What a year 2024 was for F&B opening in hotels around the world. In the Middle East, Dubai welcomed The Link at One Za’abeel, a landmark destination featuring La Dame de Pic by Anne-Sophie Pic and StreetXO by Dabiz Muñoz, while Four Seasons Resort & Residences at The Pearl-Qatar in Doha unveiled La Méditerranée Robuchon by Joël Robuchon.
Over in Asia, Dario Cecchini opened Carna by Dario Cecchini, a nose-to-tail steakhouse at Mondrian Hong Kong, China, while Daniel Boulud continued to grow his empire with Maison Boulud at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
There was plenty to report from Europe too. Rafa Zafra built on simplicity and tradition in his latest outposts at NH Collection Eurobuilding, Madrid – Bikini Bar and Casa de Comidas. And in London, Akira Back opened a new venture at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, while The Savoy unveiled a slew of new openings, including brand new restaurant, Gallery.
In the Americas, Miky and Leticia Grendene’s members’ club Casa Tua arrived in New York, finding its place within The Surrey, a newly reimagined Corinthia landmark. With a sleek Manhattan makeover, the concept brings fresh, contemporary energy to its exclusive Upper East Side location.
And the outlook for 2025 is equally encouraging. According to data collated by THP, there are currently a total of 8,011 projects in the pipeline globally, 2,771 (35%) of which are slated to open in the coming year. With that in mind, we’re keeping a close eye on the restaurants and bars expected to launch over the next 12 months. Here’s our pick of the most exciting…
Nobu at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel - Maui
The iconic Grand Wailea resort is about to get a major dose of culinary cool with the arrival of Nobu in summer 2025. The new outpost of Nobu Matsuhisa’s empire will boast over 13,000 sq ft of dining space, with a sushi bar and Pacific views. Diners can expect Nobu's signature dishes (think the legendary Black Cod with Miso) and an array of sushi.
IN A BITE: Operator: Nobu Hospitality • Interior Design: Rockwell Group
Ardbeg House - The Inner Hebrides
LVMH-owned whisky brand Ardbeg is giving its new hotel a serious sense of place with The Islay Bar, a tribute to a much-missed local watering hole. The bar will be a haven for whisky enthusiasts, with malts from Islay and beyond, alongside a thoughtful selection of wines, beers and cocktails. And for foodies? A mouth-watering all-day menu awaits. The Signature Restaurant will show off the very best of Scottish cuisine, with - of course - an Ardbeggian twist. Interiors are all by Russell Sage Studio.
IN A BITE: Owner: LVMH • Interior Design: Russell Sage Studio
Lex Yard at Waldorf Astoria New York
The Waldorf Astoria's New York outpost is set to include Lex Yard, a two-story American brasserie led by Chef Partner Michael Anthony. Come spring, the space will be buzzing with NYC energy, serving up seasonal American cuisine that sings of local farms and producers. Anthony's dedication to sustainable agriculture translates into menus filled with vibrant vegetables, top-quality meats, and sustainably caught seafood. Diners can choose between a classic a la carte experience or a set, seasonal menu featuring the chef's latest culinary expressions.
IN A BITE: Interior Design: Avroko • Chef Partner: Michael Anthony
Orient Express
The iconic Orient Express is elevating the journey to new heights, enlisting the culinary genius of Michelin-starred Yannick Alléno. As Executive Chef, Alléno is creating exclusive menus that take inspiration from the terroirs and landscapes of each journey, promising a dining experience that's as unforgettable as the destinations themselves.
IN A BITE: Executive Chef: Yannick Alléno
The Newman - London
Set to become a neighbourhood staple, The Newman is bringing two exciting venues to London's culinary scene this summer. Brasserie Adeline promises to be a vibrant, all-day brasserie serving up classic comfort dishes with a thoughtful Northern European twist. Meanwhile, Gambit Bar will be a destination in its own right, drawing energy from its surroundings to offer creative yet understated cocktails made with top-notch ingredients and innovative flair. It’s a place where even the ‘low and no’ options get the star treatment, alongside some carefully selected local craft beers on tap.
IN A BITE: Owner: Kinsfolk & Co. • Interior Design: Lind + Almond
Zélia Resort & Spa Halkidiki
Nestled between the Aegean Sea and Mount Olympus, Zélia Resort & Spa is crafting a culinary experience overseen by the Le Cordon Bleu-trained Chef Vassili Papatheodorou. Four distinct restaurants include Mesogaea for Mediterranean classics, Hebe Café for gourmet bites, Zest for fresh feast and Shizen for Japanese-Peruvian fusion. For something really special, the intimate Syntrofi supper club, set in a rustic olive grove, lets diners pluck fresh herbs from the kitchen-garden and watch in wonder as the culinary team prepare an indulgent spread of signature dishes.
IN A BITE: Chef: Vassili Papatheodorou
L’Ermitage - Beverly Hills
L'Ermitage in Beverly Hills is set to open a new rooftop pool experience and new bar and restaurant, Poza. It comes after unveiling Costa Covo Osteria, a restaurant focused on the simple joys of coastal Italian cuisine, with a subtle nod to the Mediterranean. Here, Chef Todd Matthews will be turning out handmade pasta and seasonal dishes using fresh, market-driven ingredients. To complement the restaurant, a new lobby lounge, Alcova, is the place to grab a pre or post dinner drink.
Château de la Commaraine - Burgundy
Philanthropist Denise Dupré has been renovating this 10-acre estate for more than four years. Sitting at the heart of Burgundy, it dates back almost a thousand years, when it was first built as a fortified manor in 1112. The historic château is about to become a haven for luxury, complete with a culinary offering overseen by Christophe Raoux who will helm the kitchens of two restaurants.
IN A BITE: Chef: Christophe Raoux
ME Lisbon
ME Lisbon is bringing a dash of international flair to the historic heart of Portugal early this year. The hotel will be showcasing some serious culinary clout, with Fismuler, an award-winning Spanish restaurant from the La Ancha Family Group, that's making its debut outside its homeland, and Attiko, a rooftop restaurant from Chef Moon, with a view and the same DNA as its sister venue at W Dubai.
