London Maida Vale Restaurant Guide

2023 Review: This “great local Maida Vale gastropub” opened to considerable fanfare after an overhaul five years ago, and has now settled down with “a city-wide reputation for its Sunday lunches – you’ll need to book well ahead”. There’s “a good selection of wine, beers and spirits”, and it’s “dog-friendly”, too.

“Sitting by the canal is relaxing, and in cooler weather the heaters are turned on and the entire experience is warm and welcoming” at this “beautiful” spot by the Regent’s Canal in Little Venice. Views diverge on the fish-centric cooking: to fans it produces “well-cooked staples”, to the odd harsh critic the performance is verging on “unskilled”. All agree, though, that “personal and un-rushed service” contributes to its appeal.

“Great hosts and a wonderful bubbly venue” – not to mention affordable prices for its simple food, much of it from the charcoal grill – underpin the appeal of this cosy Greek-Cypriot café, off the Harrow Road in Maida Vale. A couple of newspaper articles in 2022 have brought it to the attention of more people of late, but it’s been there for yonks.

2023 Review: This tiny Japanese near Little Venice is “well worth seeking out”. “The food is served in a friendly manner and the sushi and sashimi is always very fresh”.

This “consistently fabulous restaurant” in St John’s Wood has a “special and romantic atmosphere” thanks to its “charming” French owner Catherine Parisot, who has run it for 42 years and ensures the “service is so good and personal” that “you can’t fail to feel boosted by a visit”. The classic ‘cuisine bourgeoise’ hits the spot every time, too.

“Tucked away in an unassuming suburban street, this Maida Vale Japanese is firmly established as a local favourite” for its “inventive and original” dishes that are “excellently executed” using “high-quality ingredients”. “Standards are much higher than the dining room decor might suggest – it’s somewhat functional!”

2023 Review: “Top butter chicken and a great selection of chaats” win a thumbs-up for this snazilly decorated Punjabi fixture in Maida Vale.