Now in the full swing of spring, London is a joyful place to be, and this month, there are a whole host of new offerings to explore.
If you’re looking for the best places to wine and dine in the big smoke this month, you’ve come to the right place, as team HELLO! has been out and about trying new menus and discovering new experiences to recommend to you this April.
We must all be craving a European summer feel as plenty of incredible Italian food populates our What’s On guide this month – but that’s not all. Keep scrolling to read our honest reviews of London’s hottest new offerings for April 2026…
Best places to eat and drinkTuck into the cheesiest lasagne at Franco’s
Franco’s is the perfect spot now that the weather is warming up in the big smoke. The Italian restaurant, set a stone’s throw from Green Park, offers a delicious menu for Spring 2026, and my dining partner and I enjoyed tucking into some of the most tempting dishes.
© Franco’sThe food at Franco’s was so luxurious
Kicking things off with a cold glass of fizz, I settled nicely into the calm surroundings of the restaurant with silver service and pristine white tablecloths. Having nibbled on the contents of a bread basket, I started with the burrata. The creaminess of the cheese was offset by the sharp tang of the tomato caponata – absolutely delicious. Meanwhile, my dining partner enjoyed the octopus carpaccio, which she assured me was packed full of flavour and was beautifully presented.
For our mains, we chose the lasagne and the swordfish. Both were cooked to perfection, and the bubbly mozzarella on my lasagne was such a treat. The portions were certainly generous, yet we still made space for dessert. I opted for the tarte tatin crumble, which was a gorgeous spin on a classic apple crumble and an elegant tarte tatin, while my dining partner went with the quintessentially Italian tiramisu.
On a warmer day, we definitely would have enjoyed another drink out on the terrace, so it’s certainly one to keep in mind as we head towards summer. A true taste of Italy right in the heart of St James’s – pure delight.
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Reviewed by Katie Daly, Lifestyle Writer
Enjoy a delectable afternoon tea at Pan Pacific London
I recently tried the Newby Spring Afternoon Tea at Pan Pacific London, and it’s one of the most fabulous afternoon teas I’ve had in a while.
© Pan PacificThe afternoon tea at Pan Pacific was pure indulgence
Set in the Ginger Lily Lounge, the food offering leans into classic British afternoon tea, but with lighter, more modern touches. The savoury selection was a strong start – the prawn cocktail and truffled Burford Brown egg both stood out. The scones (plain and raisin) were exactly what you want: warm, soft and served with the right amount of jam and cream.
The patisserie was the showpiece thanks to the mix of flavours – from blueberry and lemon macarons to mango and kaffir lime, plus a matcha strawberry opera cake that added a subtle Asian influence without overcomplicating things. A highlight for me was the tea pairing with Newby Teas, especially the palate-cleansing infusions served between courses. It’s a small detail, but it genuinely resets your taste buds and makes the whole experience feel more considered.
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Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Online Editor
Go al fresco at Artusi
One of the big draws of Artusi — a neighbourhood Italian that happens to attract people from miles around — is the busy, buzzy communal table right at the centre of the tasty action. Even more of a draw, though? Sunshine! When I booked us in for Easter Monday afternoon, I wasn’t expecting al fresco conditions, but we jumped at the chance to sit outside and soak up a few rays over a long, languorous lunch.
© Alessandra Spairani
OK, so it’s Peckham and not Portofino, but on a sunny spring day with a glass (or three) of Trebbiano D’Abruzzo, Bellenden Road was giving all the holiday vibes. You just have to squint and imagine all those passing Lime bikes are Vespas…
And we were here to celebrate, too — this month Artusi is celebrating its 12th birthday, which, in a world where beloved local restaurants can come and go upsettingly quickly, is a big milestone to be proud of. Back when Artusi first opened, Peckham wasn’t quite so established on the map as an upscale foodie destination, but its rapid success has helped attract dozens of other small, interesting businesses to the area — including plenty of cool spots for a pre- or post-dinner drink. When I first moved to south east London back in 1999, it was basically Morley’s or bust (obviously, I went for Morley’s…), but mainstays like Artusi have changed the whole landscape.
As a nod to the special occasion, we were treated to the chef’s classic picks from over the years (the restaurant has a small, impeccably curated rotating menu) across four courses of sharing plates. I’m a sucker for seafood, so the stand-out for me was the saffron arancini in squid ink, but I also loved the hearty, meaty pasta course. To finish, we enjoyed sharing a huge, sexy slab of tiramisu — a welcome change from a weekend of Easter eggs and perfect in the sunshine.
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Reviewed by Isabel Mohan, Second Act Editor
Indulge in succulent steak at MRBL
Nestled in the heart of London’s buzzy Leadenhall Market is one of the best steakhouses I’ve been to.
With comfortable seating, mood lighting and an intimate, relaxed atmosphere, MRBL is the perfect setting for a date night or a catch up with friends.
Steak lovers should check out MRBL
To start, my partner and I shared the super succulent charcoal grilled prawns and beef croquettes, which had a perfectly crispy breadcrumb coating and delicious interior. But the stand-out star was the steak. I was seriously impressed by the sirloin and the rib eye, which were both cooked to perfection and paired brilliantly with a creamy peppercorn sauce. I’ve paid a lot more for steaks that just aren’t this good.
While I could have chowed down on the steak and sauce alone, the beef fat triple cooked chips were an excellent addition, as was the seriously tasty tenderstem broccoli, smothered in black garlic aioli.
This was all washed down with a sweet Gin cocktail and a smooth glass of red wine, recommended by our waiter. Those who like a tipple won’t be disappointed by the innovative cocktail selection and wine list.
The excellent service is also worth a mention. Small gestures like bringing condiments to the table without being asked goes a long way.
Whether you’re a steak lover or simply looking for a fantastic and reasonably priced meal in the city centre, MRBL is a must- visit.
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Reviewed by Nicky Morris, Acting TV and Film Editor.
Dining and Cooking