Looking for London restaurants worth booking this week? From live music dinners and tacos with spicy margaritas to a glamorous new Mayfair opening, the capital’s food scene is fully leaning into summer right now. Whether you’re planning after work drinks, a date night or a laid back dinner with friends, these are the spots worth knowing about.
1. For Summer Tacos: Velvet Taco
The Lowdown: Dallas cult favourite Velvet Taco officially landed in London earlier this year and has quickly become one of the City’s most fun casual dining spots. Located in Broadgate Circle, the restaurant is known for globally inspired tacos, bold flavours and a menu that refuses to play it safe. Just in time for warmer evenings, Velvet Taco has launched its new Summer Sips menu featuring £6 margaritas and £6 Modelo on draught from Monday to Thursday between 5pm and 7pm. The new margarita menu includes Guava Rita, Blood Orange, Hibiscus, Grapefruit and a Spicy Fresno variation.
What to Eat: Go for the inventive tacos packed with globally inspired fillings alongside loaded fries, quesadillas and frozen margaritas. The spicy margarita paired with crispy chicken tacos is an easy winner.
Where: 1 Broadgate Circle, London EC2M 2QS
2. For London’s Only Senegalese Restaurant: Little Baobab
The Lowdown: Hidden inside The Africa Centre, Little Baobab remains London’s only Senegalese restaurant and one of the city’s most unique dining experiences. The restaurant has just launched a brand new Dinner and Live Music Night series taking place every second Thursday of the month. The evenings combine live acoustic performances from emerging African artists with a buffet style Senegalese feast, creating one of the most soulful dinner experiences in London right now.
What to Eat: Expect traditional Senegalese dishes including Chicken Yassa, Vegetarian Mafe and rich, comforting West African flavours designed for sharing.
Where: 66 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BL
3. For Social Meets in The Sun: Mercato Metropolitano
The Lowdown: This summer marks the final opportunity to experience Mercato Metropolitano Elephant & Castle in its current form before the market relocates next door later this year. For over a decade, the South London food market has been one of the city’s best spots for group dinners, spontaneous drinks and long summer evenings outdoors. Its sprawling outdoor piazza is expected to become one of South London’s busiest alfresco hangouts this season.
What to Eat: With more than 40 independent food traders, there’s everything from fresh pasta and tacos to burgers, curries, pizza and cocktails. Perfect for groups who can never decide on one cuisine.
Where: 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR
4. For a Lunch Treat: B Bagel
The Lowdown: Londoners love a reliable bagel spot and B Bagel continues to deliver exactly that. With seven locations across the capital, the quick service favourite has quietly built a loyal following thanks to freshly baked New York style bagels filled with classic deli combinations and indulgent comfort food fillings.
What to Eat: The salt beef bagel remains the standout order, while smoked salmon and cream cheese, pastrami stacks and fresh breakfast bagels are all consistently solid choices. Or the new menu launched this week new additions like ‘Teriyaki Pulled Beef’ and ‘Rotisserie Chicken Club’ make their debut. Classics will remain, alongside favourites with a twist, including ‘Salmon Breakfast’ – a spin on the classic with the addition of avocado and fried egg- and ‘Sweet Chilli Cream Cheese’ – a version of the original for bagel lovers who like a touch of heat.
Where: Multiple locations across London check here
5. For a Special Thai: MIKO Mei Fair
The Lowdown: One of London’s most exciting new openings arrives this week with MIKO Mei Fair, the latest concept from the teams behind MiMi Mei Fair and KOYN Thai. The intimate 50 cover restaurant is led by Head Chef Soonthorn Apaipat and blends refined Thai cooking with dramatic interiors featuring teal panelling, red leather banquettes and gold leaf lotus detailing. It already feels destined to become one of Mayfair’s most talked about tables.
What to Eat: The fire led menu focuses on premium ingredients and elevated Thai dishes. The Apple Wood Fire Peking Duck Penang Curry is expected to be the standout signature dish.
Where: 54 Curzon St, London W1J 8PG
For more recommendations, visit TONE Magazine LDN and our Eats page.
