Famous New York Restaurants Are Expanding to London

Daniel Goh
Sep 12
4 min read

New York, with its diverse array of traditional pizzerias, upscale sushi establishments, established steakhouses, and elegant rooftop bistros, has consistently been one of the world's most prominent cities in the culinary realm. However, it appears that the gastronomic vibrancy of the Big Apple is more pronounced than ever in London at this moment.

New York City Cuisine Is London's Latest Culinary Trend

American-style eateries have long been a staple of the capital's culinary landscape, including classic diners, Texan BBQ establishments, and pancake houses. The emphasis has now transitioned to the contemporary, stylish bars and restaurants of New York City. This September, the US-born celebrity hotspot Carbone, favored by figures like as Rihanna and Taylor Swift, will open in the former American Embassy in Mayfair. Simultaneously, adjacent to this location, the newly established Chancery Rosewood, a branch of one of New York's most prestigious Japanese restaurants, Masa, is set to commence operations.

American culinary pop-ups are currently quite popular. This summer, New York's Pecking House introduced their chili fried chicken at The Standard in King's Cross, London. Claridge’s is presently featuring a residency from the acclaimed Greenwich Village bar Dante, which has garnered such popularity that it is being prolonged until the conclusion of 2025. This October, Brooklyn's Theodora is conducting its inaugural international residency in London, taking place at Soho's Firebird for two nights.

Restaurants are embracing the New York-originated custom of martinis and fries, exemplified by The Stafford, a five-star hotel, which has launched The New York Happy Meal at its American Bar, featuring an ice-cold martini accompanied by seasoned fries.

Recent Inaugurations

We are observing an inflow of New York-inspired newcomers establishing themselves in London, particularly traditional Italian-American establishments referred to as red sauce joints. At the conclusion of 2023, former Soho House executive Martin Kuczmarski inaugurated The Dover in Mayfair, which has discreetly emerged as one of the city's most sought-after eating establishments. Characterized as a tribute to 'Sophia Loren in 1970s Brooklyn', it embodies classic New York City elegance with ample servings of food (such as branzino fillets, pasta arrabbiata, and burgers), exceptional cocktails, and alluring surroundings.

Kuczmarski states, "The character of The Dover, particularly in Brooklyn, is embodied in its design—soft lighting and candle-lit tables evoke the mystery associated with traditional Italo-American families." “Culinary offerings are essential, as we have reintroduced classic martinis, and the cuisine is inspired by the traditional Italian families who immigrated to Brooklyn.”

Grasso, a restaurant established on Soho's Dean Street in 2024, features a menu influenced by the Grasso family's Sicilian ancestry, which led them to relocate to New York and London in the mid-20th century. It offers substantial portions of 'mom's spaghetti,' lobster linguine, chicken parmesan, and Caesar salad, and is renowned for its vibrant ambiance. Thin crust, New York-style pizza is currently trending in the British capital, as evidenced by Alley Cats, which consistently draws long lineups at its several London locations.

What is the source of the excitement? Kuczmarski thinks that it is motivated by a desire to experience the Big Apple's nocturnal atmosphere, which reports indicate is diminishing in London. Zonal, a hospitality technology firm, reports an increase in early supper reservations; yet, not all individuals choose to retire for the night by 9 PM on a Friday. The nightlife is flourishing, particularly among the city's Generation X demographic. Kuczmarski observes that for several Londoners, the relatively new New York presents a city that continues where London historically ceases. “We can embody the city that never sleeps, even if the water supply ceases at 11 PM.”

Rita’s, an American-inspired restaurant in Soho, London, is embracing the festive atmosphere with its new ‘10 for 10’ dining promotion, allowing patrons who reserve after 10pm to indulge in £10 cocktails. Co-owner Gabriel Pryce asserts that they did not want to establish a NYC restaurant; yet, he acknowledges that "there is a tone we’ve carried since the start."

A significant appeal of Rita’s, he notes, is the laid-back, amiable ambiance, which undoubtedly draws inspiration from New York. The service style is significantly shaped by the factors emphasized in a city where a higher proportion of individuals dine out and a greater number are employed in the hospitality sector compared to most other locations globally.

A Bidirectional Relationship

Certainly, the interest is reciprocal. Numerous American restaurateurs aspiring to expand globally regard London as their ideal destination, including renowned chef Mario Carbone. He established his namesake restaurant in Greenwich Village, New York, in 2013, and has aimed for a London location from the outset. He describes the long-anticipated debut in Mayfair as a 'fairytale,' stating, 'This has always been the goal of other important cities in the world where we aspire to be.'

There is a discernible enthusiasm for this NYC-style entertainment among Londoners, and it is also gaining traction among the increasing number of Americans residing in the UK. "We have been inundated with support in London," states Linden Pride, founder of Dante. A number of regular patrons from New York have frequented Dante at Claridge’s, including expatriates residing in the UK and travelers from the US. Individuals frequently schedule their subsequent visit while exiting.

In 2026, NYC's culinary scene will be further enhanced by restaurateurs Ellia and Junghyun Park, the creators of one of Manhattan's premier establishments, as they inaugurate Kiji, a Korean BBQ restaurant in Mayfair. The culinary connection between the two cities is likely to endure, as Carbone states, London and New York have consistently resembled sibling cities.