A new year means a blank diary and a whole host of restaurant reservations to make. The coming 12 months is packed with promise, with a veritable smörgåsbord of 50 Best chefs and bartenders planning to make moves, including Massimo Bottura, Mauro Colagreco, Daniel Humm, Remy Savage and Daniela Soto-Innes. Here are the new restaurants and bars that should be on your radar as we enter into a brave new decade of excellent eating
It almost seems impossible to top 2019's glut of openings, which saw high-profile launches including Davies and Brook from Eleven Madison Park’s Daniel Humm, Trivet by former Fat Duck chef Jonny Lake, Marsan by Best Female Chef Hélène Darroze, and Tayēr + Elementary by Bartenders’ Bartender Monica Berg and former World’s Best Bar alumni Alex Kratena.
But 2020 looks set to smash all expectations, with new sites from no fewer than four of the eight past and present No.1s in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, exciting debuts from World’s Best Restaurant graduates and a range of openings to suit every palate – and wallet – from Buenos Aires to Bangkok; London to Los Angeles.
So grab a pen and prepare to be the first through the doors at the hottest launches of the year ahead:
Especiarium, Barcelona
When: Just open
On the cocktail list: Paloma Mola, with mezcal, grapefruit and mole
From Antonio Naranjo, the man behind Dr. Stravinsky in Barcelona comes Especiarium, a new bar inspired by spices and their influence over the ages. The perfect example is the Curryquiri, a twist on a Daiquiri with two rums and three different curries.
Carrer de la Princesa, 29, Barcelona 08003
especiariumbar.com
The just-opened Especiarium in Barcelona
Mono, Hong Kong
When: Just open
On the menu: Lobster with Alba white truffle
Former Mirazur head chef Ricardo Chaneton’s debut restaurant is contemporary French, with each dish focused on a single (mono) ingredient. The 30-seat restaurant with open kitchen and chef’s counter has a seasonal tasting menu with wines from Burgundy and Bordeaux. Think Miéral pigeon with mole or monkfish with green curry.
5/F, 18 On Lan St, Central, Hong Kong
mono.hk
Mono's counter seating
Marti, Buenos Aires
Estimated opening: January
On the menu: Unripe white peach, kefir, black garlic and saffron oil
His flagship fine dining restaurant, Tegui, is the five-time Best Restaurant in Argentina and now Germán Martitegui lends the first part of his surname to a more casual venture. Located in a 1939 house in upmarket Recoleta, Marti is accessed, speakeasy-style, from behind a designer clothes store. Diners will sit on bar stools to eat simple, seasonal, market-oriented food that changes daily.
Rodriguez Peña 1973, Buenos Aires
Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura Beverly Hills, Los Angeles
Estimated opening: February
Signature dish: Massimo Bottura’s legendary Emilia Burger
After the success of the first Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura in Florence, which won a place on the 50 Best Discovery list and a Michelin star for Mexican head chef Karime López’s cooking, the chef-owner of Osteria Francescana now expands into the US. The restaurant is located on the rooftop of a Gucci store.
347 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills 90210
gucci.com/us/en/store/osteria-bottura
Au Baiser du Mitron, Menton
Estimated opening: February
What to order: Variations of Mirazur’s ginger-spiked sharing loaves
Mauro Colagreco, the chef behind the World’s Best Restaurant 2019, Mirazur, is restoring an historic bakery in Menton, France. The rebuilt 1906 site, whose name translates as ‘the baker’s kiss’, will make its own flour and organic breads using non-modified heritage grains.
8 Rue Pieta, Menton 06500
Silver Lyan, Washington DC
Estimated opening: February
Look out for: Chetiyawardana's classic botany-inspired serves
Former World’s Best Bar owner Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka Mr Lyan, opens his first US bar in Washington DC with a focus on ‘cultural exchcange’ in America. Like its siblings including Lyaness in London, Silver Lyan will explore new ways of using food and drink to bring people together, while also embracing the cultural influences of both the US and its capital. Expect a slick interior, superlative hospitality and world-class cocktails.
