We’re looking forward to being transported to the Med this month, if only through a visit to new Soho restaurant INO (with overseas holidays still in question at time of going to press, it might be the closest we get to a summer holiday). The latest restaurant from Andreas Labridis, Nikos Roussos and Georgianna Hiliadaki – founders of Marylebone’s OPSO and Athens based two Michelin-starred Funky Gourmet – it has been inspired by the traditions of the Greek Psistaria grill. The opening menu will celebrate cooking over charcoal, with a collection of comforting small plates designed for sharing – think prime short ribs, house cured mackerel and lamb sweetbread skewers. Also on offer are a variety of light day-boat fish dishes such as catch of the day carpaccio and sardines sashimi, and signature dishes include ‘Secreto’ souvlaki with Iberico pork, and fish ‘cheeks’ with tomato and parsley salsa. With a name derived from the ancient Greek word for wine, it will come as no surprise to hear that INO will showcase Greece’s most exciting producers via an entirely Greek wine list, curated by Andreas. All available by the glass, the list will change frequently and focus on innovative producers currently creating a stir in the country’s wine scene. And the interiors offer a taste of Greece too, with Mediterranean terrazzo marble, original brickwork, wooden tabletops, custom-made wine cages and cast-iron shelving, made by Nikos’ father, a Greek silverware artisan. We suggest popping in after nightfall, when the lights will be dimmed and the music turned up in true Greek style.
4 Newburgh Street, W1F (020 3701 6618; inogastrobar.com)