Here are some of the most notable new London restaurant openings in May 2024:

Kioku by Endo at The OWO

• Address: 6th Floor, The OWO, 2 Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD

• Opening May 15th on the rooftop of The OWO building in Whitehall

• Features an 8-seat chef's table and 55-cover outdoor terrace

• Michelin-starred chef Endo Kazutoshi blends Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine, inspired by his time living in Spain

• The ground floor Kioku Bar offers a world-class sake program curated by Sake Samurai Natsuki Kikuya

Lita

• Address: 7 Paddington St, London W1U 5QE

• Live-fire cooking from ex-Corrigan's head chef

Lita, a new southern Mediterranean restaurant, has made an impressive debut in Marylebone this March. Conceptualized by Irish chef Luke Ahearne, formerly head chef at Corrigan's Mayfair, Lita brings elevated, live-fire cooking to London.

The 80-cover restaurant boasts an open kitchen layout with an exposed fire grill, creating a grand chateau-style ambience. An additional 20-seat terrace overlooking Paddington Street allows for al fresco dining.

Ahearne has crafted a seasonal, produce-driven menu sourcing top ingredients from the UK, Ireland and Europe.

Dishes cooked over the open fire include whole grilled South Coast turbot and rib of Galician beef, complemented by a selection of biodynamic and classic European wines.

Lita, a shortened version of the affectionate Spanish term 'abuelita' meaning grandmother, is a collaboration between Ahearne, the team behind Chelsea's Wild Tavern, and Canadian restaurateur Daniel Koukarskikh.

Early reviews suggest Lita has quickly become a Marylebone hotspot. The Standard's Jimi Famurewa called it "a marvel" while Jay Rayner was in "heavenly raptures over the cooking", with Ahearne's tuna dish already emerging as a signature showstopper.

Café Petiole at Somerset House

• Address: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

• Opening in May from Rishim Sachdeva, founder of vegetarian restaurant Tendril

• Offers plant-based and partially vegan dishes in the historic South Wing of Somerset House

• Menu items include toasted banana bread, baked courgette feta & honey swirls, blue corn tostadas, and mushroom focaccia

The Hero Pub in Maida Vale

• Address: 55 Shirland Rd, London W9 2JD

• A second pub from the Pelican Notting Hill team, opening in late May

• Four-story space with distressed Victorian interiors and an extensive wine list

• Offers both traditional pub fare and upscale options in its Grill Room restaurant

Cafe Britaly in Peckham

• Address: 191 Rye Ln, London SE15 4TP

• Controversial all-day Italian spot opening first week of May

• Serves a cream-based version of carbonara, challenging tradition

• Menu also features 'Full Britalian' breakfast, chicken milanese, veggie lasagne, porchetta roast, and negroni sbagliatos

Other Noteworthy Mentions

Other anticipated openings include the renovated Orangery restaurant at Kensington Palace, known for its Royal Afternoon Tea, and Penelope's at Hotel AMANO Covent Garden, an Israeli-Spanish restaurant with a lively weekend dance party.