it was an instant success. But Darjeeling Express really

We update this list monthly with the restaurants causing the biggest stir in town as these are the hottest at this very moment, in alphabetical order. (And if you're looking for all-time classics, see our London's Best Restaurants list).

BehindBehind
Where: 20 Sidworth Street, London E8 3SD

In a nutshell: Chef's table in London Fields

This London Fields restaurant comes from Andy Beynon, former development chef for Jason Atherton, and he's created something quite special in a bespoke room. A huge and well socially distanced counter awaits, comfortable yet still maintaining a good atmosphere. That's backed up by a largely seafood-led menu that is full of inventively-used ingredients. There's really not much else like it in town right now and it won a Michelin-star in double quick time, reflecting that.

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Buvette Buvette
Where: 9 Blenheim Cres, Notting Hill, London W11 2EE

In a nutshell: NYC ex-pat in London

This New York import opened under the radar for takeaway coffees and gorgeous pastries, quickly building a reputation as a super-chic West London brunch spot. Are you in the West Village or the Left Bank? Who cares, when the croques monsieurs are this good. It doesn't hurt that it looks super inside too.

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Big JoCafé BAO Café BAO
Where: Unit 2, Building, 4 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG

In a nutshell: BAO's bakery and more

The BAO team have taken creativity to the next level at their latest restaurant with teeny lobster rolls, bejewelled prawn toasts and more on offer. The space looks beautiful too - all that Mad Men panelling - and the best bit is it's as easy to pop in and take home some of the baked goods as it is to sit yourself down and gorge on the menu here.

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Brat at Climpsons YardBrat at Climpsons Yard
Where: Arch 374 Helmsley Place Hackney E8 3SB

In a nutshell: Brat goes alfresco

Serving up new dishes alongside Brat classics, this started as a residency, became a huge hit and it is now a permanent fixture. Jay Rayner visited it for a joyous alfresco dinner and praised the "deft, sensitive cooking in the service of seriously classy ingredients." Our own recent dinner there was a triumph.

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NEW: Cafe DecoCafe Deco
Where: 43 Store Street, London WC1E 7DB

In a nutshell: Anna Tobias + 40 Maltby Street

Anna Tobias is an ex-River Cafe and Rochelle Canteen chef and definitely one to watch. Her first solo venture, in Bloomsbury, is backed by the people behind 40 Maltby Street and it's very much about comfort food. Keep an eye on Instagram for the daily changing menu - each one is a masterclass in great menu writing. You'll want everything.

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The Cheese Barge The Cheese Barge
Where: Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, London W2 6HY

In a nutshell: Cheese. On a barge.

The Cheese Bar team could simply have settled for serving cheese platters on a boat and Londoners would have lapped it up, but they've done so much more with this floating restaurant. The vessel itself - purpose-built- gives nearly everyone a water level view. As for the food, just look at this picture and you'll know why you should go. Clever, elegant and delicious - a restaurant where can watch a nesting moorhen as you fork another curried cheese curd in your mouth.

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When Asma Khan moved her supper club to permanent restaurant status, it was an instant success. But Darjeeling Express really hit the stratosphere when she was featured on Netflix's influential Chef's Table show. This move to a bigger restaurant - which doubles as a deli during the day - should make getting a table just a wee bit easier. During the evening there's a set menu based around her celebrated biryani - as well as vegetarian and vegan options.