Last Year’s Culinary Highlights & Restaurants to Try in 2026

Matias
Jan 16
5 min read

A year eaten well: looking back before diving in again

The first post of the year always feels a little ceremonial, like a pause and a deep breath. A chance to look back at the memories and experiences that were created and realise just how far, and how well, I’ve eaten.

Last year unfolded exactly the way I like my favourite meals to do: slow at first, then all at once, and always with a few unexpected twists. It kicked off on a serious high, with my first Michelin star of the year at Arden in Belgium. A memorable experience that set the tone for what would become a year of chasing flavours across borders, cultures, budgets and cravings.

From there, the journey turned into a full-blown culinary exploration. Bakeries that became rituals, brunch spots that turned into regular, and new favourites. And of course, a handful of proper showstoppers, the kind of meals that replay in your head without needing to scroll through your phone.

The stars that guided the way

After Arden came Akoko in London, my second star of the year. West African cuisine, bold, new, exciting and unforgettable. Then Traube in Germany, a reminder that back-to-basics cooking and soul can coexist beautifully. And finally, closing the year in the most fitting way possible, Don Julio in Argentina, the fourth and last Michelin star of year. This was without a doubt the most memorable meal of the year, and it had to be at the best meat restaurant in the world. A full stop if there ever was one, leaving my partner and me in a proper food coma.

But as always, stars don’t tell the whole story.

Pictures: Arden, Akoko, Traube and Don Julio

The places that earned a star in my books

Some tables don’t need those awards to leave a mark, they just do! And London delivered as always. Some of the standout new discoveries included The Fat Badger in Notting Hill, Canto 73 in Newington Green, Broken Eggs in Fitzrovia, and the uncommon The Victoria in Mile End, where seafood in a pub is done properly.

Away from London, a few stood out immediately. The Crab Shed in Salcombe delivered shellfish and simplicity without the fuss. One of my personal favourites, The Bull, reminded me why countryside cooking is all about product and flavour. And then there was Chalk, the restaurant at Wiston Estate, which absolutely nailed every single dish.

Other memorable moments came abroad. Portugal delivered classic seafood comfort. Spain, particularly Andalucía, was all about staples done right: salmorejo, tortilla and arroz. Malta surprised me with memorable rabbit dishes. Greece, as always, delivered simple food cooked perfectly and by the sea. Paris continued its unofficial tradition of my monthly beef tartare (and other French classics), courtesy of work travel and very little self-control. And then there was Chile, a month-long chapter all of its own, my home country. Endless meals, long cooking sessions using the best ingredients from the sea, countless barbecues, and finally, a five-day trip in Argentina to close the year. A trip that defined my culinary highlights of last year and set the bar very high going into 2026.

Pictures: Chile and Argentina

Full circle, back to the table

Having arrived from South America last week (to mainland Europe), the year began in familiar fashion. Germany first, then France, with the usual stop in Champagne to reconnect with techniques, precision and the unapologetic indulgence of French cuisine.

And since last Sunday, I’m back in London. I’m currently resetting, recharging, and letting the writing inspiration come back to me again. And when I say resetting, it’s meant in every sense of the word. Following a few doctor’s exams and advised treatment, I’m currently giving my gut a full reset.

No booze, no coffee, no spicy or heavy condiments, no cheese, no chocolate... basically, my culinary life is a misery! Eating right now feels more like a duty than pleasure.

But it does make this the perfect moment to reflect on what I’ll be digging into once I’m on the other side of this bloody dietary restriction in a month’s time.

Looking ahead: restaurants to try in 2026

Aside from travelling, always, it’s the simple fact that London remains an endless paradise of food waiting to be discovered. There are still so many new and established restaurants I haven’t tried. And if there’s one thing you already know about me, it’s that there’s nothing I enjoy more than spending my time, calories and money on food.

Just like last year, I’ve got a shortlist. Places I want to eat, and places I want to travel to, always linked to food. I’ll probably only manage to get through half of it, but that’s part of the fun.

No hype for hype’s sake, just places that feel right. Here’s my list and some of these have been sitting on it for a very long time.

Planque (Modern French) | Haggerston

Even with monthly trips to Paris, this one keeps pulling me in. A low-key, modern take on French cooking that feels confident rather than showy, and you can never go wrong with that.

Proper Tacos (Mexican) | Holloway

A no-frills market stand at Nag’s Head that keeps getting recommended by friends. Feels like the perfect casual stop for an afternoon craving when all you want is something honest and full of flavour.

Angelina (Italian / Japanese) | Dalston

On paper, the Japanese–Italian crossover already works. Add the praise from several foodie friends and the fact it’s been on my list for years, and it feels long overdue.

F Cooke Pie & Mash (British) | Hoxton

Somehow I’ve missed this East London institution. Proper no-frills pie and mash, best enjoyed with someone who fully appreciates tradition over trends.

Gwada (Ethiopian) | Dalston

I haven’t tried Ethiopian food yet, but every time I walk past, it looks brilliant. Busy, full of life and the kind of place that makes you want to walk straight in. Plus, having a 5 star rating on Google reviews is not an easy task to maintain over time.

Juno (Omakase) | Notting Hill

First spotted in a small blog review and then reinforced by everything else I read. Feels like the right place for someone who genuinely loves Japanese food and values trust in the chef.

BiBi (Indian) | Mayfair

This one keeps appearing everywhere, which usually means something’s going right. Modern Indian cooking that clearly resonates, and now it’s time to find out why.

Still pending from last year because these are the ones that somehow rolled over from last year. No excuses really, just timing.

The Baring (Gastropub) | Angel

One of those pubs that keeps coming up when people talk about good food. Seasonal, unfussy and exactly the kind of place you go once and wonder why it took so long.

Shankeys (Irish) | Homerton

Irish comfort food that feels honest and warming. Looks like the sort of place where you go for a simple meal and end up staying longer than planned.

Brat (Basque / European) | Shoreditch

Still sitting on the list, somehow. Fire, big flavours and a reputation that’s been solid for years, which usually means it’s worth the wait.

Here’s to another year of great flavours, new discoveries, and meals worth writing about. Let’s eat🥂!