Although dining out in London can be expensive, it provides vital support to local businesses and serves as an excellent opportunity for social gatherings, whether for work or leisure. April 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptionally busy month for restaurant openings across the city. Hot diners has curated a list of bars and restaurants to watch this month, featuring a diverse range from Italian to Lebanese cuisines. Here are five standout highlights to anticipate.
Bar Etna - Stoke Newington
This new pizzeria represents a collaborative effort between Ed McIlroy, founder of Four Legs, and Philadelphia-based chef and restaurateur Joe Beddia. Beddia gained fame when his first establishment, Pizzeria Beddia in Philadelphia, was acclaimed by Bon Appétit magazine as serving the 'Best Pizza in America'. In addition to signature pizzas, guests can look forward to a menu of Italian-American classics, such as Aubergine Parmigiana, Caponata, and traditional Meatballs. Located at 47 Newington Green, London N16 9PX, Bar Etna is scheduled to open in late April 2026.
Padella - Soho
Padella has long been one of London's most popular Italian restaurants, with existing branches near London Bridge and in Shoreditch. Known for its virtual queues to secure a table, Padella is expanding with a third location in the heart of the West End, specifically on Kingly Street in Soho. The ground floor will maintain a casual atmosphere, while the new downstairs restaurant and private dining room promise to be visually impressive. Set to open at 2 Kingly Street, London W1B 5PB on April 16, 2026, this addition is eagerly awaited by food enthusiasts.
Ornella - Hackney
Actor Theo James, along with restaurateur Ed Templeton and chef Naz Hassan, is launching a new restaurant in Hackney, following their previous success with LUPA. Ornella will be an Italian restaurant, but this time drawing culinary inspiration from Milan, located north of Rome. The establishment will occupy the former site of Fran's on Wilton Way, offering a fresh dining experience in the vibrant Hackney neighborhood.
KINZ - Notting Hill
KINZ is transforming a former Lloyds bank building, originally constructed in the 1930s by architect Sir Edward Maufe, into an impressive restaurant. This project is led by a trio consisting of brothers Jad and Karim Lahoud and Rasha Khouri Bruzzo. The front of the venue will feature a deli offering Lebanese provisions, including pre-prepared frozen dishes like lamb and pine nut kibbehs for take-home convenience. Situated at 50 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JD, KINZ is set to open on April 27, 2026.
Cafe Jikoni - Stratford
The team behind the acclaimed Jikoni in Marylebone, Ravinder Bhogal and Nadeem Lalani Nanjuwany, are embarking on a new venture as part of the V&A East Museum. Planned menu items include innovative dishes such as Prawn Toast Scotch Egg, Turmeric and Ginger Chicken Pie, and Lamb Merguez Flatbread with fennel, tahini, and pickled chillies. Located at East Bank, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Cafe Jikoni is scheduled to open on April 18, 2026, adding a culinary highlight to the cultural district.
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