Washington DC
mrlyan.com
Côte, Bangkok
Estimated opening: March
Signature dish: Ragoût de la mer with grilled vegetable bouillon and Thai spice
Not content with topping the 50 Best list, opening a bakery, and a restaurant at the Royal Mirage in Dubai, chef Mauro Colagreco is putting his name to Côte, the Mediterranean-influenced signature restaurant at the luxury Capella Bangkok, which opens in March with stunning views of the River of Kings.
300/2 Charoenkrung Road, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120
capellahotels.com/en/capella-bangkok
The Bangkok site for Mauro Colagreco's new opening
For the Krasota, Moscow
Estimated opening: March
Signature dish: A quail in ashes – a nod to the phoenix, a popular fixture in Russian folklore
Chef’s Table star and White Rabbit owner Vladimir Mukhin will open an immersive and experimental multisensory restaurant that tells the story of Russian history, mythology and nature. Meaning ‘beauty’ in Russian, For the Krasota has an interior designed by renowned architect Natalia Belenogova, while the kitchen is run by Likarion Solntsev, Mukhin’s long-time right-hand.
Romanov Pereulok 2, Building 1, Moscow
An artist's impression of For the Krasota in Moscow
Kol, London
Estimated opening: March
On the menu: Langoustine tacos with sea buckthorn
Santiago Lastra, the Mexican chef who was handpicked by René Redzepi to run Noma’s Mexico pop-up in 2017, is opening his debut restaurant in London’s Marylebone neighbourhood. Without an avocado in sight, the menu will feature ingredients sourced almost exclusively from the British Isles, alongside biodynamic wines and crockery from local ceramicists.
9 Seymour St, London, W1H 7JW
kolrestaurant.com
Langoustine tacos will be on the menu at Kol; its chef Santiago Lastra
Ella, New York
Estimated opening: April
On the menu: Black beans with oysters, grilled okra and sea urchin
After winning Latin America’s Miele One To Watch Award last year for her Curitiba restaurant Manu, Manoella Buffara brings her Brazilian cuisine to New York. But it’s not all beans and rice – she will surprise diners with ingredients such as a bottarga, a complex Italian cured fish roe. Expect Brazilian design by architect Marcio Kogan and cocktails by Marcio Silva of Guilhotina, a rising star in The World’s 50 Best Bars.
436 West 15th St, New York 10011
Bronze, São Paulo
Estimated opening: April
What to expect: Grilled meat and impeccable pastry
While he named his flagship Oro, meaning ‘gold,’ Rio de Janeiro chef Felipe Bronze is lending his surname to his new fine dining restaurant in São Paulo. Located on the fashionable Oscar Freire avenue, Bronze will have a large grill at its heart, just like its Rio counterpart.
Rua Oscar Freire, São Paulo
Damian, Los Angeles
Estimated opening: May
What to expect: Gourmet tacos, mezcal and a lively vibe
Daniela Soto-Innes and Enrique Olvera, the award-winning team behind Cosme and Atla in New York, will open their first West Coast restaurant in LA’s Arts District with business partner Santiago Perez. Described as Californian Mexican, the cuisine will focus on Mexican flavours and traditions with an LA twist. It will be backed by a zero waste-focused drinks programme led by beverage director Yana Volfson.
If you like this, you’ll love: Adjacent taquería Ditroit will follow in Summer 2020. A third West Coast restaurant, rumoured to be at the Wynn Las Vegas, is set to open by year-end.
