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The relaxing of lockdown restrictions saw a slew of delayed hospitality enterprises finally open their doors this summer. As autumn approaches, these are the restaurants to see and be seen in

Ave Mario, WC2

Paris’ Big Mamma Group made tidal waves when it opened both Gloria in Shoreditch and Circolo Popolare in Fitzrovia. This summer, London got hit with a tsunami when the group opened its largest restaurant to date: Ave Mario. Inspired by Florence, BMG has created its own church to Italian cuisine with a massive 295 covers set over more than 7,000 sq ft on Covent Garden’s Henrietta Street. The osteria will draw influence from all corners of Italy, from Liguria to Venice to Milan. Don’t miss the 1970s-inspired luxe mirrored basement, where pizzaiolos will be spinning the dough from within a lowered kitchen. Opened at the beginning of July, Ave Mario is already the talk of the town.

Sumi, W11

Upmarket Japanese restaurant Endo at the Rotunda ruffled some serious foodie feathers when it opened in White City, including the plumage of the Michelin inspectors, who promptly offered it a star after opening. Following his success, Endo Kazutoshi has opened Sumi in Notting Hill. Named after his mother, the restaurant is a more casual proposition than its elder sibling, with a focus on slicing and dicing the freshest, most painstakingly-provenanced ingredients. Kazutoshi is an adept culinary showman and this new venue is utterly inviting, with beautiful wood panelling and rattan put to use to create a serene Japanese environment.

SIXES, W1

The team behind Mac & Wild has taken over the space that formerly housed Villandry in Fitzrovia for their second outing of Sixes, a bar/indoor cricket ground that launched pre-lockdown in Fulham. Sixes offers a cricket simulator, styled as batting nets, alongside drinks and gastropub-inspired food, such as sausage rolls and lemon-fried chicken with Kiev butter dip. Considering the foodie panache the team brought to Mac & Wild, expect big things from their menu alongside some great high-octane fun.

sixescricket.com

Bar des Prés, W1

Bar des Prés is a new concept recently launched on Albemarle Street by the team who smashed it out of the park with Amazónico. Formerly occupied by Indian Accent, it marks the first international venture by esteemed French chef Cyril Lignac. Designed by Sagrada (Dover Street Arts Club), the restaurant will provide the perfect foil to Lignac’s playful combination of Franco-East Asian dishes. Set within a small and charming 18th century building, Bar des Prés combines a bold blue exterior with discreet gold signage and touches of warm polished timber inside. The intimate interior features stunning counter-dining bars on both ground and basement floors, elegant custom-made furniture and vibrant peacock embroidered upholstery. Parisian chic meets Japanese precision.

bardespres.com/london-restaurant

El Pastor Soho, W1

The Harts Group has proven to have the Midas touch when it comes to buzz-worthy restaurants, with its Catalan-influenced Barrafina, the elevated traditional British fare of Quo Vadis, and the bold Mexican flavours of El Pastor in Southwark. In June, the group launched another outpost of the latter in Soho. Situated on Brewer Street on a site that formerly housed HIX, El Pastor transports diners to the brash and brazen streets of Mexico City – where its founders used to run cult nightclub, El Colmillo – literally turning the thermostat up and piping in some humidity for good measure. For anyone looking for a more than memorable meal, El Pastor offers a private dining room on the ground floor, painted in green lacquer and adorned with imagery of Mexican plants and botanicals.

tacoselpastor.co.uk

Innerplace is London’s personal lifestyle concierge. Membership provides complimentary access to the finest nightclubs, the best restaurants and top private members’ clubs. Innerplace also offers priority bookings, updates on the latest openings and hosts its own regular parties. Membership starts from £100 a month, innerplace.co.uk