Loosen your belts: New York's finest food hits London

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While US food, somewhat unfairly, still has a bit of a bad reputation, recent years have seen a rise in restaurants in the UK reappraising the country's cuisine, proving it goes far beyond the stodgy, fast-food fare it's stereotyped to be.

On the one end, a proliferation of casual-dining destinations have elevated Southern-style barbecue, offering prime cuts of meat and upscale accompaniments. On the other, outposts of higher-end establishments, such as those by Daniel Boulud and Balthazar, are now well settled in London.

With a spate of openings from famous New York stalwarts hitting the capital, it's safe to say that our obsession with our transatlantic cousins shows no sign of abating. Among the biggest names is Marcus Samuelsson, who's cooked for everyone from Barack Obama to John Legend. He's poised to bring his acclaimed Red Rooster to the Curtain Hotel in Shoreditch early next year. On the menu will be his legendary fried chicken, while other dishes will incorporate East London influences inspired by the cuisine of the area's local communities.

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Other eateries highlight the US city's culturally diverse food scene. Two-Michelin-starred Aquavit serves refined and modern Nordic delicacies from its central location in Park Avenue Tower. On 24 November, it will open its doors in St James's and, with the London menu overseen by the same executive chef, Swede Emma Bengtsson, expectations are high.

But it's not just restaurants getting in on the act. Gourmet grocer Dean & DeLuca is set to make its first foray into Europe with a new deli in Mayfair. What's not to love?