Spain’s hottest young chef comes to London

Mohawk-sporting, three Michelin-starred Spanish chef David Muñoz is to open his long-awaited debut London venture, StreetXO, in Mayfair this November.

The restaurant, on Old Burlington Street, will serve as an accessible younger sibling to Muñoz’ three Michelin-starred DiverXO in Madrid.

Inspired by the street food Muñoz encounters on travels around his homeland, South East Asia, South America and London, the focal point of the restaurant will be a central open kitchen where chefs can interact directly with diners.

The majority of dishes will have either a Mediterranean or East Asian backbone, and the Spaniard’s playful nature means a number are designed to shock.

David’s dishes are designed to look like works of art

Intricate dishes presented like works of art are juxtaposed with the frenetic atmosphere of the restaurant, which Muñoz likens to a street food market

His menu will change regularly and will feature just 14 dishes, while a trolley will do the rounds each night serving one-off creations.

Among the sharing dishes on offer will be Pekinese dumpling, crunchy pig’s ear, strawberry hoi sin, aioli and gherkins; steamed club sandwich with ricotta cheese and fried quail egg; and kimchi croquettes with tuna steak and burnt butter.

A number of the dishes will be served on sheets of paper like an artist’s canvas.

“Having spent five years working in restaurants like Nobu and Hakkasan, I feel like London is my second home.

“I’m excited to bring a cooking style that I’ve really evolved in Madrid to London,” Muñoz said.

StreetXO will boast a large bar shaking up envelope-pushing cocktails designed to pair with the sharing dishes, like The Smoker USA, which blends aged rum, lime juice, cola, cranberry juice, mandarin tea and ginger.

The Japo Jerez meanwhile, features palo cortado Sherry, saké, smoked pea soda, shiso, miso and yuzu served with flamed street shrimp.

The restaurant’s industrial interiors include stained wood, deep red marble, exposed pipework and salvaged fixtures from a container ship. StreetXO takes bookings but walk-ins will be available at the counter bar.

Muñoz opened DiverXO in 2007 and won his first star in 2009, second in 2012 and third in 2013. It’s the only three star restaurant in Madrid.