It's a luxury and a treat to eat my way across London trying out the best and latest world-class restaurant and bars. Here's my highlights of the many fabulous ventures that opened up in 2022, in no particular order.

1 NOTTO Pasta Bar, Piccadilly

An elegantly simple pasta bar for Piccadilly by Michelin-starred chef Phil Howard. The menu is compact but hearty, and the hand-made pastas are both comfortingly familiar and intriguingly new.

Address: 198 Piccadilly W1J 9EZ

Website: nottopastabar.com 

2 Bacchanalia, Mayfair

One of the most ostentatious and extravagant openings of the year, this next-level venture by Richard Caring (owner of Annabel's & The Ivy) sees you dining like the ancient Greeks, amongst Damien Hirst sculptures and really, really old Greek and Roman artwork.

Address: 1 Mount Street NW1K 3NA

Website: bacchanalia.co.uk

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3 Elis, Shoreditch

This sly-dog of an opening may have slid under the radar for some, but this second restaurant from the Brazilian chef behind 2 Michelin-starred De Terra, Rafael Cagali, is a treat. Unfussy but perfectly formed dishes pay homage to Cagali's Brazilian-Italian roots in a dining room that is equally relaxed but well-put together.

Address: Town Hall Hotel, Patriot Square, London E2 9NF

Website: restaurantelis.co.uk

4 KOYN, Mayfair

Impeccable interiors, flawless dishes and warmth in its air, KOYN is the latest venture from Samyukta Nair, the restaurateur behind Jamavar, MiMi Mei Fair, Bombay Bustle. The contemporary izakaya pays attention to the details, from the considered design concept and the immaculate and delicate plates created by ex-Nobu chef Rhys Cattermoul, to the patterns chiseled in one's ice cube. 

Address: 38 Grosvenor Street, Mayfair W1K 4QA

Website: koynrestaurants.com

5 Maria G's, Kensington & Fulham

Another new place for Robin Gill, and this one comes with Italian flair. Chic, relaxed and ingredient-led, the meal here comes in chapters, so take your time. The Fulham outpost, has a focus on seafood and fish, as a nod to its riverside location. 

Address: Coe House, 2-4 Warwick Lane W14 8FN; 20 Central Avenue. SW6 2QE

Website: mariags.co.uk

6 The Tamil Prince, Islington

This back-street Desi pub comes with a Tamil Nadu kitchen helmed by chef Prince Durairaj (ex-Roti King). The south-Indian menu of small and big plates is short but considered, and the dishes are bright and zingy. Housed in a back street 19th century pub with outdoor seating, you've got well-known cocktails with a south Indian twist to go with a vibrant array of small and large plates.

Address: 115 Hemingford Road, N1 1BZ

Website: thetamilprince.com

7 Berenjak, Borough Market

Smokey succulent meats and moreish small plates, Iranian restaurant Berenjak takes the kebab and elevates it several notches. Accessible, warm and buzzy, the bar wraps around the kitchen so you can watch the chefs at work.

Address: 1 Bedale Street SE1 9AL

Website: berenjaklondon.com

8 The Pelican, Notting Hill

Notting Hill welcomed a new community hub when the Pelican opened its doors. The food, overseen by Head Chef Owen Kenworthy (ex-The Wolseley, Sketch) is modern British, on Sundays it's sharing meals, and the pub hosts various events such as movie nights from time to time, so keep those eyes peeled. 

Address: 45 All Saints Road WII IHE

Website: thepelicanw11.com

9 Acme Fire Cult, Dalston

A long time fan of chef Andrew Clarke's cooking, he was really going to have to put a foot wrong for me to not like this place - but he didn't. A great summer spot with 40FT Brewery across the courtyard, Acme Fire Cult plates up hefty flavour-laden dishes that are smothered in herbaceous, zingy, finger-licking delicious sauces.

Address: Abbot Street, Dalston E8 3DP

Website: acmefirecult.com

10 Amethyst, Mayfair

An immaculate, fine-dining venture that serves up a flawless 12-course menu that pulls in French, Arabic, Nordic and Japanese twists. Dishes look exquisite, and demand your attention. 

Address: 6 Sackville Street, Mayfair W1S 3DD

Website: amethystdining.com

11 Apricity, Mayfair

Chantelle Nicholson brings her earthy but elegant style of cooking to Mayfair. Aprcity's creative and inventive menu champions veg-forward and greener eating  - which are two great things - without being to hessian or soap-boxy about it. 

Address: 68 Duke Street, Mayfair W1K 6JU

Website: apricityrestaurant.com

12 Scott's Richmond, Whittaker Avenue

In another big opening for the year, the celebrated Mayfair restaurant launched a sister venue along the banks of the Thames. Every bit as glamorous as the original, Scott's Richmond offers sweeping views and boasts the finer things in life, like luxuriant seating, a crustacean bar and plenty of champagne.

Address: 4 Whittaker Avenue, Richmond, TW9 1EH

Website: scotts-richmond.com