2132 E 7th Place, Los Angeles CA 90021
damiandtla.com
Paste Australia, New South Wales
Estimated opening: May
What to expect: Spicy curries with Aussie ingredients
Bee Satongun, the chef behind Paste in Bangkok and Laos, has picked Australia for her next venture. Located in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, 1.5 hours south of Sydney, Paste will explore ancient Thai recipes, implementing techniques like curing and fermenting for an approach to a never-seen-before approach to Thai food in Australia.
pastebangkok.com
Audrey, Nashville
Estimated opening: June
What to expect: Evolved takes on Southern classics
Sean Brock, the chef who founded Husk, is opening two restaurants in east Nashville, named after his grandmother, Audrey. The upstairs dining room will serve a tasting menu using rare Southern ingredients, while downstairs will have a daily changing menu focusing on American South comfort food. Former Noma research and development chef Jason White is at the helm.
chefseanbrock.com
Boutique Crenn, San Francisco
Estimated opening: June
What to expect: Sustainable pastries and biodynamic wines
Former World’s Best Female Chef Dominique Crenn is working on a new concept to join the Atelier Crenn, Petit Crenn and Bar Crenn family in San Francisco. Slated to open in June in the Salesforce Tower, Boutique Crenn will feature a patisserie, a bakery and a coffee bar, serving ‘thoughtfully assembled’ salads, sandwiches and vegetable dishes. The wine and cocktail bar will highlight natural and biodynamic wines, as well as hyper-seasonal cocktails inspired by the produce of Crenn's farm, Bleu Belle.
Salesforce Tower, 415 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Balaio, Los Angeles
Estimated opening: July
Signature dish: Rodrigo Oliveira’s legendary tapioca cubes
Following the success of his popular São Paulo restaurant Mocotó, which has featured in every list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, chef Rodrigo Oliveira is expanding his casual concept Balaio to the US. The Los Angeles branch will serve modern takes on classic Brazilian dishes with a Californian twist.
1541 Wilcox Av, Los Angeles, 90028
balaioims.com.br
San Ho Won, San Francisco
Estimated opening: Mid 2020
What to expect: Communal Korean cooking
The team behind Benu, the restaurant ranked No.47 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list will be opening a new San Fran site serving traditional Korean barbecue. The head chef will be Jeongin Hwang, who is currently executive sous chef at Benu.
2170 Bryant Street San Francisco, CA 94110
sanhowon.com
NoMad London, London
Estimated opening: August
Signature dish: Whole-roasted duck with truffle
After expanding to Las Vegas and Los Angeles, New York’s most fashionable boutique hotel and bar now installs itself at the former Bow St Magistrates Court in London’s Covent Garden. Expect luxurious sharing dishes from chef Daniel Humm and classic cocktails by the team behind NoMad, the New York bar at No.4 in The World’s 50 Best Bars list.
28 Bow St, London WC2E 7AW
thenomadhotel.com/london
A bar by Remy Savage (name TBC), Paris
Estimated opening: Mid-2020
On the coctail menu: Gentian and cassis
Located in a revamped Paris PMU – a cross between a betting shop and a café – the latest concept by Remy Savage will move away from the tried-and-tested traditional bar structure. In conjunction with Le Syndicat, former Artesian bartender Remy Savage will create a social space serving value-for-money plats du jour alongside modernised versions of classic French drinks.
instagram.com/remy_savage_
Metzi, São Paulo
Estimated opening: Second half of 2020
What to expect: Spicy food and gallons of mezcal
After working together with Daniela Soto-Innes at Cosme in New York, Brazilian-Mexican chef couple Luana Sabino and Eduardo Nava Ortiz are moving to São Paulo to open their debut restaurant. Located in lively Pinheiros, Metzi will combine traditional Mexican techniques and ingredients such as corn and chillies with local vegetables and seafood.
São Paulo
Luana Sabino and Eduardo Nava Ortiz, the team behind Metzi
Four Twenty-Five, New York
Estimated opening: September
Signature dish: Daniel Humm’s famous roast duck
Fresh from opening Davies and Brook and the NoMad in London, chef Daniel Humm will finally unveil a project he has had his sights on for years. Set in the swanky 425 Park Avenue office complex, Four Twenty-Five will be a fine dining restaurant offering an à la carte menu and design by renowned architect Norman Foster.
