Benares, 12 Berkeley House, Berkeley Square, London W1 (020-7629 8886)

The north Indian city is best-known for the thousands who bathe in the Ganges. The restaurant, which opens in mid-March, will feature water pools to reflect the connection with its metropolitan namesake, plus decorative influences from Moghul fortresses. It's worth holding your breath for chef Atul Kochhar's cooking – he's come from the exquisite Tamarind, one of the first two Indian restaurants to be given Michelin's stellar recognition. Prices: around £15 for lunch, £25-£30 for dinner.

Fino, 33 Charlotte Street, London W1 (020-7813 8010)

Sherry's always on the verge of a fashion-conscious breakthrough. Hotelier's sons Sam and Eddie Hart are hoping it'll happen in March when they bring the Barcelona spirit and the finest fortified wines to Fitzrovia. Their restaurant will have an open kitchen with a bar counter overlooking la plancha – the grill where the main cooking action will be. There will be tapas, as well as grilled seafood, and an array of sherries, all in a stylish basement. Lunch with wine is expected to cost £25, dinner double that.

Khew, 43 South Moulton Street, London W1 (020-7400 2236)

Phew, another example of the spreading Nobu effect. Expect to find the famous black cod among the eclectic Asian attractions offered by the former Nobu chef in this West End bar and restaurant. There will be a sweeping shellfish bar, and glamorous basement restaurant with Japanese floor matting and banquettes that cocoon groups of diners in atmospheric conditions. Opening in the second half of February.

Tom Aikens, Elystan Street, London SW3 (020-7584 2001)

Young, talented (two Michelin stars at the age of 26) and with a reputation as a firebrand in the kitchen, Aikens is opening his own place in a former pub in Chelsea at the still-tender age of 32. It's currently being interior-decorated by Anoushka Hempel, so forget gastropub – this will be altogether more star-seeking and gastronomic. It's due to open in March.