London's Culinary Scene Welcomes Ten New Michelin Guide Entries
As the prestigious Michelin star ceremony approaches on Monday, January 9, London's dining landscape has received a significant boost with ten new restaurants being added to the Michelin Guide in January 2026. This final monthly update before the star awards represents a crucial opportunity for establishments hoping to be considered for culinary recognition this year.
Standout Additions from Mayfair and Beyond
The Michelin Guide particularly highlighted several notable newcomers, with four of the ten London entries hailing from the exclusive Mayfair district. Among these is Bonheur, the highly anticipated first solo venture from acclaimed chef Matt Abé. Michelin inspectors praised the establishment, noting that "Bonheur doesn't disappoint, with the very best ingredients presented in expertly judged combinations and cooked with immense technical skill."
Another significant addition is Corenucopia by Clare Smyth, a luxury bistro in Chelsea that elevates traditional British dishes including fish and chips, toad in the hole, and sticky toffee pudding to new culinary heights.
Neighbourhood Gems and Royal Connections
Kentish Town's Filipino bistro Belly earned recognition for its "concise menu full of originality and appeal." The restaurant has gained particular attention for its innovative tempura cod pandesal - a sophisticated take on the classic fish sandwich featuring American cheese and salty salmon roe in a sweet Filipino bun. Time Out's guides editor Ella Doyle described the dish as something she'd "come back again and again just for this sandwich. Absolutely no notes."
The Royal Opera House's Cicoria in Covent Garden and Mayfair seafood restaurant Lilibet's - named after the late Queen's childhood nickname - also joined the guide. While Time Out's food editor Leonie Cooper noted Cicoria could benefit from "a few tweaks" to match its impressive building, she praised Lilibet's as representing "high camp and monarchical fabulousness." Michelin specifically commended Lilibet's for its "pleasing selection of lesser-seen produce such as hake head and garfish."
Complete List of January 2026 Additions
The ten London restaurants newly featured in the Michelin Guide for January 2026 are:
- 74 Charlotte Street by Ben Murphy, Fitzrovia
- Belly, Kentish Town
- Bonheur by Matt Abé, Mayfair
- Cicoria, Covent Garden
- Corenucopia by Clare Smyth, Chelsea
- Lilibet's, Mayfair
- Kerfield Arms, Camberwell
- Mezzogiorno, Westminster
- Rosi, Mayfair
- Tobi Masa, Mayfair
This diverse selection showcases London's evolving culinary excellence across multiple neighbourhoods, from established fine dining districts to emerging food destinations. The additions reflect both international influences and refined interpretations of British classics, demonstrating why London remains one of the world's premier dining capitals as it prepares for the upcoming Michelin star announcements.