425 Park Avenue, New York 10016
425parkave.com
The Dead Rabbit, New Orleans
Estimated opening: October
Signature serve: Glow worm – with Irish whiskey and Jamaican rum
Sean Muldoon, Jack McGarry and Jillian Vose, the team who topped The World’s 50 Best Bars list with their Irish pub concept in 2016, are expanding across the US. Based on The Dead Rabbit’s Taproom, the New Orleans incarnation will have multiple floors, outdoor spaces and a focus on Guinness and Irish coffee. It will launch as a pop-up in July before opening fully later in the year, and there are plans to expand to more US cities and beyond.
616 Conti St, New Orleans
deadrabbitnyc.com
Thomas Keller at the Wynn Las Vegas (name TBC), Las Vegas
Estimated opening: October
What to expect: Lavish design and luxurious dining typical of Wynn Resorts
Thomas Keller is the chef behind The French Laundry, which was the second ever to be voted The World’s Best Restaurant, in 2003 and 2004. After celebrating The French Laundry’s 25th anniversary last year, the chef whose restaurant group includes Per Se and Bouchon will open take over the space previously occupied by The Country Club at Wynn Las Vegas.
3131 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas NV 89109
wynnlasvegas.com
Bar and Atelier (name TBC), Munich
Estimated opening: October
On the menu: Japanese-French cuisine and ingredient-led cocktails
After closing his award-winning bar Circle, Cihan Anadologlu is now set to open a combined bar, chef’s table and test kitchen in Munich. Under the theme of ‘simplicity and purism’, it will serve innovative cocktails with fresh fruits, vegetables, roots and spices, alongside Wagyu beef cutlet sandwiches, tinned fish and yuzu mint chicken wings with truffle.
Munich
Mercearia do Centro, São Paulo
Estimated opening: Late 2020
What to buy: Organic chocolate and healthy sweets
Jefferson and Janaina Rueda, the husband-and-wife team behind A Casa do Porco, will add to their offering in downtown São Paulo with a bakery and grocery store selling eat-at-home versions of favourites from the restaurant. With a goal to replace processed foods like sausages and ketchup, they will sell their own line of healthy, value-for-money essentials.
São Paulo
Il Ristorante Niko Romito, Paris
Estimated opening: Late 2020
On the menu: Antipasto all’italiana, miniature versions of traditional recipes
With eponymous restaurants already installed at the Bvlgari Hotels in Beijing, Shanghai, Dubai and Milan, Reale chef-owner Niko Romito now plans two more at the luxury brand’s up-coming hotels in Paris and Moscow. Following the same concept, Il Ristorante Niko Romito’s Paris edition will focus on convivial Italian dining in an elegant setting made to look like an upper-class Italian home.
If you like this, you’ll love: The Bvlgari Hotel Moscow is set to open before 2022.
30 Avenue George V, Paris
nikoromito.com/en/projects/bulgari
Pasta from Niko Romito and the chef himself
Bar Nouveau, London
Estimated opening: November
What to expect: Floral décor and French-leaning libations
After opening a bar in Paris in the summer, Remy Savage will launch another across the Channel, this time with inspiration from all things Art Nouveau. Expect to drink in a non-traditional space – perhaps on a rooftop, inside a museum or aboard a boat (the site is as yet undefined). Nature will dictate the menu, the décor and the cocktail ingredients.
London
A restaurant by Rafa Costa e Silva (name TBC), London
Estimated opening: Late 2020
Go if you love: Hearty mains and slick-as-you-like service
With their Rio de Janeiro restaurant Lasai voted into Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants for the last five years and the Art of Hospitality award in 2019, chef Rafa Costa e Silva and his wife Malena Cardiel will bring their award-winning food and service combo to London. They are keeping their plans under wraps for now, but the casual restaurant will feature refined Brazilian comfort food and exceptional cocktails.
Header images, clockwise left to right: Mauro and Julia Colagreco; Pigeon mole at Mono; the team behind Metzi in Brazil; the Colagrecos' new Bangkok site; Santiago Lastra of Kol
For more updates from the 50 Best family of restaurants and bars, stay tuned to 50 Best Stories for all the latest news, openings and interviews.
