Let’s start with the new:
INO Gastrobar, on UJ fave Newburgh Street, has an open window front with stools facing out, as well as bar dining. We’re sold already. The founders – owners of Marylebone restaurant OPSO and the Athens-based, two Michelin-starred restaurant Funky Gourmet – have based the menu on cooking over charcoal, with ingredients from the UK and Greece. Excitingly, they have an all-Greek wine list, which are available to try by the glass, too. There’s also catch of the day carpaccio, charred okra with feta, and ‘funky burgers’ (served in tahini brioche).
Cinder, a cosy new neighbourhood restaurant in Belsize Park, looks great! With seating for 16 outside and even more inside, the focus here is on the grill. Jake Finn, proprietor and ex La Petite Maison, Coya and The Ritz, wants to make this a place for ‘fun dining’ grills in the spirit of Peru, Japan, France, Greece and Italy.
If you haven’t been to Suzi Tros, sibling to the excellent Mazi in Notting Hill Gate, go! Grilled squid will take you straight to the shores of any Greek isle. For something in town, try Ampéli for Greek wines, mussel popcorn, whole grilled chicken with citrus curd, and lobster orzo.
