Round-up: New Italian, Filipino and Middle Eastern restaurants come to London

This week’s round-up of new restaurants which have just opened or are coming soon feature a variety of different cuisines in London.

CLARO, ST JAMES’S

Now open is Eastern Mediterranean restaurant Claro, which has also had branch based in Tel Aviv for the past decade.

Led by chef Shadi Issawy, the menu of the St James’s venue features seasonal ingredients with Middle Eastern twists, such as yellowtail sashimi an octopus carpaccio.

The heritage-inspired space is designed by DesignLSM, with wine, Champagne and cocktails from across the world available.

Claro features bar seating, dining tables and an open kitchen, with outdoor seating to follow next summer.

There are also private event rooms, holding 12 or 60 guests.

ARTUSI, SOHO

Also open for business across town is Artusi, expanding to its third location at Underbelly Boulevard Soho.

Italian-inspired Artusi already has two locations in Peckham, the first opening in 2014, as well as a sister restaurant Marcella in Deptford.

The simple menu sees changes throughout the week, to best reflect the season produce available, and always features freshly-made pasta.

From Tuesday to Saturday, between 5pm and 7pm, Artusi Soho will be offering a pre-theatre menu of two courses for £25 or three courses for £30.

Founder and head chef Jack Beer said: “We’re thrilled to be opening Artusi Soho at Underbelly Boulevard.

“Soho is the ultimate dining location, and Underbelly is the perfect fit for our down to earth neighbourhood style restaurant.

“You can see a great show AND spend your evening eating delicious Italian-inspired cuisine. What more could you want?”

The Underbelly venue offers live comedy shows, dance, arts, theatre and music.

TURO TURO, TOOTING

After 10 years honing his signature Filipino barbecue through street food stalls, events and pop-ups, chef Rex De Guzman is opening his first permanent restaurant.

Turo Turo is set to open its doors in Tooting on Thursday, November 14.

Street food and sharing will be the focus of the menu, with a concept known as ‘Boodle Fight’ showcasing a traditional Filipino family feast for groups of eight or more.

British-born Rex hosted his first pop-up aged 21, before leaving Gordon Ramsay’s Maze in 2018 to establish Turo Turo.

Turo Turo is open Wednesday to Friday 12pm-4pm and 5pm-10.30pm, 11am-11pm on Saturday and Sunday 11am-9.30pm.

PIZZA PILGRIMS, CHELSEA

Opening on November 18 on King’s Road is Pizza Pilgrims’ latest location.

The restaurant design is said to “feel like a beach bar straight out of the iconic, sun-drenched island of Capri”.

The ground floor has room for 40 guests, while the basement dining room seats 32. There is also a private cinema room, available for private dining and special events.

Founders Thom and James Elliot said: “Bringing Pizza Pilgrims to Chelsea feels like a real milestone for us.

“Our dad ran a pub on King’s Road back in the day, and the area has always pulled us in.

“We have now secured the perfect corner site to house our Capri-style pizzeria and bring the joy of Pizza Pilgrims one of London’s most iconic roads.

“A true neighbourhood location - it’s a community we can’t wait to be a part of.”

Pizza Pilgrims have 23 other locations, mainly across London. The Chelsea version will feature their signature Neapolitan-style pizza, crafted from a 72-hour double-fermented dough, takes centre stage.

It will be open from 11.30am each day.

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