Welcome back to our latest installment of Places to Eat. London’s restaurant scene isn’t slowing down this summer. From a hidden pan-Asian gem in the City celebrating a decade of standout dining to a rooftop Middle Eastern escape in Soho, this week’s edit is all about making the most of long evenings, seasonal menus and exciting new openings. Here’s where to book now.
1) Rossella Muswell Hill
The Lowdown: North London’s favourite family-run Italian restaurant has officially arrived in Muswell Hill, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the neighbourhood’s hottest summer dining spots. The second outpost from the team behind Rossella Kentish Town combines everything people love about the original warm hospitality, generous Italian cooking and a welcoming atmosphere with a beautiful new alfresco terrace made for sunny lunches and evening spritzes. Sunshine-yellow seating, wide-open bifold doors and a relaxed Mediterranean feel make it easy to forget you’re still in London. Whether you’re stopping in for a family meal, a casual date night or post-cinema dinner, Rossella delivers authentic trattoria charm without the fuss.
What to Eat & Drink: Start with burrata or fresh seafood before moving onto handmade pasta or one of the restaurant’s classic pizzas. Finish with the homemade tiramisu alongside an Aperol Spritz or a glass of Italian wine.
Where: 103 Highgate Rd, London NW5 1TR
2) MBER
The Lowdown: Hidden away on historic Pudding Lane, MBER remains one of the City’s best-kept dining secrets. Blending contemporary Asian flavours with expertly crafted cocktails, the intimate restaurant has built a loyal following over the past decade thanks to its refined sharing plates and atmospheric dining room. With MBER celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, there’s never been a better time to discover why it continues to rank among London’s standout pan-Asian restaurants.
What to Eat & Drink: Order the Bluefin Tuna Sashimi with truffle oil and ponzu, Black Cod à la Plancha with orange miso caramel and black garlic butter, alongside the signature Confit Duck Baos. Pair your meal with a glass of Akashi-Tai sake or one of the restaurant’s inventive cocktails.
Where: 1A Pudding Ln, London EC3R 8AB
Yasmin Rooftop
The Lowdown: If you’re looking to escape London without leaving Soho, Yasmin has transformed its Warwick Street rooftop into a Mediterranean-inspired oasis with the launch of its new Sunday Sessions. Taking place every Sunday from 11am, expect laid-back DJ sets, sunshine, panoramic rooftop views and a menu celebrating Middle Eastern flavours, making it one of Soho’s most exciting weekend destinations this summer.
What to Eat & Drink: Pair Yasmin’s signature Middle Eastern sharing plates with the exclusive Fleur de Riviera cocktail, combining gin, elderflower, hot honey and London Essence Riviera Tonic. It’s the ultimate rooftop summer serve.
Where:1 Warwick St, London W1B 5LR
4) The Trafalgar Chelsea
The Lowdown: Since opening last year, The Trafalgar has quickly established itself as one of King’s Road’s best neighbourhood pubs. Now, its new summer menu brings a lighter, seasonal twist to the Chelsea favourite, offering everything from elegant starters to hearty pub classics and one of the area’s best-value weekday set lunches. Inside, original period features and soaring ceilings meet stylish contemporary interiors, while outside, the terrace offers one of Chelsea’s best people-watching spots.
What to Eat & Drink: Highlights include Apulian burrata with Isle of Wight tomatoes, asparagus and pea risotto, crispy pork belly or the impressive 32oz T-bone steak to share. Finish with the crunchy meringue and order one of the new £11 summer spritzes.
Where: 224-226 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UA
5)Disco Lates at Bun House
The Lowdown: Late-night dining gets a fresh twist at Disco Lates, the new after-hours concept taking over Bun House Shoreditch every Thursday to Saturday. Created alongside TĀ TĀ Eatery and Circle13, the experience reimagines cocktail pairing by drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese herbal medicine, with every drink designed specifically to accompany a particular snack rather than simply sit alongside it. It’s one of London’s most original late-night food experiences.
What to Eat & Drink: Expect inventive cocktails including the Osmanthus Gimlet, Shaoxing Martini and Sweet-Grass Old Fashioned, each paired with one of six specially created dishes for a fully immersive tasting experience.
Where:18 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 6DG
For more recommendations, visit TONE Magazine LDN and our Eats page.
