Emyr Thomas, founder of Bon Vivant, a concierge and lifestyle management company in London, shares his thoughts on some of the best restaurants that have already opened in London during the first half of 2010.

Bar Boulud, Knightsbridge

Daniel Boulud, one of the most coveted chefs in the US, has opened his first restaurant in the UK at the Mandarin Oriental with Bar Boulud, which was already a big success across the pond. The room may lack real character, but the mix of rustic French brasserie fare and a New York style buzz has been an instant hit. With almost universal praise for the charcuterie boards and the burgers, Bar Boulud has certainly made its mark.

Caravan, Clerkenwell

From the former chef at The Providores, Caravan has been the surprise hit of the year. Offering a weekend brunch menu to rival any in London, along with an excellent evening menu that is ideal for sharing, Caravan is a relaxed and effortlessly cool newcomer on Exmouth Market. The New Zealand influenced restaurant has its own coffee roaster, so flat whites are very popular too.

Viajante, East London

Following the success of The Loft, his supperclub in Dalston, Nuno Mendes opened Viajante in Bethnal Green’s new town hall hotel earlier this year. Nuno’s cooking is described as experimental with echoes of the grand master, El Bulli, and while not every dish gets it just right, Viajante is seen as a breath of fresh air from a chef with real passion.

Bistrot Bruno Loubet, Clerkenwell

The Zetter hotel in Clerkenwell has welcomed Bruno Loubet back on to the London scene with his eponymous restaurant, Bistrot Bruno Loubet, having spent the last eight years in Australia.

The space may be a bit crammed, with tables packed in next to each other, but the crowds keep flocking here for the rustic French cooking with intense flavours.

Gauthier Soho, Soho

Alexis Gauthier, who achieved a Michelin star at Roussillon, has opened his eponymous restaurant at Lindsay House, once occupied by Richard Corrigan, in Soho. Gauthier’s cooking is classic French with a large focus on vegetables and, despite the rather sedate mood, the restaurant brings a touch of refined class to Soho.

Zucca, Bermondsey

Zucca is a bright and bustling modern Italian restaurant in Bermondsey, described by many as a River Café at half the price. The reasonable prices and generous portions mean that the restaurant is usually booked up, so book far in advance or try your luck on one of the stools at the bar.

Other Highlights

Other notable highlights include Koya, an affordable udon noodle restaurant in Soho, Roux at Parliament Square, Brasserie Joel at The Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, Gordon Ramsay’s new Petrus and Paramount, the members’ club that has now opened its doors to us all.

Coming Soon

Heston Blumenthal’s first foray into the London restaurant scene will be at the Mandarin Oriental later this year with ‘Dinner’ by Heston, St John and Hawksmoor both have plans to roll out their brands at other sites in the West End in the autumn, The Savoy Grill will re-launch at The Savoy later in the year, and Pierre Koffman will open Koffman’s at the former Boxwood Café site at The Berkeley Hotel in mid July.

To make a reservation, please contact Bon Vivant.

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