Owen Kenworthy.
• Applebee’s focuses on sustainable seafood under Executive Chef Frankie van Loo.

London’s culinary scene is buzzing with excitement as some of its most beloved restaurants reinvigorate their offerings. These classic establishments are blending tradition with innovation, providing diners with fresh reasons to return.

Casa Cruz: Argentinian Flair in Notting Hill

Nestled in the leafy environs of Holland Park on the border of Notting Hill, Casa Cruz has undergone a luxurious revamp. Under the guidance of newly appointed Head Chef Jacob Rowley—whose résumé includes stints at Hampshire’s award-winning Oakley Hall—the ten-year-old restaurant is turning heads.

The sophisticated and sexy Casa Cruz introduces an Argentinian-inspired menu with a modern European twist. Diners can indulge in hand-picked day-boat crab served with brioche French toast, local lobster pappardelle, and an ultra-tender lamb shank braised in sweet madeira and apricot sauce. The chic copper-clad interiors of this Victorian-era townhouse amplify the dining experience, creating a cozy yet elegant ambiance. An upstairs terrace beckons guests in the warmer months. Keep an eye out for celebrities—this hotspot is a favorite among A-listers seeking to fly under the radar, with Taylor Swift recently spotted here.

Dish to Try

Ultra-tender Denver wagyu, sliced thin and served pink, accompanied by an umami-rich bone marrow sauce and roasted root vegetables slathered in chimichurri.

Dishoom: A Bombay Café in London

With locations all over London—as well as in Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham—Dishoom has long been an all-time favorite Indian eatery. For the first time since its launch in 2010, Dishoom has unveiled a refreshed menu. Founders Shamil and Kavi Thakrar and Executive Chef Arun Tilak traveled to Bombay on a research trip, sampling over 650 dishes to forge and inform the new offerings.

While fan favorites like the always-on-point gunpowder potatoes remain, a selection of new plates awaits, alongside signature dishes unique to each location. The cocktail menu has been completely overhauled, though Dishoom’s famous chai—with unlimited refills—remains unchanged. The restaurant’s ambience, inspired by the Irani cafés of Bombay, continues to charm with its buzzing crowds and nostalgia-driven décor.

Dish to Try

Goan Monkfish Curry, featuring chunks of monkfish cooked in a thick and creamy curry of onions, tomatoes, coconut, and sour-sweet kokum tamarind—a dish that transports you straight to the beaches of Goa.

Julie’s: Retro Elegance Reimagined

A longstanding gem dating back to 1969, Julie’s in Holland Park has embarked on a new chapter under hyper-local ownership. The new menu, crafted by Chef Patron Owen Kenworthy, brings retro French cuisine with contemporary flair to the table. Spread across two floors—the buzzy ground floor and the intimate lower ground—the restaurant boasts maximalist interiors with clashing patterns and dim lighting. Notably, Burberry recently shot part of their campaign here with actor Barry Keoghan.

Chef Kenworthy, with experience at East London’s Brawn and local favorite The Pelican, presents dishes like vichyssoise, quiche lorraine, and lobster soufflé. Dinner begins with bread and house-made butter infused with ever-changing flavors, signaling an eventful dining experience. An outdoor seating area in a charming, tree-shaded square adds to the allure.

Dish to Try

Onglet with dauphinoise potatoes and a perfect peppercorn sauce, accompanied by a crunchy side salad of endive, pear, walnut, and Roquefort—it’s as delightful as any bistro in Paris.

Applebee’s: Fresh Seafood at Borough Market

A beloved institution in Borough Market for 25 years, Applebee’s has introduced new interior stylings and an updated menu focused on fresh, sustainable seafood. Under the direction of new Executive Chef Frankie van Loo—formerly of Jason Atherton’s Social Company—the restaurant showcases the best of British waters. Fish is sourced directly from Brixham Fish Market, ensuring full traceability and a menu dictated by seasonality and catch.

The relaxed yet vibrant market-like ambiance adds to the charm of this 70-cover spot. Diners can take a seat at the counter in front of the live-fire grill for an engaging experience. While classics like the iconic fish and chips remain, new dishes offer exciting options for seafood enthusiasts.

Dish to Try

Bouillabaisse topped with croutons covered in Lincolnshire Poacher cheese and a drizzle of rouille—pitch-perfect and hearty enough to serve as a main course.

Benares: Michelin-Starred Innovation

Located in Mayfair on the ultra-swanky Berkeley Square, the Michelin-starred Benares has undergone an interior refurbishment alongside an exciting menu overhaul. Executive Chef Sameer Taneja, known for his innovative approach to Indian staples and creative use of British ingredients, presents new creations that are a testament to his culinary prowess.

The dining experience begins with a trio of snacks inspired by Indian street food. Guests can choose from classic dishes like Murg Makhani—chicken tikka simmered in a silky butter and tomato sauce—and Dal Makhani, Benares’ signature black lentils. Exciting mains like Khumb Miloni Pulao, long-grain basmati rice cooked in aromatic mushroom yakhani and served with a selection of glistening slow-roasted mushrooms, including prized morels, delight the palate. New à la carte options, a tasting menu, and a set lunch menu offer varied dining experiences.

Dish to Try

The Tandoori Ratan starter, featuring a Welsh lamb chop smothered in smoked Kashmiri pepper and served perfectly pink, fire-licked king prawn, and a kebab of minced chicken and duck meat.

As London’s classic restaurants reinvent themselves, they invite both new and returning guests to rediscover their charms. With fresh menus, innovative chefs, and revitalized interiors, these establishments ensure that London’s dining scene remains dynamic and enticing.