After a much needed few weeks off, we’re back in the swing of dream dinners to digest on a Sunday AM.
Having being very proud of our long run of 58 weeks strong, my brain was in need of a little rest.
The last month has brought a work shoot abroad, Primavera, plus buying a flat, and so this little corner of the internet needed to take a back seat.
But we’re back. Re-charged with some exciting new kids on the block, this week we’re focusing on London’s new openings that I CANNOT WAIT to secure a table at.
In fact, the first I’m already booked in…
1. Lai Rai, Peckham
The red and white restaurant front and inviting font caught my eye long before Lai Rai opened.
Smack bang on Rye Lane, not far from the old Asda, I’d often spot it as the bus passed, wondered what it might eventually become.
Well, super excited to announce that last weekend she is now open, and is a gorgeous “new school” Vietnamese restaurant.
Translated to mean “little by little”, Lai Rai is all about fuss free good times with snacks, beers, and heat, and comes from the brain child of a team of young creatives - Blair Nguyen and Ivy Vo of Vinaxoa, Joseph Losper and Tomio Shota of House of Baby and visual artist Ap Nguyen
Peckham is such a hot spot for good food, but I love the flex of Lai Rai. During the day expect Vietnamese coffee (buzzing emotionally and physically) and Banh Mi, then come the PM it’s big and small plates a plenty - all very well labelled with lots of GF, I will add.
I love Vietnam, and I love Vietnamese food. Daily coffees that blow you head off, and big bowls of noodles and salads were such a highlight on a trip to Vietnam a few years back, and I’m very ready to enjoy all of the above.
Book a table here.
2. Singburi, Shoreditch
Technically not a new restaurant, but a new home, as Singburi opens it’s doors for a new era.
Originally voted Time Out London’s “Best Thai in London”, the local favourite is moving central from its original home in Leyton.
They officially opened their doors yesterday, but everyone on Insta has been going mad for secret preview meals.
Dishes on the new menu include; Dill & lemongrass pork sausage, Wild ginger chicken thigh, Prawn & betel leaf southern curry, Mussels, tomato & sweet basil and Smoked pork belly & green peppercorn. But do be warmed…they are hot!
The key difference this time around is they won’t be operating a BYOB policy, but expect all the usual drinks suspects to wash down that spicy spicy heat.
If you can get a spot, I would highly recommend booking, as much like their last restaurant, tables are flying.
Book a table here.
3. Luna, London Bridge
Unlike the other two freshly opened spots, this final spot is yet to open, but is definitely one to watch.
From the team behind Italian favourite Legare, who we covered back in April, restaurateur Jay Patel and chef Matt Beardmore have a new venture up their sleeve due to be opening any time soon.
Similar to their sister spot Legare, Luna is set to be a wine bar, bottle shop and restaurant right on the edge of the Thames, complete with a terrace perfect for after work rosé-sipping.
Wine wise, Luna (hint - the name) will be celebrating biodynamic wines, as lunar cycles play a key role in biodynamic winemaking, but as for the food menu - currently under wraps.
Just a few days ago they put their first sneak preview of fixtures and fittings for the spot, so be sure to give them a follow for further announcements. Let’s hope the opening is planned this side of the heatwave.
Follow along for updates here.
What’s “Where’s For Dinner?”
Every week I’ll be tempting you with where your next meal out could be - one in London, one in the UK, and one beyond. All places I want to try, but haven’t yet.I would love for you to subscribe (button below), so we can enjoy these places together. And if you have got any tips of your own, I’d love to hear them.
Love this! Reminds me of the Prawns with Fiori Di Sale recipe I adapted from hit NYC restaurant Il Buco for easy home cooking! check it out:
https://thesecretingredient.substack.com/p/get-il-bucos-recipe-prawns-with-fiori