The Michelin Guide has expanded its London selection in its July update, adding four restaurants that span contemporary Japanese, Mediterranean, Indian and modern British bistro cooking. Aki London and Clio in Marylebone, Koyal in Surbiton and Willett’s in Belgravia now appear in the guide’s digital listings — inclusions that signal inspector interest but do not confer Michelin stars.
Michelin stopped producing a physical guide in 2021 and now updates its online guide periodically through the year. New entries can arrive every month or so, reflecting ongoing inspections rather than a single annual snapshot. For diners, that means fresh recommendations landing more regularly — and a timely prompt to book ahead of the busy late-summer period.
The July additions at a glance
- Aki London (Marylebone) — A contemporary Japanese restaurant set in a characterful former banking hall just off Cavendish Square. The setting hints at a polished experience, with a focus on refined technique and the kind of calm, minimalist aesthetic often associated with high-end Japanese dining.
- Clio (Marylebone) — A Mediterranean opening led by chef Louis Korovilas, whose background includes stints at Pied à Terre and Bancone. Expect a produce-led approach and a menu grounded in the sun-soaked flavours of the region, delivered with the precision of a chef who has worked in acclaimed London kitchens.
- Koyal (Surbiton) — A South West London Indian restaurant noted for its accolades, including two AA rosettes. For those exploring beyond Zone 1, this is a useful marker of quality closer to home; the rosette scheme recognises cooking at a consistently high standard across the UK.
- Willett’s (Belgravia) — A neighbourhood-style British bistro inside The Cadogan hotel. Its inclusion highlights the ongoing strength of relaxed, seasonal British cooking in elegant hotel settings, with a focus on comfort, good produce and considered presentation.
What a Michelin Guide addition means
Being listed in the Michelin Guide is not the same as holding a Michelin star. An addition indicates inspectors consider the restaurant worthy of recommendation, but stars — as well as Bib Gourmands and Green Stars — are separate distinctions. London’s next round of Michelin star announcements is expected in February 2027, at which point some of this year’s additions may be in contention, but there are no guarantees.
The benefit for diners is immediate: new additions are a practical shortlist worth exploring now, particularly where bookings are still manageable ahead of any awards-season surge in demand.
Why these choices stand out
July’s four entries underscore the breadth of London dining today. In Marylebone, Aki London adds another destination for contemporary Japanese cuisine in a striking heritage space, while Clio brings a Mediterranean sensibility under a chef with a fine-dining pedigree. Out in Surbiton, Koyal’s appearance is a reminder that exceptional Indian cooking thrives well beyond the West End. And in Belgravia, Willett’s signals an ongoing appetite for refined yet relaxed British bistro fare in hotel dining rooms, a format that continues to evolve.
The spread also offers options for different occasions: a special-occasion setting at Aki London, a convivial Mediterranean table at Clio, a neighbourhood favourite in Koyal with recognised credentials, and a polished but informal British experience at Willett’s.
Planning your visit
- Check availability early — Fresh Michelin recognition often drives interest. Weekends and prime times can fill quickly, particularly in compact dining rooms or hotel venues.
- Consider off-peak slots — Late lunch or early dinner reservations can be easier to secure and can make for a more relaxed experience.
- Look up any menu formats — Some contemporary restaurants offer set menus or tasting formats alongside à la carte. Confirm what’s available at the time you book.
- Factor in location and travel — Marylebone and Belgravia are well served by public transport; Surbiton is an easy hop on mainline services from Waterloo.
How Michelin updates work in 2026
Since moving away from a printed book, Michelin has leaned on rolling digital updates to reflect its inspectors’ ongoing visits across the capital. Newcomers can appear throughout the year, while stars and other accolades are typically announced together at an annual ceremony. For Londoners, this means the guide functions as a living resource rather than a once-a-year list — useful for discovering promising openings and under-the-radar neighbourhood spots as they gain recognition.
Where to start
If you are tempted by a specific style of cooking, use July’s list as a thematic map. Seek out Aki London for an elegant Japanese evening in a dramatic setting; book Clio if you want Mediterranean flavours shaped by a chef with high-end London experience; head to Koyal for Indian cooking in the suburbs with awards to its name; or choose Willett’s for a relaxed British bistro atmosphere in Belgravia. Checking each restaurant’s latest menus and policies before you go will help tailor the experience to your budget and preferences.
Further reading
For a broader look at what’s new this month, see our round-ups of recent openings across the capital: London’s hottest new restaurant openings for July 2026 and London welcomes a wave of exciting new restaurant openings in July 2026.
Key sources
For the latest listings and details direct from the guide, visit the Michelin Guide’s official website. The Cadogan hotel website provides information about Willett’s, and the AA’s rosette scheme explains how its culinary awards work across the UK.
As always, additions to the Michelin Guide are a snapshot of inspector recommendations at a point in time. They are not an end in themselves, but for diners they can be a rewarding place to start the next great meal out.
