As the city leans into long evenings, lighter plates and lingering lunches, this summer’s dining scene is all about flavour, atmosphere and a sense of place. From flame-grilled British produce on the coast to Mediterranean terraces in Soho, seasonal afternoon tea in Hyde Park and bold Mexican inspired plates across the capital, these are the restaurants defining where and how to eat right now.
1. PEARLY COW
What: An independent collection of grill restaurants located in York, Brighton and Margate, Pearly Cow celebrates the very best local produce from land and sea. Created by brothers Tristan, James and Tom Guest, each restaurant offers its own interpretation of the concept, combining beautifully designed interiors with menus shaped by the flavours and ingredients of their surroundings. Whether you’re visiting for a midweek steak night, a leisurely Sunday roast or a special occasion feast, Pearly Cow delivers a distinctly British dining experience centred around exceptional ingredients and open-flame cooking.
Food: The menu showcases premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood and seasonal produce sourced from trusted local suppliers. Highlights include Whitstable oysters, Trenchmore Farm beef and the restaurant’s signature 45-day salt-aged Côte de Boeuf, served with a choice of sauces and sides. Meats are grilled over flame to create rich caramelisation and deep flavour, while seafood arrives fresh from nearby coasts. Menus vary between locations, with small plates in Brighton and York and tacos in Margate. Sundays bring traditional roasts, while Steak Night offers steak and fries for £22 per person.
Location: Pearly Cow York, 1 Clifton, York, YO30 6AA, Pearly Cow Margate, 42 High Street, Margate, Kent, CT9 1DS Pearly Cow Brighton, 123 Kings Road, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 2FA
2. KAPARA
What: Kapara’s Sun Club transforms its hidden James Court terrace into a playful, retro-glam escape inspired by Palm Beach. Bold stripes, swaying palms, cacti and glowing heaters set the tone for long lunches that drift effortlessly into late-night cocktails. Equal parts chic and camp, it captures the vibrant energy Kapara is known for in the heart of Soho.
Food: Executive Chef Eran Tibi delivers a vibrant menu of Eastern Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Highlights include Rainbow Beets with almond whey, lime and sesame, Butterflied Bream with lemongrass and blood orange, and the richly indulgent Not Your Mama’s Moussaka with slow-cooked lamb neck, cauliflower purée and za’atar. Desserts such as Pistachio & Turkish Coffee Tiramisu and Basque Cheesecake with apricot round out the experience.
Location: James court, 14 Greek St, London W1D 4DP
3. THE PENINSULA LONDON
What: The Peninsula London celebrates peak British strawberry season with a limited-edition afternoon tea served in The Lobby and at Soleil by Claude, overlooking Hyde Park. Running from late June through early September, the experience brings a refined seasonal twist to one of London’s most iconic dining traditions.
Food: Guests are treated to finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, lemon curd and strawberry preserve, alongside a selection of pastries created by the hotel’s master pâtissiers. Strawberries appear throughout the menu in inventive forms, including strawberry and Timur pepper mousse, strawberry choux with compote, strawberry jasmine tart with white chocolate crunch and strawberry almond mousse with millionaire shortbread.
Location: 1 Grosvenor Place, London SW1 7HJ, UK
4. ROTI
What: Rōti brings its fast-growing US fast casual concept to London, introducing a health-focused, flavour led approach to Mediterranean dining. With kitchens in Kentish Town, Shoreditch and Nine Elms, the brand is now available exclusively via Uber Eats, marking its UK debut.
Food: The menu is built around customisable bowls and chef curated combinations featuring fresh, high quality ingredients. Dishes are designed for balance and bold flavour, blending grains, vegetables, proteins and vibrant sauces inspired by modern Mediterranean cooking. Guests can build their own bowls or choose signature combinations focused on freshness, nutrition and everyday convenience.
Location: Kentish Town, Shoreditch & Nine Elms locations here
5. WAHACA
What: Wahaca embraces the season with a refreshed summer menu inspired by the bold colours and flavours of Mexico. Designed for laid-back dining and al fresco catch-ups, the new dishes celebrate freshness, spice and vibrant seasonal ingredients across its UK restaurants.
Food: Highlights include Yellowfin Tuna Tostadas with soy and lime-marinated tuna, Chipotle Glazed Aubergine with macadamia mole and feta, Crispy Potato Esquites with corn and crema, and Hibiscus Glazed Chicken Wings. Wahaca’s Sunshine Bowls have also been updated, packed with avocado, quinoa, beans, tomatoes and fresh dressings. A new spritz menu includes tequila-based and fruit-led serves, alongside a citrus-forward non-alcoholic option.
Location: UK wide find your closest branch here
