London Hampstead Restaurant Guide

“Now happily doubled in size” – this favourite stalwart near Hampstead tube “hasn’t been spoilt by its recent expansion” and remains “an atmospheric local gem”, much to the relief of its large following. “You feel like you might be in Tokyo here”, such is its unpretentious yet “elegantly bustling” nature; and “wonderful sushi and yakitori” (especially the latter) gives it a justifiable claim to offering “the best value Japanese food of its quality in London”.

This “hidden gem” – a picture-book Grade II-listed Georgian tavern down a Hampstead side street – is “a great place to take the day off work”, particularly “now the food has been improved”.

2021 Review: “A Hampstead institution”, this “small” Neapolitan with a “classic, buzzy-pizzeria ambience” is “the real deal and excellent value” – so it’s “always packed, especially at weekends (when you can’t reserve)”. There’s also a range of appetizers and pasta dishes, and a spin-off branch in New Barnet.

“There’s an air of old-school sophistication as you enter” this “established Italian” with starched white linen “off an alleyway in Hampstead”. It scored consistently well this year for its “charming and helpful” service and “fab food, without fab prices”. Top Tip – “the wild boar ragu”.

Under a picturesque Georgian terrace, close to St John-in-Hampstead church, this basement tapas bar is a prime destination in the area thanks to its “consistently delicious food, attentive staff” and “lovely atmosphere”. The menu adds Italian elements to its Spanish core, and there’s a “very good wine selection”.

Loyal locals endure the (sometimes lengthy) queue for this favourite Hampstead hang-out, thanks to its “very good coffee” and “top breakfast” (shakshuka something of a speciality).

“Generous portions” of “reliably excellent Thai food” have kept the six London branches of Khun Patara Sila-On’s international group busy for more than 30 years. Although known for its value for money, there were one or two grumbles about “price increases” this year, but full agreement that you get “a consistently great bargain on their lunch deal”.

2022 Review: “A varied menu” of sharing plates and burgers sits alongside more ambitious dishes at this modern Middle Eastern restaurant in Hampstead, whose “great atmosphere, excellent food and rustic decor” create an “enjoyable” experience.

By many accounts “by far the best gastropub in the Hampstead area”, this particularly “welcoming and charming” Georgian tavern has been run for two decades by Beth Coventry (sister of the doyenne of restaurant critics, Fay Maschler). “Great outside seating… if you can nab it”.

“A useful, casual-dining addition to the area” – this old Hampstead village pub (formerly the Rosslyn Arms) was brought back to life in Autumn 2022, with a “stylish fit out” featuring a retractable glass ceiling. Fans say it’s now the “perfect neighbourhood café/restaurant”, with “the loveliest staff and reliably good food”.