Introducing ALTA
ALTA has got to be one of the best new openings of 2026. From the moment you step into its generous space in Kingly Court, it’s clear this is a restaurant that knows exactly what it’s doing 0 and does it with confidence.
ALTA takes its inspiration from Northern Spain, particularly the Basque region, but this is not a greatest-hits exercise in pintxos nostalgia. Instead, it’s a thoughtful, modern interpretation of regional Spanish cooking, filtered through live fire, seasonal British produce, and a relaxed, share-first format that feels perfectly attuned to how Londoners want to eat right now. In an area saturated with chains and quick-turn concepts, ALTA feels refreshingly grown-up without ever tipping into stiffness.
The cooking, led by Rob Roy Cameron, revolves around the open grill, and it shows. There’s a deep understanding of restraint here, dishes don’t arrive overloaded or overworked. Seafood is treated with particular care: pristine fish, clean flavours, and just enough smoke or acidity to heighten rather than distract. Escabeche techniques appear across the menu, lending brightness and balance, while the grill adds warmth and depth. The result is food that feels soulful but precise, confident without being showy.
Sharing plates encourage a sense of abundance and generosity, but what’s striking is how consistent everything feels across the menu. Whether you’re working through smaller plates or committing to the grill, there’s a coherence that ties everything together – smoke, acidity, and a clear respect for ingredients. Desserts follow suit: unfussy, satisfying, and thoughtfully calibrated after the richness of the meal.
The room itself plays a big part in the experience. Spread across two floors, with an open kitchen and visible fire at its heart, ALTA feels lively without being chaotic. Earthy tones, natural materials, and an easy flow between spaces make it as suitable for a long, wine-fuelled dinner as it is for a spontaneous midweek visit. It’s polished, but not precious, exactly the balance Soho restaurants often miss.
The drinks offering deserves its own mention. A sharp, well-edited wine list leans towards low-intervention European producers, while cider and sherry nod to the Basque influence in a way that feels considered rather than gimmicky. It’s the kind of list that rewards curiosity, whether you’re grabbing a glass or settling in for the evening.
What makes ALTA stand out most, though, is how naturally it fits into its surroundings. Kingly Court has long needed a restaurant of this calibre, somewhere destination-worthy yet approachable, capable of drawing food lovers while still welcoming the casual passer-by. ALTA manages that rare feat. It’s one of the best meals I’ve had this year, and an outstanding addition to central London’s dining scene – not just another opening, but a restaurant that already feels essential.
Find out more > www.alta-restaurant.com
