London's famously dynamic restaurant scene has just become easier to navigate, thanks to a new digital tool launched by City AM. The publication has unveiled NewOpenings.London, a web-based application designed to provide a real-time snapshot of the latest culinary launches across the capital.
A Digital Solution for a Fast-Moving Scene
Keeping pace with London's constant stream of restaurant launches and closures is a challenge even for industry insiders. Recognising this, the team at City AM developed the tool initially for internal use, to ensure their coverage remained ahead of the curve. However, they quickly realised its potential value for the city's hungry residents and visitors alike.
The app presents information in a clean, minimalist interface that works seamlessly on both desktop and mobile devices. New restaurants appear as a series of 'cards', each containing key details such as cuisine type, price indicator, location, nearest Tube station, a direct Google Maps link, and booking information.
Personalised Searches Powered by AI
What sets the platform apart are its intelligent sorting and filtering capabilities. Users can leverage AI-powered geolocation tools to instantly surface the newest openings closest to them. Alternatively, lists can be sorted to highlight the most affordable new options, catering to every budget and occasion.
Steve Dinneen, City AM's Life & Style editor, explained the app's evolution: "This tool started out as a way to help me and the team at City AM keep on top of new restaurant openings so we can always bring you the latest news. But the more we worked on the app, the more we realised it would be useful for a much wider audience."
From Walthamstow to Brixton: A Capital-Wide Resource
Dinneen, who is based in Walthamstow, offered a practical example of the app in action. A quick search can reveal nearby opportunities, such as a trip to Finsbury Park for the Tasca takeover at Giacco’s, or a journey to Dalston to visit the new Italian restaurant HOAX. It also highlights bigger news, like the new permanent home for the live-fire restaurant Whole Beast in Brixton.
"We’re not claiming the list is exhaustive," Dinneen added, "but every time you visit you should see new openings added while older ones are filtered out. The mobile version is super streamlined, allowing you to sort the cards by the restaurants closest to you, while the desktop version adds more search tools."
Launched on Thursday 18 December 2025, NewOpenings.London represents the first in what City AM hopes will become a suite of AI-powered tools designed to help readers maximise their experience of London life.
